Arguably the most iconic scene from Studio Ghibli and director Hayao Miyazaki's beloved 1988 anime film My Neighbor Totoro is when the eponymous forest spirit is seen waiting at a bus stop alongside the characters Satsuki and Mei Kusakabe. In an effort to bring this scene to life, an elderly Japanese couple built an impressive gift for their grandchildren -- which has also become a tourist attraction.
The couple -- who are in their 70s and hail from Takaharu, Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan -- decided to build a life-size replica of Totoro for their grandchildren. The procedure involved the grandfather crafting a wooden frame, with both grandparents then engaging in a lengthy sculpting process involving concrete and bricks. They then tackled the finer details -- such as Totoro's face -- with paint and additional sculpting. Once Totoro himself was finished, they then completed the scene by adding a brick and gravel path and, of course, the bus stop sign.
Not only did the couple's grandchildren love the replica, but it has also captured the attention of others, becoming something of a tourist attraction for Ghibli fans in the process. Evidently, multiple people have dropped by to take their picture with the Totoro statue. The couple even help out when this happens, offering guests a red umbrella similar to that used by Satsuki in the original film.
My Neighbor Totoro is considered one of the most influential works in anime history, having released in Japan in 1988 before a dubbed version made its way to the United States in 1993. One of Studio Ghibli's earliest films, its release is largely seen as one of the most pivotal moments in Miyazaki's career, due in no small part to its overwhelmingly positive reception by fans and critics alike, as well as its enduring status as a cult classic. These days, the character of Totoro has an enduring legacy of his own, serving as Studio Ghibli's mascot. My Neighbor Totoro, as well as numerous other classic Ghibli films, are currently available to stream on HBO Max.
(via My Modern Met)