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Studio Ghibli Releases My Neighbor Totoro's Catbus as Cute Kitchen Utensils

Alongside Totoro himself, the Catbus is one of the most iconic characters from Studio Ghibli's classic 1988 film. My Neighbor Totoro. Now, the critically acclaimed studio has re-released a special three-piece dinnerware set inspired by the famous feline.

Studio Ghibli's online store, Donguri Sora, recently reintroduced FUNFAM My Neighbor Totoro Catbus License Plate Set to its extensive digital catalog. As shown below, the set (popular enough to go in and out of stock) consists of bamboo utensils and a large bamboo wooden plate shaped like the iconic character. Designed with children in mind, the plate has divided sections for different types of food. The bottom left section of the plate features an engraving of Catbus’s smiling face. The back of the plate also features engravings of Totoro’s companions. According to the product description, the plate, along with the matching fork and spoon, are handmade with a laminated finish. Including tax, the current retail price is 8,470 yen (about US$$ 54.67). For an extra fee, buyers can also have their name engraved on the plate.

Studio Ghibli is releasing a new official guide to Ghibli Park, featuring exclusive illustrations and an interview with Hayao Miyazaki.

My Neighbor Totoro was written and directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki (Away from spirit, The Boy and the Heron). Released in 1988, the film follows 10-year-old Satsuki Kusakabe and her four-year-old sister Mei, who move to the countryside to be closer to their hospitalized mother. As they settle into their new home, they quickly realize that their home, as well as the surrounding forest, are inhabited by friendly but shy forest spirits that cannot be seen by adults. While exploring her backyard, Mei unwittingly stumbles upon the lair of a giant bear-like spirit that she happily calls "Totoro." Although Satsuki does not believe Mei at first, she soon comes to meet Totoro.

The Catbus has become one of Studio Ghibli's most beloved characters.

The iconic Catbus makes its first appearance during one of the TotoroMost famous scenes. On a rainy night, Totoro approaches Satsuki and Mei as they wait for their father at the bus stop. Seeing that Totoro only has a leaf to protect him from the rain, Satsuki lends him her father's umbrella. Delighted with his gift, Totoro gives Mei and Satsuki a bag of acorns, which they later plant in their backyard. Before their father's bus arrives, the two sisters get their first glimpse of the Catbus as it carries Totoro away into the night. The benevolent feline also plays a role in the film's climax.

Jiji e Totoro do Serviço de Entregas da Kiki e Meu Vizinho Totoro com quebra-cabeças

Ghibli’s new Totoro and Kiki themed puzzles allow fans to adorn their homes with beautiful stained glass-style portraits of Totoro and Jiji.

Ghibli has gone to great lengths to pay homage to the Catbus. Earlier this year, the official Ghibli theme park introduced guest transport vehicles inspired by the character. These compact, lifelike Catbuses are designed to accommodate six passengers at a time and provide guests with a hassle-free way to enjoy the parks’ central areas, which feature attractions inspired by the character. Kiki's Delivery Service, Howl's Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke and more. Additionally, one of Ghibli Park’s main Totoro-themed attractions is a giant Catbus model that features a cool patchwork aesthetic and an alternate color palette.

My Neighbor Totoroas well as other Studio Ghibli animated classics, is available on Max. for viewers in the U.S. and Japan. Netflix, which acquired the international streaming rights to Ghibli earlier this year, has made the studio's films available to viewers in Europe, Canada, the U.K., Africa and several other major territories.

My Neighbor Totoro

When two young girls move to the countryside to be near their sick mother, they have adventures with the wonderful forest spirits that live nearby.

Release date: April 16, 1988
Studio: Studio Ghibli
Cast: Hitoshi Takagi, Noriko Hidaka, Chika Sakamoto, Shigesato Itoi, Sumi Shimamoto, Tanie Kitabayashi
Execution time: 86 minutes