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The Art of My Neighbor Totoro: A Film by Hayao Miyazaki
First published by Tokuma Shoten Co., Ltd. in Japan.
This is a collection of concept sketches, storyboards, ceoncept art, cel art and film images that tell the story of My Neighbor Totoro, an animated film conceived, scripted, and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. All concept sketches and storyboards are by Hayao Miyazaki. Concept art is by the art direction supervisor, Kazuo Oga. The commentary has been excerpted from interviews conducted with Hayao Miyazaki and Kazuo Oga published in Romance Album and Storyboard Collection.
Contents
- Initial Concept Sketches
- The Art of Animated Films
- Totoro Animation Technique
- Totoro Production Report (by Masaaki Nomura)
Credits
This is a collection of concept sketches, storyboards, ceoncept art, cel art and film images that tell the story of My Neighbor Totoro, an animated film conceived, scripted, and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. All concept sketches and storyboards are by Hayao Miyazaki. Concept art is by the art direction supervisor, Kazuo Oga. The commentary has been excerpted from interviews conducted with Hayao Miyazaki and Kazuo Oga published in Romance Album and Storyboard Collection.
Contents
- Initial Concept Sketches
- The Art of Animated Films
- Totoro Animation Technique
- Totoro Production Report (by Masaaki Nomura)
Credits
173 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1988
24 people are currently reading
2458 people want to read
About the author
Hayao Miyazaki
366 books3,488 followersHayao Miyazaki (Japanese: 宮崎 駿) is a celebrated Japanese animator, filmmaker, screenwriter, and manga artist, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of animation. He is the co-founder of Studio Ghibli, the animation studio responsible for producing many of Japan’s most beloved and internationally acclaimed animated films. Over the course of a career spanning decades, Miyazaki has developed a reputation for creating visually rich, emotionally resonant stories that often explore themes such as nature, pacifism, flight, childhood, and the human condition.
Miyazaki was born in Tokyo and developed an early interest in drawing and animation. His father’s work in the aviation industry had a significant influence on him, particularly in fostering his fascination with aircraft and flight, motifs that would become prominent throughout his later works. After studying political science and economics at university, Miyazaki began his professional career in animation when he joined Toei Animation. There, he worked under the mentorship of directors like Isao Takahata, with whom he would later form a lifelong creative partnership.
In his early years at Toei and other studios, Miyazaki contributed to several television series and animated films. He worked as a key animator and storyboard artist, gradually gaining recognition for his storytelling abilities and attention to detail. Among his early projects were contributions to series such as Heidi, Girl of the Alps and Future Boy Conan. His directorial debut in feature films came with The Castle of Cagliostro, a film adaptation of the Lupin III manga series, which already showed signs of his distinctive style and sensibilities.
Miyazaki's breakthrough came with the film Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, based on his own manga. The success of that film prompted the establishment of Studio Ghibli, which he co-founded with Takahata and producer Toshio Suzuki. From that point forward, Miyazaki directed and wrote many of Ghibli’s most iconic works, including My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Porco Rosso, Princess Mononoke, and Howl’s Moving Castle. His films are known for their hand-drawn animation, strong character development, and philosophical underpinnings.
In 2001, Miyazaki directed Spirited Away, which became one of the most critically and commercially successful animated films of all time. The film received numerous awards and international recognition, including an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. It also became the highest-grossing film in Japanese history at the time of its release. The film’s success further solidified Miyazaki’s reputation as a master storyteller and a visionary in global cinema.
Despite announcing his retirement several times, Miyazaki repeatedly returned to filmmaking. His later works, such as Ponyo and The Wind Rises, continued to showcase his evolving themes and storytelling maturity. His most recent project, The Boy and the Heron, marked a highly anticipated return to the director’s chair and once again captivated audiences with its dreamlike visuals and emotional depth.
Miyazaki’s films are often distinguished by their complex female protagonists, environmental messages, and moral ambiguity. Rather than presenting clear-cut villains and heroes, his stories explore the nuances of human behavior and often focus on characters finding their place in the world. Throughout his career, he has received numerous accolades and honors for his contributions to the arts, including lifetime achievement awards recognizing his impact on both Japanese and international cinema.
