Who directed Studio Ghibli’s 1988 film My Neighbor Totoro?

Hayao Miyazaki directed Studio Ghibli’s 1988 film My Neighbor Totoro.

Miyazaki also wrote the film and created its story about sisters Satsuki and Mei, who move to the countryside while their mother recovers in hospital. The film’s gentle pacing, rural setting, and imaginative forest spirits became central to Studio Ghibli’s international identity.

My Neighbor Totoro is sometimes confused with Grave of the Fireflies because both films were released in Japan in 1988 as a memorable double feature. Grave of the Fireflies was directed by Isao Takahata, while Miyazaki directed Totoro. The title character later became one of Studio Ghibli’s best-known symbols.