Published: 9 February 2024
My Neighbor Totoro” (となりのトトロ , Tonari no Totoro) is a beloved masterpiece of Japanese animation, cherished by audiences of all ages around the world for its enchanting portrayal of childhood nostalgia and wonder.
Released in 1988, the film, animated by Studio Ghibli, essentially follows the journey of two sisters, Satsuki and Mei Kusakabe, as they relocate to a serene countryside house near the hospital where their mother is receiving treatment. Their whimsical adventures unfold as they explore their new surroundings and encounter magical creatures.
In a world where childhood often feels fleeting, this enchanting tale serves as a refreshing breath of innocence, emphasizing the joys of growing up. Hayao Miyazaki’s storytelling not only takes us into the captivating realm of children’s imagination but also highlights the importance of building strong communities and nurturing a connection with the natural world.
The cat bus in the movie is unforgettable and brilliantly brought to life. However, it’s Totoro, the gentle forest spirit, who truly captures our hearts with his comforting presence and endearing roar.
The tranquil pauses, natural sounds, and enchanting soundtrack by Joe Hisaishi effortlessly immerse us into Totoro’s world, offering moments of reflection and a nostalgic journey down memory lane. But there’s another captivating layer that also contributes to the narrative’s charm and authenticity: the food!
Without any more delay, let’s plunge straight in and explore the delightful food references in ‘My Neighbor Totoro’ that beautifully capture the essence of Japanese cuisine.
Did you know? In Takaharu, Miyazaki prefecture, a couple in their seventies recreated the iconic bus stop from “My Neighbor Totoro”, featuring a replica stop sign and a charming Totoro statue.
Caramels
The movie opens with a heartwarming moment between Satsuki, her father, and her younger sister Mei as they share caramels in a cab.
The girls can’t help but marvel at the breathtaking landscape unfolding before them. The excitement of moving fills the air with anticipation…
Ohagi
After completing a thorough cleaning of the house, the members of the family, along with Kanta’s grandmother and the mover, gather around to savor some traditional Japanese sweets.
While the English dub refers to them as ‘cakes,’ these stretchy treats are actually “ohagi” (おはぎ), which consist of rice balls delicately coated with sweetened red beans, soybean flour, or sesame seeds.
Daikon & Potatoes
On their first night in the house, Tatsuo, the girls’ father, prepares a dinner involving daikon radish and potatoes.
These vegetables make a reappearance at Kanta’s house, following his act of kindness involving the umbrella.
Rice fields
You’ll spot expansive rice fields that stretch to the horizon several times in the film.
They often serve as a backdrop while the main characters walk or ride their bikes, heading towards new adventures.
Miso Soup & Satsuki’s Bento
On a school morning, we observe Satsuki preparing breakfast and lunch for everyone. Looks like a miso soup with greens! But what kind of greens could it be? Maybe komatsuna (Japanese mustard spinach)?
Meanwhile, Mei is in the background grilling fish outside. They end up having the miso soup for breakfast with some rice and some pickled vegetables.
As for the bento boxes, they’re meticulously prepared by Satsuki and filled with rice, a small grilled silver fish, edamame beans, sakura denbu (a sweet seasoned codfish condiment), and umeboshi (salted, pickled Japanese plum).
Acorns
Acorns are seen multiple times in the movie, including when the family first moves into their new home.
We also see Mei following a trail of acorns, which leads her to a charming and unusual new friend. Eventually, she wanders off into a hidden area where she encounters none other than Totoro!
The girls are also gifted acorns wrapped in bamboo leaves when they meet Totoro at the bus stop. Satsuki and Mei eventually plant the acorns in the garden, hoping they will sprout.
While acorns are edible for humans, it’s important to note that consuming them raw can be dangerous because of their high tannin content, which can be toxic in large amounts.
Eggs
The morning after Mei’s encounter with Totoro, we observe Kanta completing his usual chores, which include collecting eggs from the chicken coop.
Japanese Rice Crackers ?
On a rainy night, we spot Satsuki and Mei nibbling on something crunchy. Could it be Japanese rice crackers (a.k.a ‘senbei’)?
Vegetables from Granny’s Garden
As the movie nears its end, the girls pay a visit to Kanta’s grandmother, who’s hard at work harvesting vegetables in the fields.
After their toil, a basket is filled with ripe tomatoes, green beans, cucumbers, and eggplants, with corn also visible nearby.
Later, Satsuki and Mei decide to relax under a tree and snack on fresh cucumbers while Granny sorts through the greens.
Mei’s Corn
Lastly, we can’t forget about the adorable corn left by Mei on the hospital room’s windowsill. It’s inscribed with the words “おかあさんへ”, meaning “to mom” in Japanese.
This touching detail underscores Mei’s deep affection for her mother, while also reminding us of the important theme of family bonds woven throughout the movie.
