My Neighbour Totoro: The Dark & Twisted Theories (Anime Myth Hunter)

Summary

In this video, Joey the Anime Man explores the dark side of the beloved Ghibli film 'My Neighbor Totoro.' He delves into myths suggesting the movie's cheerful facade hides darker themes, such as the characters' shadows indicating a connection to the afterlife and Totoro being the god of death. The video also links the film to the real-life Hazama incident, a serial killing case that occurred near the movie's setting. Despite director Hayao Miyazaki's denial, these theories continue to intrigue fans, prompting discussions on the film's true nature.

Takeaways

• 🎬 The video discusses the Studio Ghibli film 'My Neighbor Totoro', a beloved classic known for its light-hearted and fantasy-filled narrative.
• 👻 The video presents a darker interpretation of the film, suggesting that it contains several spooky and disturbing elements.
• 👧 The script mentions that the characters Satsuki and Mei's shadows appear thin in the second half of the movie, hinting at a supernatural aspect.
• 🗿 It points out a scene with Japanese Buddha statues where Mei's name is briefly visible, followed by a scene showing her shadow is thinner than the statues', suggesting a connection to the afterlife.
• 🌾 The video claims Totoro might represent the god of death, supported by the original Japanese soundtrack lyrics and the character's interactions.
• 🐾 The script speculates that the Cat Bus, another iconic character, could be a grim reaper that transports individuals to the afterlife, as indicated by its name change to 'acaba', which means 'graveyard'.
• 🏥 The video suggests a tragic theory that Satsuki and Mei never actually visited their mother, implying they might be deceased.
• 😱 It presents a chilling connection between the film and a real-life unsolved murder case, the Hazama incident, which occurred near the town that inspired the movie's setting.
• 🎭 Despite the creator Hayao Miyazaki denying these theories, the video highlights ongoing speculation and theories about the film's darker themes.
• 👀 The video ends by inviting viewers to share their thoughts on these myths, whether they find them creepy, knew about them, or think they could be true.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the video script provided?

The main theme of the video script is the exploration of dark and disturbing myths and theories surrounding the Ghibli film 'My Neighbor Totoro', which contrasts with the film's light-hearted and family-friendly reputation.

Why do some people believe that the characters Satsuki and May have thin shadows in the movie?

Some people believe that Satsuki and May have thin shadows in the second half of the movie as a symbol of their possible connection to the afterlife or a supernatural realm, which is part of the darker myths discussed in the script.

What is the significance of the Japanese Buddha statues scene in relation to the movie's myths?

The scene with Japanese Buddha statues is significant because it includes a statue with Mei's name on it, and her shadow appears thinner than the statues' shadows, which some interpret as a hint towards the characters' spiritual state or connection to the afterlife.

Why is Totoro considered by some to be the god of death in 'My Neighbor Totoro'?

Totoro is considered by some to be the god of death due to various claims in the movie, including the original Japanese soundtrack's lyrics and the character's ability to guide the sisters to places that adults cannot see, suggesting a role in the afterlife.

What is the connection between the cat bus and the concept of the afterlife in the video script?

The cat bus is connected to the concept of the afterlife because it is only visible to the sisters and is seen near the end of the movie as 'acaba', which translates to 'graveyard', implying it might be a vehicle for the dead.

What are the sad myths mentioned in the script about Satsuki and May's mother?

The sad myths mentioned suggest that Satsuki and May never actually went to see their mother, and the mother's inability to see her children at the end of the movie might imply that the children are already dead or in the afterlife.

How is 'My Neighbor Totoro' possibly linked to a real-life serial killing case according to the script?

The script suggests a possible link between 'My Neighbor Totoro' and the Hazama incident, a real-life unsolved case of a young girl's murder, due to the geographical and temporal similarities with the movie's setting and the name of the town where the incident occurred.

What is the significance of the name 'Totoro' in the context of the movie's darker myths?

In the context of the darker myths, the name 'Totoro' is significant because it is associated with the character that some believe to be a guide to the afterlife, and the name itself might have cultural or spiritual connotations that are explored in the video script.

What is the role of the character Cantor in the movie in relation to the myths discussed?

Cantor, as a neighbor who never sees Totoro, plays a role in the myths by highlighting the selective visibility of Totoro, which is a key element in the theories that suggest Totoro is a supernatural being or a guide to the afterlife.

How does Hayao Miyazaki, the creator of 'My Neighbor Totoro', respond to these myths in the video script?

Hayao Miyazaki, the creator of 'My Neighbor Totoro', has denied the myths and theories surrounding the darker interpretations of his film, as mentioned in the video script.

What is the call to action for the viewers at the end of the video script?

The call to action for the viewers is to share their thoughts on the discussed myths in the comments section, reflecting on whether they find the myths creepy, if they were aware of them, and their opinions on the validity or connection of these myths to the movie.

