Is Totoro a “Rabbit” or an “Owl”?

 Is Totoro a “Rabbit” or an “Owl”?

Among the New Year’s cards I received January 2023(Zodiac sign was a rabbit) , there was one with Totoro printed right in the center. Perhaps because I’d been staring at pictures of rabbits for a long time, I started wondering if Totoro might have some “rabbit-like” qualities. There’s a popular theory about Totoro’s true identity. In an interview, director Hayao Miyazaki revealed that during the production of My Neighbor Totoro, the staff nicknamed the large Totoro “Miminzuku” (a type of owl), the medium-sized one “Zuku,” and the smallest one “Min.” This led to the widespread idea that Totoro is based on a “miminzuku,” or owl. However, Totoro has no wings, can’t fly on its own (though it rides a spinning top), has teeth instead of a beak, and features whiskers, hands, and a round tail. This leaves some people scratching their heads, wondering, “How is this an owl?” On the other hand, the parts that look like Totoro’s ears might actually be the “feather horns” (tufts of feathers) seen on owls, not real ears. These points have fueled another theory: that Totoro is based on a rabbit—specifically, a chinchilla rabbit, which some consider a strong candidate due to its appearance. If you search online, you’ll find photos comparing Totoro to rabbits, so it’s worth checking out. Interestingly, the Japanese kanji for “miminzuku” is “木菟,” where “菟” means “rabbit.”

Meanwhile, Studio Ghibli’s official Twitter shared an illustration drawn by Miyazaki for this year’s New Year’s card. It featured a light brown rabbit named “U-chan” alongside Totoro and some Soot Sprites. Ghibli commented, “A rabbit drawn by Miyazaki. Its name is U-chan,” adding, “It seems it has a twin named Fu-chan too.” This suggests that, in Miyazaki’s mind, Totoro and rabbits might be distinct entities. In the end, whether Totoro is a rabbit or an owl remains a mystery, and it’s fun to let your imagination run wild with the possibilities.

The Origin of Totoro’s Name

There are several theories about where Totoro’s name comes from. In the film, when Mei tells Satsuki she met Totoro in the forest, Satsuki asks, “You mean the troll from the picture book?” This “troll” refers to the creature from Nordic mythology, leading to the idea that Totoro’s name stems from “troll.” Another theory suggests it came from a little girl Miyazaki knew who mispronounced “Tokorozawa” (a city in Japan) as “Totorozawa.” However, in an interview published in the film’s original pamphlet, Miyazaki said, “No one knows Totoro’s real name,” making it hard to pin down a definitive origin.

The Real-Life Model for “Shichikokuyama Hospital”

Many fans remember the destination sign on the Cat Bus that Satsuki and Mei ride, which reads “Shichikokuyama Hospital.” This is modeled after the real-life Shinyamate Hospital. According to the hospital’s website, “Founded in 1939 as Hoseien Tuberculosis Sanatorium, our hospital is adjacent to Hachikokuyama Greenbelt. Its quiet, lush environment has long supported local healthcare and served as the model for the hospital in the animated film My Neighbor Totoro.” 

Back then, it was known as the largest sanatorium in the East. Hachikokuyama Greenbelt lies at the center of the Musashino Plateau, spanning southwestern Saitama and northwestern Tokyo, and is named for the eight provinces—Kouzuke, Shimotsuke, Hitachi, Awa, Sagami, Suruga, Shinano, and Kai—whose mountains are visible from there. “Shichikokuyama” (Seven Provinces Mountain) is a playful twist on this name. In the story, Satsuki and Mei’s mother is hospitalized in a suburban tuberculosis sanatorium, and the family moves from the city to be near her as she prepares for discharge. The white house they live in is also based on a home built for tuberculosis patients’ recovery. 

Tuberculosis and Director Miyazaki

Director Miyazaki's mother was forced to undergo treatment for spinal caries (a type of tuberculosis) during his childhood. This experience is said to have influenced the production of My Neighbor Totoro. The film emphasizes the importance of nature, fresh air, and emotional healing for tuberculosis patients.

Connections to Other Miyazaki Works

In Miyazaki's films, tuberculosis and infectious diseases sometimes appear as central themes. For example:

"The Wind Rises": The protagonist's wife, Nahoko, suffers from tuberculosis and is depicted spending time in a sanatorium. This storyline is inspired by Tatsuo Hori's novel and the real-life figure Ayako Yano.

Thus, not only in My Neighbor Totoro but also in other works, deep and meaningful themes are interwoven.

Conclusion

Reflecting on Totoro's true identity or the origin of its name reveals a character born from the fusion of Miyazaki's rich imagination and real-life experiences. Do you think Totoro is a "rabbit"? Or an "owl"? It doesn’t matter which one—feel free to enjoy your own interpretation of Totoro.