Japanese Grandparents Create Life-Size Totoro With Bus Stop For Their Grandkids

Totoro Bus Stop in Japan

Photo: ikeimage

Totoro is a hallmark character created by Studio Ghibli, Japan's beloved animation studio. The plump bodied, wide smiling magical creature’s most iconic image is that of him waiting for an unusual bus in the rain. The magic of that scene (featured in the 1988 film My Neighbor Totoro) has been a spark of nostalgia, imagination, and inspiration for a variety of creatives. Such is the case for a pair of grandparents in Takaharu, Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan. The couple—who is in their 70s—decided to recreate the magic of the film by designing a Totoro replica for their grandchildren.

The project was handmade and demonstrated the couple’s exceptional skill in carpentry and their impeccable attention to detail. By using some traditional plastering techniques, the barrel-like frame for the future statue was constructed first. This was followed by layers of concrete and a lengthy process of sculpting. Bricks were then added to help create the signature plumpness of the magical gray beast’s frame. Even more concrete was layered on and with careful sculpting, the memorable, bold eyes and whiskers started to emerge. The couple finished up the project by adding a brick and gravel path around the structure and placed the iconic bus stop sign.

The statue—which towers over children and adults alike—was not only a big hit with the grandkids but is currently drawing in adoring Totoro fans from far and wide to the small town. The couple also provides the signature red umbrella from the film for any visiting photographers and selfie lovers. Thanks to the love and vision of this elderly couple, long time Totoro fans and magic seekers alike have another pit stop, when it comes to sightseeing and nostalgia.

This grandfather in Japan carefully built the frame of what would soon be a very large statue.

Japanese Grandparents making Totoro statue

Along with his wife, he put time and effort into creating this giant sculpture of the famed Totoro.

Japanese Grandparents making Totoro statue

The lengthy process required concrete, careful sculpting, and bricks.

Japanese Grandparents making Totoro statue

The grandparents were able to complete Totoro's whimsical face with some painting and more sculpting to make sure every detail was captured.

Japanese Grandparents making Totoro statue

In the end, they were ready for a family photo with a very happy grandchild!

Japanese Grandparents making Totoro statue

Their hard work has made a lot more than their grandkids happy, though. Totoro fans from all around the world now visit this village to see the sculpture and take a picture with it.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ゆこ (@yukogram.220) on

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by yasunori-matuta (@warabemochi) on

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by さとみ (@satomisakas) on

Love Takaharu Town: Website 
h/t: [Bored Panda]

All images via Love Takaharu Town excepted where noted.

Related Articles:

5 Spirited Facts About Living Legend Hayao Miyazaki

Studio Ghibli Producer Releases Online Tutorial on How to Draw Totoro

Studio Ghibli Releases Free Zoom Backgrounds for You to Use While Video Conferencing

Sonya Harris

Sonya Harris is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met and a multi-platform artist and storyteller based in Seattle, Washington. She is a graduate of the University of Washington and has worked in Audio Production for Seattle NPR station KUOW. With a passion for storytelling in podcasting, Sonya is also an avid lover of tea, watercolors, photography, and film. She considers herself a voracious learner and seeker of the peculiar, whimsical, and inspiring.
Become a
My Modern Met Member
As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts.
Become a Member
Explore member benefits

Sponsored Content