Outlines

00:00

🌟 'My Neighbor Totoro' - A Ghibli Classic with Dark Theories

The video script discusses the beloved Studio Ghibli film 'My Neighbor Totoro,' known for its charm and appeal to all ages. However, it delves into darker interpretations and urban myths associated with the movie. The first myth suggests that the characters' shadows becoming thin in the second half of the film might symbolize a transition to the afterlife. Another myth posits that Totoro is the god of death, supported by lyrics from the film's soundtrack and the inability of adults to see Totoro. The cat bus, another iconic character, is theorized to be a grim reaper-like entity that transports people to the afterlife, as indicated by the word 'graveyard' appearing on the bus. The script also raises the possibility that the film's ending, where the characters leave a corncob at their hospitalized mother's window, might imply that the children are already deceased, as the mother seems unable to see them. The video concludes with a chilling theory that 'My Neighbor Totoro' could be influenced by a real-life unsolved murder case from 1963, the Hazama incident, which shares geographical and temporal connections with the film's setting.

05:01

🔍 Debunking or Discussing: 'My Neighbor Totoro' Theories

Despite director Hayao Miyazaki's denial of the dark myths surrounding 'My Neighbor Totoro,' the video script explores various theories and speculations that continue to intrigue fans. The discussion invites viewers to share their thoughts on the validity of these theories, whether they find them creepy, or if they believe there might be some truth or connection to them. The video ends with a call to action for viewers to comment on their opinions and a reminder to like, share, and subscribe for more content from the host, Joey the Anime Meat Hunter, also known as the Anime Man.

Keywords

💡My Neighbor Totoro

My Neighbor Totoro is a renowned animated film by Studio Ghibli, directed by Hayao Miyazaki. It is beloved for its whimsical storytelling and endearing characters, particularly the mythical creature Totoro. In the video, the film is contrasted with darker interpretations and myths, highlighting the depth of its cultural impact and the range of perspectives it elicits.

💡Ghibli

Studio Ghibli is a prestigious Japanese animation studio known for its high-quality, artistically rich films. My Neighbor Totoro is one of its most famous productions. The studio's name is significant in the video as it sets the context for discussing the film's legacy and the various myths surrounding it.

💡Totoro

Totoro is the titular character of My Neighbor Totoro and has become a cultural icon in Japan, symbolizing the spirit of childhood and the magic of nature. The video explores controversial theories suggesting darker interpretations of Totoro's role, challenging the viewer's perception of the character.

💡Satsuki and May

Satsuki and May are the two main characters in My Neighbor Totoro, sisters who interact with Totoro and other magical beings. The video script mentions them in the context of a myth suggesting their shadows are thin, hinting at a supernatural or otherworldly aspect to their characters.

💡God of Death

The video presents a myth that Totoro is the god of death, supported by lyrics from the film's soundtrack and the character's interactions with the sisters. This concept is central to the darker themes explored in the video, contrasting with the film's generally light-hearted tone.

💡Cat Bus

The Cat Bus is a fantastical vehicle from My Neighbor Totoro, visible only to children. The video speculates that the Cat Bus might symbolize a grim reaper, linking it to the theme of death and the afterlife, adding a layer of eeriness to the film's narrative.

💡Shadows

In the video, the thinness of Satsuki and May's shadows is highlighted as part of the myth suggesting their connection to the afterlife. Shadows are used as a visual metaphor in the film and are central to the video's exploration of darker interpretations.

💡Afterlife

The concept of the afterlife is a recurring theme in the video, with myths suggesting that the characters' interactions with Totoro and the Cat Bus might be indicative of a journey to or from the afterlife. This theme adds a layer of mystery and speculation to the film's narrative.

💡Hazama Incident

The Hazama Incident is a real-life unsolved case of a young girl's murder mentioned in the video as a potential dark inspiration for My Neighbor Totoro. This connection, if true, would add a chilling real-world context to the film's fantasy elements.

💡Serial Killing

The video script connects My Neighbor Totoro to the Hazama Incident, suggesting a possible influence from a real-life serial killing case. This association is used to explore the film's darker side and to provoke discussion about the line between art and reality.

💡Joey the Anime Meat Hunter

Joey the Anime Meat Hunter is the persona of the video's narrator, who investigates and discusses various myths and theories related to anime and film. In the context of the video, this character serves as a guide through the exploration of the darker myths surrounding My Neighbor Totoro.

Highlights

Introduction to the Ghibli film 'My Neighbor Totoro' and its widespread appeal.

Discussion of the dark and disturbing myths surrounding 'My Neighbor Totoro'.

Analysis of the thin shadows of characters Satsuki and May, suggesting a supernatural element.

Observation of the Japanese Buddha statues and the appearance of Mei's name, hinting at a connection to the afterlife.

The myth that Totoro is the god of death, supported by lyrics from the film's soundtrack.

The invisibility of Totoro to the neighbor, Cantor, and the implications for the film's narrative.

The cat bus's potential as a grim reaper figure, taking characters to the afterlife.

The cat bus's destination sign reading 'acaba', which translates to 'graveyard' in Japanese.

