The Totoro characters from Studio Ghibli’s beloved classic My Neighbor Totoro have captured hearts worldwide with their gentle charm and timeless magic. From the curious sisters Satsuki and Mei to the mysterious forest spirit Totoro, each character adds warmth and wonder to this Japanese anime masterpiece. These figures are more than just animated icons, they represent the joy of imagination and the beauty of nature.
If you’re a true Ghibli fan who wants to rediscover every magical detail, dive into this full breakdown of all 14 Totoro characters at Japan Figure today!
Among all the Totoro characters, the main cast from My Neighbor Totoro captures the purest essence of Studio Ghibli’s magic warmth, innocence, and a deep connection with nature. Each of them, from the lively Kusakabe sisters to the mysterious forest spirit, adds a unique charm that continues to enchant fans of Totoro Japanese anime around the world. As one of Studio Ghibli’s most iconic films, My Neighbor Totoro is often mentioned when fans discuss what is the best studio Ghibli movie thanks to its timeless storytelling, emotional depth, and unforgettable characters.
Let’s take a closer look at these beloved characters in My Neighbor Totoro, including their Japanese names, species, gender, and ages.
Satsuki Kusakabe is the responsible and caring older sister among the Totoro characters. Her name “Satsuki” comes from the traditional Japanese name for the fifth month, which corresponds to May. This connection beautifully complements her younger sister Mei, creating a subtle yet meaningful link between the two. After moving to the countryside to be closer to their hospitalized mother, Satsuki takes on the role of caretaker and brings a sense of maturity and hope to her family’s life.
Although she is still a child, Satsuki handles school, housework, and looking after Mei with remarkable strength and compassion. Her curiosity and bravery lead her to discover the gentle forest spirits that inhabit their new home. Through Satsuki’s experiences, viewers can feel the beauty and challenges of growing up while holding on to kindness and imagination.
Mei Kusakabe, one of the most recognizable Totoro characters, represents the innocence and pure joy of childhood. Her name “Mei” is the Japanese pronunciation of “May,” reflecting her close bond with her sister. She spends her days exploring, chasing the small white Totoros, and playing in the fields. Her energy and enthusiasm often lead her into charming, spontaneous adventures that make her unforgettable to viewers.
It is Mei who first meets Totoro in the forest, creating one of the most heartwarming and magical moments in the entire Totoro Japanese anime. Her unshakable belief in the existence of forest spirits becomes the emotional heart of the movie, showing how children can perceive wonder where adults might overlook it.
Kanta Ogaki is the mischievous village boy who often teases Satsuki but also quietly looks out for her and her family. Among the characters in Totoro, Kanta brings a touch of humor and realism that balances the story’s dreamlike atmosphere. He is sometimes shy and awkward but always willing to lend a hand when needed, reflecting the genuine kindness of rural Japanese communities.
His family lives nearby, and his grandmother, affectionately known as Granny or Nanny, frequently helps the Kusakabes adjust to their new countryside life. Although Kanta’s teasing may seem annoying at first, his thoughtful actions show a gentle, caring side that makes him a relatable and endearing character in My Neighbor Totoro in Japanese storytelling.
Tatsuo Kusakabe, the loving father of Satsuki and Mei, is one of the most heartwarming figures among the Totoro characters. He works as a university professor specializing in archaeology and anthropology. Despite his busy schedule, he always finds time to nurture his daughters’ creativity and listen to their stories about Totoro without judgment. His calm nature and open-mindedness portray the ideal of gentle, understanding fatherhood.
He decides to move his family to the countryside so they can stay closer to his wife, who is recovering from illness. Through his supportive presence, Studio Ghibli beautifully portrays the balance between reality and imagination, showing how family love can bring warmth and stability even in uncertain times.
Yasuko Kusakabe, the mother of Satsuki and Mei, is one of the most gentle and hopeful Totoro characters. Though she spends most of the film in the hospital recovering from illness, her love for her family remains constant and deeply felt. Her calm spirit and kind words inspire her daughters to stay positive even when times are difficult.
