https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15159466

WAJIMA, Ishikawa Prefecture--The left ear of “Totoro-iwa” (Totoro rock), a hugely popular sightseeing spot here, has gone missing.

But vandalism is not suspected.

Officials say the most likely culprit is the Noto Peninsula earthquake that struck Jan. 1 and had a magnitude of 7.6.

The official name of the rock is “Tsurugiji-gongen-iwa.” The rock is popular because of its resemblance to the titular character in Studio Ghibli’s animated film “My Neighbor Totoro."

Around 15 years ago, city officials decorated the rock with eyeballs made of rough rope to mimic Totoro’s expression, according to the Wajima city tourism division.

Located on the coast along Route 249, the parking lot maintained by the city used to be packed with cars and motorcycles before the quake as tourists snapped photos of the icon.

A tourism division official said: “Damage caused by disasters is inevitable, but it is unfortunate that part of ‘Totoro-iwa’ collapsed. Our priority now is to support the quake victims, but we will consider restoration once the situation has settled down.”

“My Neighbor Totoro"

(official trailer)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92a7Hj0ijLs

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I still don’t understand what kind of Japanese hero this is .

Look up "Totoro" with Google. "Totoro" is the word "Troll", mangled by pronunciation by a japanese child. The movie "My Neighbor Totoro" is a beloved cartoon about a post-war japanese family that moves to a country house and deals with the magical troll-monsters that live next door. The monsters are benevolent and friendly, as seen through a child's eyes. The monsters come in various sizes, but generally look like bunnies.

The mother of the children is in some kind of sanitarium, possibly for tuberculosis, though the reason is never specifically stated.

Yes, I have a copy of the movie, and yes, my children loved it. Still do.

In the 'associated articles' there was this -

Paolo wrote: Mon Feb 12, 2024 9:57 pm https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/151

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So they may have lost Totoro, but they gained a better Godzilla... Not sure the trade was a good one

I agree that it is a fantastic movie for what it is, lots of fun, with good themes and it works for both adults and kids...

I found this if one is into shrinky analysis of these sorts of things, or you could just watch it for fun...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3EIoM3w_x0

WheelyFixed

It was C.S. Lewis who gave us the insight that

“A children's story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children's story in the slightest.”

My Neighbor Totoro is a good children's story!

The most Gihibli movies are good children stories ;D.

My favourite Kikis little delivery service.

And when I watch Nausicaä i get wet eyes.

regards Stony

For example,

"Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind" (film).

One of his characters was voiced by the famous actor Patrick Stewart .

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nausica%C ... ind_(film)