I’ve just got back from school for their “Fall Festival,” where students wore costumes and entertained visitors with games and various learning activities. Here are some photos of a Totoro-themed preschool presentation that I found irresistibly cute.
The appeal of Ghibli Studio in Japan (and even abroad, I assume) seems undiminished, as demostrated by the recent popular opening of the first theme park in Aichi Prefecture based on its films.
Large, Medium and Small Totoro: These guardians of the forest are supposedly very ancient: Gray Totoro is 1,302 years old, Blue Totoro is 679 and even White Totoro is 109.
Inarimae (稲荷前) is the name of the stop, and Nanakuniyama (七国山), where Mei-chan’s mother is in the hospital, is the destination. The time-table is a nice addition.
Totoro and Susuwatari masks: Mei-chan’s corn is carved “For Mother” (おかあさんへ).
The Catbus: Is that supposed to be “SIT” or “TIS”?
Mei-chan was picking up acorns when she encountered the Totoro, so it’s nice that this acorn is designed as a Micro Totoro.
The Susuwatari or Makkuro Kurosuke, inhabits abandoned houses. They go away when new occupants move in.
A totoro papier-mâché. This looks like a Totoro that would live in the northern Arctic woods.