His legacy continues to influence generations of animators and filmmakers worldwide, and Studio Ghibli remains one of the most respected names in animation.
Miyazaki was born in Tokyo and developed an early interest in drawing and animation. His father’s work in the aviation industry had a significant influence on him, particularly in fostering his fascination with aircraft and flight, motifs that would become prominent throughout his later works. After studying political science and economics at university, Miyazaki began his professional career in animation when he joined Toei Animation. There, he worked under the mentorship of directors like Isao Takahata, with whom he would later form a lifelong creative partnership.
In his early years at Toei and other studios, Miyazaki contributed to several television series and animated films. He worked as a key animator and storyboard artist, gradually gaining recognition for his storytelling abilities and attention to detail. Among his early projects were contributions to series such as Heidi, Girl of the Alps and Future Boy Conan. His directorial debut in feature films came with The Castle of Cagliostro, a film adaptation of the Lupin III manga series, which already showed signs of his distinctive style and sensibilities.
Miyazaki's breakthrough came with the film Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, based on his own manga. The success of that film prompted the establishment of Studio Ghibli, which he co-founded with Takahata and producer Toshio Suzuki. From that point forward, Miyazaki directed and wrote many of Ghibli’s most iconic works, including My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Porco Rosso, Princess Mononoke, and Howl’s Moving Castle. His films are known for their hand-drawn animation, strong character development, and philosophical underpinnings.
In 2001, Miyazaki directed Spirited Away, which became one of the most critically and commercially successful animated films of all time. The film received numerous awards and international recognition, including an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. It also became the highest-grossing film in Japanese history at the time of its release. The film’s success further solidified Miyazaki’s reputation as a master storyteller and a visionary in global cinema.
Despite announcing his retirement several times, Miyazaki repeatedly returned to filmmaking. His later works, such as Ponyo and The Wind Rises, continued to showcase his evolving themes and storytelling maturity. His most recent project, The Boy and the Heron, marked a highly anticipated return to the director’s chair and once again captivated audiences with its dreamlike visuals and emotional depth.
Miyazaki’s films are often distinguished by their complex female protagonists, environmental messages, and moral ambiguity. Rather than presenting clear-cut villains and heroes, his stories explore the nuances of human behavior and often focus on characters finding their place in the world. Throughout his career, he has received numerous accolades and honors for his contributions to the arts, including lifetime achievement awards recognizing his impact on both Japanese and international cinema.
His legacy continues to influence generations of animators and filmmakers worldwide, and Studio Ghibli remains one of the most respected names in animation.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
August 10, 2019
Love me some Totoro!
October 18, 2018
This beautiful book is essential reading, for any Studio Ghibli fan, and for any person, that desires to learn more about the art and work, that went into the making of the incredible film, My Neighbour Totoro. This film, is one of my personal favourites from Studio Ghibli, and I think it is impossible to actually dislike it. It is one of this films that you watch, and afterwards, you just cannot stop smiling. I just love it.
The book showcases the gorgeous art from the film, and pays attention to the rich colours and effects, and we are told how they achieved those. The imagination behind this is amazing, and I just love the whimsical cat bus. What I'd give, to have a ride on one of those!
This was a real treat, and I'm looking forward to reading the rest in the series.
The book showcases the gorgeous art from the film, and pays attention to the rich colours and effects, and we are told how they achieved those. The imagination behind this is amazing, and I just love the whimsical cat bus. What I'd give, to have a ride on one of those!
This was a real treat, and I'm looking forward to reading the rest in the series.
February 16, 2018
For any fan of Studio Ghibli you will eventually come across certain titles - both for the fame and for their beauty. My Neighbour Totoro is probably at the top or at least very close to it (of course it is subjective and very personal).
However you cannot ignore the impact this film (and by rights Studio Ghibli) has had on popular culture and this book charts both the film that spawned them and the story that gave them life. After all how many iconic characters can we identify and yet know next to nothing about them or the story that they came from.
This book not only charts the film (reading the notes there references to the fact that sections where not even storyboarded they just developed as they progressed - now how many films could make a claim like that). But the book also discusses the technicalities of some of the scenes and how the effects were achieved- after all we are talking about flat images - something that live action filming often would take for granted.
