To-To-Ro, Totoro! To-To-Ro, Totoro!

Quick, name the first Studio Ghibli film that pops into your head! Did you recognise Kiki from Kiki’s Delivery Service at the top of this page? Or perhaps you thought of your all-time favourite Ghibli masterpiece Princess Mononoke or Spirited Away? Chances are you thought of My Neighbor Totoro. And not just because of the title of this post. Or even because our lovable friend features in the company’s logo. Totoro is without a doubt one of the most recognizable characters in Japan and around the world. Move over Mickey Mouse, there’s a new cartoon character in town! Well, in 1988 there was. But hey, that was 25 YEARS ago, and Totoro is still just as well-known today! Hayao Miyazaki really did create a memorable character for children and adults alike.

So we all know Totoro appeared in My Neighbor Totoro, but did you know he’s made an appearance in other Studio Ghibli films as well? These include Kiki’s Delivery Service, Pom Poko and Whisper of the Heart. Totoro has even made cameo appearances in western creations including South Park and Toy Story 3.

a Totoro soft toy in Pixar's Toy Story 3
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Totoro Mania

As you can see, My Neighbor Totoro has clearly influenced the world of film. But its impact on society ranges far more than this! Think Totoro-themed food, nail art, bags and more! Scroll down to see just how much our favourite furry friend has inspired people all over the world.

Artwork





Artwork by Mai Tran

Food

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Nail Art

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Other

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Can’t get enough of Totoro? Click on the links below and have a look at just how much Totoro-inspired stuff is out there!

 

References:

• Pinterest – Totoro Mania

• Ling’s Blog – Cute Totoro Bags

• Facebook – Totoro Fan Art

• Wikipedia – My Neighbor Totoro

 

Post by Chloe

Ghibli Museum

                                                                

Ghibli Museum (三鷹の森ジブリ美術館 ) is a museum featuring the Japanese anime work of Studio Ghibli, and is located in Inokashira Park in Mitaka, a western suburb of Tokyo, Japan. Hayao Miyazaki, the director of Studio Ghibli wanted to create a museum that is interesting and relaxing to the soul, so he designed the museum himself, using drawn storyboards similar to the ones he makes for his films. The museum is a fine art museum which has many features that are child-oriented and a sprawling and occasionally mazelike interior. It is a playfully created place.

Features

The Saturn Theatre
There you can watch an original short animated feature from Ghibli, which can only be seen in the Museum's theatre.

The Space of Wonder

Look up at the ceiling, and you will find it covered in fresco painting. In the center of a blue sky, there is a shining, smiling sun.

The Central Hall

Taking in the whole room from bottom to top, you will discover a maze of spiral stairways, bridged passages, and overhanging terraces. This marvelous space transports you into the world of Hayao Miyazaki and the strange buildings which often appear in his films.

A boy's Room

The room is filled with books and toys. The walls are all covered with illustrations and sketches. Hanging from the ceiling are a model of an airplane and a model of a Peterandone. It's a place where the owner of the room has stored his favorite things.

The Reading Room "TRI HAWKS"

"TRI HAWKS (a pun on the name of the city "Mi-taka"--literally 3-hawks--where the museum is located)" is the reading room inside the Ghibli Museum. It was created to communicate the Museum's wish to have children see, touch, and feel strange and mysterious things through books.

Artwork in the Ghibli Museum

      

           The Robot Soldier

   The Cat Bus

Posters Studio Ghibli films

Totoro

References:
Wikipedia
Ghibli Museum
Google Images



Post by Kenneth