Totoro & Studio Ghibli – History, Characters & Collectibles
A 1988 film whose character became the logo of an entire studio. Here is who the three Totoros are, what is coming this year, and how to tell genuine merchandise from fakes.
Techbox, Thessaloniki
The logo of an entire studio
My Neighbor Totoro was released in 1988, directed by Hayao Miyazaki. The story is simple: two sisters move to the Japanese countryside and meet a forest spirit.
There is no villain. There is no battle. There is barely any conflict at all.
And yet: Totoro became Studio Ghibli's official logo. Every one of the studio's films opens with his silhouette. Very few characters have come to stand for the company that created them.
Ghibli was founded in 1985. Miyazaki turned 85 during 2026 – and is still working.
The three Totoros – and the Catbus
Most people assume there is one. There are three, distinguished by size and colour:
The classic Totoro – the one everybody knows. The most popular product by a wide margin.
Smaller, with white markings on his chest.
The smallest of all, almost translucent in the film.
The many-legged cat-bus. The second most requested design.
The two sisters are Satsuki (the elder) and Mei (the younger).
Telling genuine from fake
This is the most practically useful part of this page.
Studio Ghibli is extremely careful with licensing – it grants few licences, to selected manufacturers. The result is a market with a great many imitations, particularly in plush and figures.
What to look for
- Genuine items carry a Studio Ghibli label and marking.
- Proportions on fakes are noticeably wrong – rounder or flatter faces.
- A very low price on a large plush is a warning sign.
At Techbox we stock licensed products only. In this particular category, that matters more than in most.
The sequel you cannot see
A Totoro sequel does exist. It is called "Mei and the Baby Cat Bus", and Miyazaki directed it himself.
You will not find it anywhere. It is screened exclusively at the Ghibli Museum in Tokyo and at Ghibli Park – and in no other form, not on streaming, not on disc.
It is characteristic of the studio's attitude: some things exist only if you go there.
What is happening now
- A new short film: "Majo no Tani no Yoru" premiered on 8 July 2026 at Ghibli Park – the studio's first new short in eight years.
- Ghibli Park: in Nagakute, Japan. Its Dondoko Forest area recreates the film's house at full scale.
- Honorary Palme d'Or: the studio was honoured at Cannes – the first time the award went to an organisation rather than an individual.
- Re-releases: Ghibli films return to cinemas worldwide on a regular basis.
What is worth collecting
- Totoro plush: in many sizes – the category's core product.
- Figures: Totoro, the Catbus and scenes from the film.
- Homeware: mugs, plates, decor – understated enough to work for adults.
- Puzzles: Ghibli artwork is among the most popular in jigsaw form.
- Accessories: keyrings, bags, jewellery.
Frequently asked questions
- How many Totoros are there?
- Three. The large grey one (the classic), the medium blue one and the small white one. Alongside them is the Catbus.
- Why is Totoro the Studio Ghibli logo?
- Because the 1988 film defined the studio's identity. His silhouette opens every Ghibli film – the character came to stand for the company that created him.
- How do I tell genuine Totoro merchandise?
- Genuine items carry a Studio Ghibli marking. The studio grants few licences, so the market has many imitations – especially plush. Proportions on fakes are noticeably wrong, and the price suspiciously low.
- Is there a sequel to the film?
- Yes, a short film called "Mei and the Baby Cat Bus" – but it is screened exclusively at the Ghibli Museum and Ghibli Park in Japan. It is not available in any other form.
- Where can I find Totoro products in Thessaloniki?
- At the Techbox store (Al. Papanastasiou 100) and online at techbox.com.gr. You can order online and collect from the store with no shipping cost.