This book is part of a library of titles covering off the majority of the major productions. I have not got them all (come on give me time) but it would appear that they form a pictorial history of the studios crowning achievements. Even if you are not a fan of anime you have to respect the art and the creativity
However you cannot ignore the impact this film (and by rights Studio Ghibli) has had on popular culture and this book charts both the film that spawned them and the story that gave them life. After all how many iconic characters can we identify and yet know next to nothing about them or the story that they came from.
This book not only charts the film (reading the notes there references to the fact that sections where not even storyboarded they just developed as they progressed - now how many films could make a claim like that). But the book also discusses the technicalities of some of the scenes and how the effects were achieved- after all we are talking about flat images - something that live action filming often would take for granted.
This book is part of a library of titles covering off the majority of the major productions. I have not got them all (come on give me time) but it would appear that they form a pictorial history of the studios crowning achievements. Even if you are not a fan of anime you have to respect the art and the creativity
September 28, 2024
Es una película preciosa; ver el arte de este filme me encantó.
June 26, 2022
Who wouldn't want to have a big Totoro for a friend? Though My Neighbor Totoro isn't one of my favorite Ghibli films, I love the titular character and, of course, the Catbus. This book gives glimpses of Miyazaki's concept art, some of which was created years before the film became a real project. Comments from interviews with Miyazaki accompany the images and reveal insights about the depth of thinking that goes into each frame of the film. I also really enjoyed a short section by Tetsuya Endo about some of the techniques that were used to bring the animation to life; Endo's commentary made me appreciate the film as a masterpiece of craftsmanship.
October 25, 2019
It's A stunning book. If you love the film as much as I do I would highly recommend this book. It show the whole creation process of the film showing a lot of the rough water colours to more refined character design sketches, concept art work and the finished backgrounds and cell animation.
One part I really liked was how much though was put into the designs like the blue print drawing showing the full layout of the house.
If the other Ghibli books are of this quality I would love to add more to my collection, especially Princess Mononoke and Kiki's Delivery Service.
One part I really liked was how much though was put into the designs like the blue print drawing showing the full layout of the house.
If the other Ghibli books are of this quality I would love to add more to my collection, especially Princess Mononoke and Kiki's Delivery Service.
February 5, 2017
So. Flippin'. Beautiful.
August 25, 2012
This art book is full of wonderful pictures; from the first character designs, storyboard images and concept sketches, to the cel art for the film.
With image descriptions and the occasional quote from Miyazaki and the art director, Oga, you see the attention to detail, the light, the colours, the textures and the pure joy of the story reflect from every page.
A book to revisit many times in the future.
With image descriptions and the occasional quote from Miyazaki and the art director, Oga, you see the attention to detail, the light, the colours, the textures and the pure joy of the story reflect from every page.
A book to revisit many times in the future.
January 10, 2020
This book is the blueprint, shows how real magic happens, it takes unimaginable hardwork + creativity with nobounds + strive for nothing but perfection . Hayao Miyazaki and whole Studio Ghibli Team truly master the art and spirit of animation. All the Studio Ghibli/ Miyazaki movies are masterpiece. The art work is truly magical.
May 9, 2024
these books fuck so hard
April 18, 2022
This is such a lovely artbook!
Cute details and designs from before, during and after the production. It also has information about the production and the way they did the art design.
Really great stuff!
Cute details and designs from before, during and after the production. It also has information about the production and the way they did the art design.
Really great stuff!
December 5, 2012
(Picture source: parkablogs.com)
Fans of Miyazaki's movies won't be disappointed by this book. It has lots of concept art, sketches, water colour storyboards, character design and beautiful paintings of the countryside.
Some of the art are captioned by Miyazaki to give you insight into the scenes.
At the end of the book is a summary of the film's production process. There are interviews with key production staff, including the music director Joe Hisaishi.
This book is easily a classic, just like the anime movie itself.
This review was first published on parkablogs.com. There are more pictures and videos on my blog.
