HARMONY AND REVERENCE: NATURE IN MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO

Abstract [English]

“Harmony and Reverence: Nature in My Neighbors Totoro” explores the profound relationship between humans and the natural world as depicted in Hayao Miyazaki’s beloved 1988 animated film My Neighbors Totoro. Set in rural post-war Japan, the film portrays two young sisters, Satsuki and Mei, who discover forest spirits, including the iconic Totoro, during their family’s transition to countryside life. This study examines how Miyazaki uses vivid landscapes, traditional Japanese Shinto beliefs, and subtle storytelling to emphasize environmental harmony and spiritual reverence for nature. Unlike films that present nature as a backdrop or an adversary, My Neighbors Totoro positions nature as an active, nurturing presence that heals, guides, and connects human lives. The absence of a conventional antagonist allows the narrative to focus on emotional growth, innocence, and ecological awareness. Through a lens of ecocriticism, this paper highlights how the film’s representation of non-human characters—such as the Camphor Tree, Totoro, and the Catbus—symbolizes the sacred interdependence between people and their environment. By analyzing the film’s visual style, sound design, and thematic depth, this abstract argues that My Neighbour Totoro is not just a children's fantasy but a quiet environmental parable promoting coexistence, care, and a return to natural rhythms.