BETA
Chapter 1
The birth of a forest spirit
Chapter 2
Crafting the hand-drawn magic
Chapter 3
Shinto roots and nature's embrace
Chapter 4
A global legacy of wonder
YOUR GOAL
Master of The magic of Totoro
Ch 2 · Crafting the hand-drawn magic
yuki Crafting the hand-drawn magic
We paint the hidden forest with a glowing water brush, Those vibrant poster colors make the quiet valley lush.
yuki The tiny black soot sprites made their iconic debut in this film before appearing in Spirited Away.
yuki The Catbus was inspired by a mix of Japanese folklore and classic children's literature.
Fun Fact
Catbus destination: The destination board on the Catbus changes throughout the movie, displaying destinations like 'Tsukimori' (Moon Forest) and finally 'Mei'.
Glossary
cel (noun)
A transparent sheet of celluloid on which objects are drawn or painted for traditional hand-drawn animation. In 1988, Studio Ghibli animators painted thousands of these sheets to depict the film's gentle forest spirits.
A transparent sheet of celluloid on which objects are drawn or painted for traditional hand-drawn animation. In 1988, Studio Ghibli animators painted thousands of these sheets to depict the film's gentle forest spirits.
Quiz
What is the Japanese name for the tiny, fuzzy black soot sprites that live in the Kusakabe family's house in 'My Neighbor Totoro'?
Quiz
What does the destination board on the Catbus change to when Satsuki searches for Mei in 'My Neighbor Totoro'?
Quiz
What real-life Japanese mythological creature inspired the concept of the shape-shifting Catbus?
Quiz
What medium did art director Kazuo Oga primarily use to paint the forest backgrounds of 'My Neighbor Totoro'?