January 10, 2021
I finished this in an evening. It was like a warm hug or a bowl of stew on a cold day or a weighted blanket. Miyazaki creates stories that are heartwarming and kind, but also thoughtful and explore truths about people and the world around us. This book captures not only the essence of Totoro, but also gives an interesting glimpse into the mind behind it. I really loved this. The artwork is stunning.
Read
January 25, 2022probably my favourite out of the ghibli art book series so far – the art selection here was spectacular. ghibli concept art is always fun to look but i also enjoyed the inclusion of high-quality film stills in here as well – it was nice getting the time to fully appreciate the little background details that make ghibli films look so lived in and charming. learnt from this art book that the girl on the iconic my neighbour totoro poster was the original concept character, an amalgamation of satsuki and mei (the ghibli production team split the character into two as it was easier to depict the dichotomy between maturity/naivety this way).
studio ghibli films are great when it comes to recreating the magical but uncertain period that is childhood, and my neighbour totoro is no exception. the end sections detailing the animation techniques used in the film and staff interviews were super interesting: there was so much thought put into making the film look as warm, natural and inviting as possible, as well as depicting the children realistically.
studio ghibli films are great when it comes to recreating the magical but uncertain period that is childhood, and my neighbour totoro is no exception. the end sections detailing the animation techniques used in the film and staff interviews were super interesting: there was so much thought put into making the film look as warm, natural and inviting as possible, as well as depicting the children realistically.
December 7, 2021
To think we could of been living in a universe where my neighbor totoro was never made. The HORROR!!! Thankfully Miyazaki was able to turn this into a feature film after sitting on his shelf for 10 years.
P.S. the concept sketches alone are reasons why you should own this book. They are gorgeous. You definitely need to google totoro concept art to see what y’all are missing!
P.S. the concept sketches alone are reasons why you should own this book. They are gorgeous. You definitely need to google totoro concept art to see what y’all are missing!
March 28, 2023
Es que simplemente la belleza de Totoro es simplemente indiscutible, amo todo lo que contiene en detalles, todo es una obra de arte. Tqm Totoro y Miyazaki (｡•̀ᴗ-)✧ podría verlo cada día y jamás me cansaría.
January 8, 2025
আজ বসে বসে পড়ে শেষ করলাম এই বইটার পিডিএফ । হাতে হাতে ছবিগুলো দেখতে পেলে কি ভালো লাগতো তাই ভাবছি।
এই বিখ্যাত সিনেমার বেসিক আর্ট, স্কেচ, স্টোরিবোর্ড নিয়ে এই বইটা। কতরকম রঙ আলো ছায়ার কাজ আছে না দেখলে বোঝা যায়না। মন ভালো হয়ে গেলো। ❤️❤️
এই বিখ্যাত সিনেমার বেসিক আর্ট, স্কেচ, স্টোরিবোর্ড নিয়ে এই বইটা। কতরকম রঙ আলো ছায়ার কাজ আছে না দেখলে বোঝা যায়না। মন ভালো হয়ে গেলো। ❤️❤️
November 1, 2021
i'll admit i have yet to watch my neighbor totoro but i've always enjoyed the art and the trailer is adorable so having a behind the scenes look was nice. (´｡• ω •｡`) ♡
July 17, 2024
Totoro ❤️
May 18, 2025
este libro me hizo muy feliz fue hermoso ver el detrás de una peli tan significante para mí
April 4, 2021
This was such a gem. I loved the artwork and getting some background information about how the film was made. The art is just so stunning and it really made me relive the movie, which I loved.
January 28, 2024
Stunning art. If I owned a coffee table, it would be a lovely coffee table book!
March 2, 2022
great book and really illuminates a lot of the background information for my neighbor totoro. glad i was able to read it
January 7, 2021
Concept art, paintings, and cell images, which are all beautiful. Plus tidbits about the process and interviews with some of the people who worked on the film. I, of course, rewatched the film right after I finished the book. Lovely.
January 19, 2016
These are always a treat. If you are a fan of the movies, don't think twice before buying this. You get to spend as much time as you want drooling over the flawlessly inspiring scenery.
November 15, 2017
Beautiful
March 8, 2015
I might not be impartial (as a Miyazaki fan) but ... great book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews