New Studio Ghibli Convert

About ten birthdays ago I got these funny little white and grey bean bag creatures from a Japanese friend. She told me they were her favorite cartoon characters- and they sure were cute.

It wasn't until recently that I discovered what these little toys were. They are otedama: palm-sized bean bags that can be used for juggling or playing a traditional Japanese game. My particular otedama are very special. They are Chū and Chibi Totoro.

My husband wanted to see a Miyazaki film after hearing a screenwriter say that My Neighbor Totoro was his favorite film (and a good thing, since his kids wanted to watch it non-stop). We got a copy of My Neighbor Totoro (Tonari no Totoro in Japanese), and I immediately fell in love with Miyazaki films.

Like all the greatest kids' books and films, My Neighbor Totoro appeals to both children and adults. Miyazaki uses the animated medium to reintegrate people of all ages with the sense of wonder that is our birthright as human beings. My otedama characters are tiny versions of the much larger Totoro- a sleepy forest spirit who wakes now and then to perform miracles like stirring the wind, turning seeds into trees, and helping little girls grow up.

If you have kids and they've never seen this film, watch it with them. If you don't have kids, watch it anyway!!

We were so impressed by Miyazaki and his production studio that we're eagerly seeking out and watching every film that has come from Studio Ghibli. A few of these films stand out as tremendous works of fantasy- so I'll be reviewing them in future entries.