Her presence is a quiet reminder of the bond that keeps the Kusakabe family together. The story subtly reflects the real-life experiences of Hayao Miyazaki, whose own mother suffered from tuberculosis, adding emotional depth to Yasuko’s role. Through her, My Neighbor Totoro portrays the strength of family love and hope in the face of hardship.
Totoro is without question the most iconic among all Totoro characters, and also one of the most beloved figures in all of Totoro Japanese anime. This giant grey forest spirit is mysterious yet kind, living in a large camphor tree near the Kusakabes’ new home. Though he cannot speak human language, Totoro communicates through deep, comforting growls and gestures that children seem to understand effortlessly.
His name originates from Mei’s mispronunciation of “torōru,” the Japanese word for “troll.” Totoro is the guardian of the forest, capable of making trees grow in seconds and summoning the wind to carry him across the sky. With his soft fur, round belly, and giant smile, Totoro embodies the gentle magic of nature and the imagination that defines characters from My Neighbor Totoro.
Buy My Neighbor Totoro DVD now
Catbus is one of the most creative and whimsical characters in Totoro. As the name suggests, he is a giant, grinning cat with the body of a bus. His interior looks like a traditional Japanese bus, complete with seats and windows, but it is covered in orange fur that moves and breathes like a living creature. Catbus can appear and disappear instantly, running through fields and trees with incredible speed.
Shop BEVERLY 50277 Crystal 3D Puzzle Studio Ghibli My Neighbor Totoro Catbus 61 Pieces today
According to Japanese folklore, his form is inspired by the bake-neko, a mythical cat that gains magical powers when it grows old. Catbus serves as Totoro’s companion and also helps Satsuki find Mei during a crucial emotional moment in the story. His mysterious yet friendly nature makes him one of the most unforgettable Totoro anime characters ever created.
Granny, also called Nanny, is one of the most heartwarming supporting Totoro characters. She is Kanta’s grandmother and a neighbor of the Kusakabe family. From the moment the family arrives in the countryside, Granny shows them kindness and helps them settle into their new life. Her presence brings a sense of wisdom and comfort to the children, especially during moments when they miss their mother.
She also helps care for Mei and Satsuki when their father is away, embodying the warm, communal spirit of rural Japan. Granny represents the older generation’s compassion and the importance of connection between neighbors — a theme often celebrated in My Neighbor Totoro characters.
Beyond the main cast, My Neighbor Totoro introduces several charming side characters who add depth and warmth to the story’s countryside setting. Each one reflects a different layer of life in rural Japan, from supportive neighbors to playful forest spirits, enriching the world that Satsuki and Mei explore.
Kanta’s parents appear briefly in the film but play an important role in showing the close-knit nature of the community. Kanta’s father is a hardworking farmer who embodies the simple, honest lifestyle of the countryside. His dedication to his crops mirrors the broader connection between people and nature, one of the film’s most powerful messages.
Kanta’s mother, meanwhile, shows warmth and hospitality toward the Kusakabe family. She often helps look after Satsuki and Mei, reflecting the traditional Japanese value of looking out for one’s neighbors.
Michiko is one of Satsuki’s classmates and a friendly Totoro character who represents the innocence of rural school life. She is cheerful, polite, and often seen chatting with Satsuki and other students. Though her role is small, Michiko helps portray the community’s welcoming environment, showing how easily Satsuki fits into her new surroundings.
Her brief appearances remind viewers of the gentle pace of life in the countryside, where small moments of friendship create lasting memories.
In addition to the large Totoro, there are two smaller forest spirits known as Chu Totoro and Chibi Totoro. These adorable companions often appear alongside the big Totoro, creating an enchanting trio that delights fans of My Neighbor Totoro characters.