The theory that Satsuki and May never actually went to see their mother, implying they might be deceased.

The mother's inability to see her children, possibly indicating they are in the afterlife.

The creepy myth that 'My Neighbor Totoro' might be influenced by a real-life serial killing case.

The Hazama incident of 1963 and its potential connection to the film's setting and plot.

The creator Hayao Miyazaki's denial of the myths surrounding 'My Neighbor Totoro'.

The ongoing speculation and theories about the film's true meaning and possible connections to real events.

Invitation for viewers to share their thoughts on the myths and their potential validity.

Closing remarks and a call to action for viewers to like, share, and subscribe.

Transcripts

hey I was going wrong this is the enemy

man but today I'm gonna go by the name

of Joey the enemy miss hunter don't mind

the sushi I heard it's a it's a

trademark today's case we are looking at

the Ghibli film My Neighbor Totoro

or the Japanese name be planning a

little now if you guys have seen this

movie then you'll know that it's like

really cute one of the most famous

Ghibli movies puli to be ever created

and everyone adores this movie you know

kids can enjoy it adults can enjoy it's

really light-hearted and it's really fun

like full of fantasy characters and you

know awesomeness and especially the what

is now Jubilees mascot Tata

but today's myth that we're looking at

is quite the on the opposite side of the

spectrum to the minor it alter our movie

in fact today's any main myth that I

have hunted down is very spooky and

there are a lot of very dark and very

disturbing facts and myths that I have

dug out about My Neighbor Totoro now the

first myth about My Neighbor Totoro is

that in the second half of the movie the

two main characters Satsuki and may

shadows are thin now this can also be

shown with another myth which is in one

of the scenes in the second half of the

movie when Mae runs away and one of the

scenes you see a bunch of Japanese

Buddha statues or as they call or diesel

and one of these scenes for a very short

glimpse you can actually see the name

Mei written on one of the statues

followed by a scene where Mei is sitting

in front of the statues in which as you

can see in this picture right here her

shadow is a lot thinner than the ones

cast by the statues which leads me to my

second myth which is Totoro is actually

the god of death now there are actually

a few claims throughout the movie that

back up this myth the first coming from

the actual original Japanese soundtrack

of the opening song which has the

following lyrics

my daddy

however in the movie cantor who was the

neighbor of Satsuki and may in the movie

never actually saw total now the first

half of the movie may could actually see

total but Satsuki couldn't and in the

second half of the movie when Mae runs

away as Satsuki goes to look for her

Satsuki shouts to the tree Minato

incident towards total now the

translation of main returning today that

day in the Japanese movie is translated

to please take me to where mais and

straight after that she actually means

total so when she asked total to take

her to me does she or could she have

meant take me to the afterlife and

speaking of the cat bus which is another

very iconic My Neighbor Totoro character

now what is the cat bus why can't the

adults see it but Mae and Satsuki could

well near the end of the movie when

Satsuki and may actually ride on to the

cat bus right before the sign changes it

is actually read as acaba which is

graveyard so it could the cat must be

some kind of grim reaper that takes us

to the afterlife perhaps now if you're

[ __ ] your pants at this current

moment then ah

clench your buttcheeks because it's

gonna get even creepier now here comes

some sad myths that might actually be

true in the fact that Satsuki and may

never actually went to go see their

mother all right at the end of the movie

when Satsuki and may get you know taken

on to the nickel bus with tor tor and

they leave the corncob on the windowsill

of the moms room in the hospital and

then the mum utters the following words

Emer and like you're not the whole of

that that's Catania what are they on the

king a star which could suggest that the

mother cannot actually see her children

because are they in the afterlife are

they already perhaps dead now the

creepiest myth that I found about the My

Neighbor Totoro movie is that it is

actually based or could be an influence

on an actual real-life serial killing

case that

and around that area in May of 1963

there was an incident known as the

Hazama incident which happened in the

town of Hazama in the Saitama Prefecture

an unsolved case in which a young girl

was raped and murdered and special

enough the town that my neighbor totoro

was based off was a town which

neighbours has on our town called

portals our my neighbor totoro

neighboring which neighbors has Irma

town in which the Hazama is a occurred

at the Hazama Hospital which is based of

the hospital that the mother was staying

in the movie and is it a coincidence

that Mae and Satsuki

Satsuki being the old Japanese word for

the month of May I called that when the

incident happened on May of 1963 while

Hayao Miyazaki the creator of my

neighbor totoro has denied all of these

myths there are still a lot of theories

as to and there has been a lot of

speculation as this might actually be

true or it might have some correlation

but just that jublia don't want to talk

about it what do you guys think about

this myth do you find it creepy did you

know about it and what do you think

could one or some or all of these myths

possibly be true or have some kind of

connection or do you think it's just

some kind of spooky coincidence I want

you guys let me know in the comments

below my name is joey the anime meat

hunter also known as the anime man and

thanks for watching as always like favor

enjoy subscribe from your vanna see you

guys next video border run me keep

watching enemy Jonny