Japan - Watch My Neighbour Totoro Before You Go

Few countries capture the imagination quite like Japan. It is a place where tradition and modernity live side by side in remarkable harmony: ancient shrines nestled between glass skyscrapers, bullet trains whizzing past rice paddies, and centuries-old tea ceremonies practiced in the same city that gave birth to cutting-edge robotics. Japan is a country that appeals to all the senses. The food is exquisite, ranging from humble bowls of ramen to Michelin-starred sushi experiences. The landscapes are diverse, whether you’re exploring the neon-lit streets of Tokyo, the peaceful temples of Kyoto, or the snow-covered peaks of Hokkaido.

But beyond its physical beauty, Japan offers something deeper: a way of looking at the world that values detail, patience, and craft. This philosophy extends into its cultural exports—especially its cinema. Japanese film has long held an important place in world cinema, shaping and inspiring storytellers across the globe. The Time-Pressed Travel team is ready to craft your perfect Japan itinerary.

The Legacy of Ground-breaking Japanese Cinema

To understand why My Neighbour Totoro is worth watching, it helps to look at the rich tradition of Japanese filmmaking that paved the way.

One of the most influential figures in Japanese cinema is Akira Kurosawa. His 1950 masterpiece Rashomon revolutionised narrative filmmaking with its exploration of subjective truth, using multiple perspectives to tell the same story. The film not only earned international acclaim but also introduced global audiences to the depth and sophistication of Japanese storytelling. Kurosawa’s later films, like Seven Samurai, influenced countless directors, from George Lucas to Martin Scorsese.

Then there’s Yasujirō Ozu, whose quiet, contemplative style presented a different vision of Japan. Films like Tokyo Story focused on family, generational conflict, and the small moments of everyday life. Ozu’s work, marked by his static camera and low, tatami-level shots, captured the fragility of human relationships in a changing society.

Kenji Mizoguchi, another towering figure, offered films such as Ugetsu that combined folklore, history, and ghostly elements with profound emotional depth. His work highlighted the role of women in Japanese society and blended the real with the supernatural in ways that remain striking even today.

These directors helped shape a cinematic culture rooted in both innovation and emotional truth. And it’s from this fertile ground that Japanese animation, or anime, rose to global prominence—led by one of its greatest visionaries: Hayao Miyazaki.

The Magic of My Neighbour Totoro

Released in 1988, Hayao Miyazaki’s My Neighbour Totoro is often celebrated as one of the most beloved animated films of all time. On the surface, it is a simple story: two young sisters, Satsuki and Mei, move with their father to the countryside to be closer to the hospital where their mother is recovering. In their new home, they encounter magical forest spirits, most famously the large, furry creature known as Totoro.

But simplicity is deceptive. Beneath the gentle narrative lies a profoundly moving film about childhood, nature, and the resilience of the human spirit. Here’s why you should watch it:

1. A Celebration of Childhood

Unlike many Western children’s films, My Neighbour Totoro has no traditional villain, no world-ending crisis, and no moral lecture. Instead, it captures the curiosity and wonder of childhood itself. Mei’s wide-eyed discovery of tiny dust sprites or her fearless chase through the woods embodies the joy and unpredictability of being young. The film doesn’t talk down to its audience; it respects the way children see the world—where the line between reality and imagination is beautifully blurred.

2. The Power of Nature

Miyazaki is renowned for his environmental themes, and Totoro is a perfect example. The lush countryside is alive, not just in its vibrant animation but in its spiritual presence. Totoro and the smaller forest spirits represent the connection between humans and the natural world, reminding us of a time when people lived closer to the rhythms of the earth. Watching the giant Catbus bounce across the night sky or Totoro summon the rain at the bus stop is to witness a world where nature and magic are inseparable.

3. Comfort in Times of Uncertainty

At its heart, My Neighbour Totoro is about a family coping with anxiety. The mother’s illness hangs over the film, but rather than focusing on despair, Miyazaki shows how imagination, play, and community help the sisters endure. Totoro is not a saviour in the traditional sense but a comforting presence, a reminder that wonder and joy can exist even in difficult times. For many viewers, the film becomes a kind of cinematic hug—a source of solace when life feels uncertain.

4. A Work of Artistic Brilliance

The animation itself is stunning. From the rustle of leaves in the wind to the gentle sway of grass under a passing breeze, the film captures details that make the world feel real, even when fantastical creatures appear. Joe Hisaishi’s score, with its playful melodies and soaring themes, enhances the sense of magic and serenity. Every element works in harmony to create an immersive experience.

Why It Still Matters Today

More than three decades after its release, My Neighbour Totoro continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. It has become a cultural icon—not just in Japan, where Totoro serves as the mascot of Studio Ghibli, but globally, where the film is cherished by families and cinephiles alike. Its themes of imagination, resilience, and harmony with nature feel more relevant than ever in an age when many people are seeking balance and comfort.

Watching My Neighbour Totoro is not just about enjoying a classic film. It’s about experiencing a uniquely Japanese perspective on life—one that values simplicity, empathy, and the quiet magic of the everyday. Just as traveling to Japan offers a chance to see the world differently, so too does stepping into Miyazaki’s enchanted countryside.

So whether you are a long-time admirer of Japanese cinema or completely new to it, take the time to watch My Neighbour Totoro. It may not be a grand epic like Kurosawa’s films or a stark meditation like Ozu’s, but it is a gentle masterpiece that will stay with you long after the credits roll.