Add SUN ARROW Plush Doll Chuu-Totoro My Neighbor Totoro to cart
Chu Totoro is blue and slightly smaller than the main Totoro, while Chibi Totoro is a tiny white creature that moves swiftly and silently. They symbolize the playful, mysterious side of nature, always watching but rarely seen by adults. Their scenes add layers of charm and mystery to the story’s magical forest world.
Susu-Wataris, also known as “Soot Sprites,” are among the most memorable Totoro creatures. These tiny black dust balls with large eyes appear when the Kusakabe family first moves into their new home. They represent the house’s lingering energy, small soot spirits that live in abandoned or uninhabited places.
In Japanese folklore, Susu-Wataris are believed to move away when they sense warmth and happiness returning to a home. Their presence in My Neighbor Totoro captures the mix of realism and fantasy that Studio Ghibli is famous for, blending everyday life with quiet supernatural charm.
The local farmers are essential background characters in Totoro, symbolizing the deep bond between humans and the land. They are often shown working together in the fields, growing crops, and sharing community life with the Kusakabes. Their laughter and teamwork highlight the harmony and simplicity of Japanese rural traditions.
Though they don’t have individual names, these characters represent the warmth of countryside living, a major theme throughout My Neighbor Totoro. Their scenes remind viewers of the value of gratitude, nature, and community.
Ms. Hara is the hospital nurse who takes care of Yasuko Kusakabe, the girls’ mother. She is one of the more understated yet important Totoro characters, as her calm and kind personality brings comfort to both Yasuko and her family. Her professionalism and empathy capture the nurturing atmosphere of the hospital scenes.
Ms. Hara represents the quiet heroes of the film, ordinary people who bring peace and reassurance through kindness. She reminds viewers that compassion exists not only in the magical forest but also in real life.
The world of Totoro characters continues to enchant generations with its gentle storytelling, heartfelt connections, and deep respect for nature. Each character, from Totoro himself to the smallest Chibi Totoro, reminds us of the magic that lives in everyday moments. Whether you are rediscovering the film or meeting these whimsical spirits for the first time, their charm remains as captivating as ever.
Totoro has captured hearts worldwide, and it’s no surprise that fans often have questions about its characters, meaning, and magical world. Let’s start with the basics.
Totoro is a large, friendly forest spirit who befriends Satsuki and Mei in My Neighbor Totoro. He embodies the gentle magic of nature and childhood imagination. Though he doesn’t speak, his comforting presence, big smile, and warm energy symbolize peace, joy, and the harmony between humans and the natural world.
Totoro isn’t a real animal but a blend of several creatures imagined by Hayao Miyazaki. His design combines features of a tanuki (Japanese raccoon dog), an owl, and a cat. This unique mix gives Totoro a whimsical, otherworldly charm that feels both familiar and fantastical, perfectly fitting for a forest guardian.
Totoro symbolizes the spirit of nature, innocence, and childhood wonder. He represents the deep connection between humans and the environment, a recurring theme in Studio Ghibli films. Many fans see Totoro as a comforting protector, reminding us to slow down, dream freely, and appreciate the simple, magical moments of everyday life.
The little black creatures in My Neighbor Totoro are called Susu-Wataris, or Soot Sprites. They’re tiny, round spirits made of soot that live in dark, dusty places. When they sense warmth and happiness returning to a home, they quietly float away, symbolizing purification, new beginnings, and the energy of a living space.
The blue creature in My Neighbor Totoro is Chu Totoro, one of the smaller forest spirits that accompany the main Totoro. Chu Totoro often carries a small bag of acorns and appears alongside the white Chibi Totoro. Together, they add layers of mystery and playfulness to Totoro’s magical world.
Soma Higarashi
Soma Higarashi has over five years of experience covering anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture. He is also an active community leader who moderates several large fan groups dedicated to anime and Japanese culture, sharing insights with audiences worldwide.
Share:
Mofusand: Discover the kawaii cat character, merch, and more