It has been 31 years since Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbor Totoro debuted in Japan but the animated fantasy film remains to be a cult classic, with its combination of supernatural elements and Japanese culture. But, what really made this 1988 film a masterpiece was its ability to evoke childhood nostalgia and send viewers to an utterly surreal world.
One of the scenes that really had a lasting effect (for some reason) on viewers was when the three main characters (Mei, Satsuki, and the giant rabbit-like creature named Totoro) waited at the bus stop while enjoying the sound of rain dropping onto their umbrellas.
Now, Miyazaki fans who have always wanted to experience Mei and Satsuki’s world can finally recreate this famous scene—thanks to these talented grandparents. Originally created for their grandchildren, the 70-year-old couple worked the whole day just to finish Totoro’s statue.
Here’s how the 70-year-olds created the replica of Totoro’s bus stop:
Since then, people from different areas have started visiting the place just to have their photo taken beside the iconic character. Located in Miyazaki, Japan, the hand-made replica is now part of the Totoro-theme bus stop.
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