A soapbox racer in London competed in a race with a car based on the Catbus from My Neighbor Totoro.
Featured in a TikTok video from @Theumtv, the racer successfully navigated the Catbus through an obstacle course at Ally Pally, a famous recreational venue in London. Despite the car’s wide frame and large bulky head, it managed to reach a top speed of at least 31 mph. The driver’s helmet is also decked out with Totoro ears, which came off during the race.
This soapbox car driver is far from the only Totoro enthusiast out there. My Neighbor Totoro fans around the world have honored the film’s characters through a myriad of different artistic endeavors. Recent examples include a watercolor painting showcasing Totoro marching along with his two assistant spirits and piece of crossover fan art featuring Totoro and Gravity Falls’ Mabel and Dipper. One Ghibli fan even used their baking skills to recreate the Catbus as a 3D sugar cookie.
The Anime Masterpiece My Neighbor Totoro
Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbor Totoro tells the story of 13-year-old Satsuki and her little sister Mei, who move out of the city into the peaceful countryside with their father in order to be closer to the hospital that is caring for their sick mother. As the two sisters adjust to their new life, they meet Totoro, a kindly forest spirit that lives inside a giant Camphor tree near the family home. Over time, Satsuki and Mei become closer with Totoro, planting acorns that he gives them and even joining him for a midnight flight through the sky.
At one point, Satsuki and Mei go to meet their father at a bus stop on a rainy night and find Totoro waiting there as well. As Totoro leaves, Satsuki and Mei have their first encounter with the Catbus, a large, twelve-legged feline that escorts Totoro wherever he wants. It appears once more towards the end of the film to take Satsuki to Mei after the younger sister gets lost trying to find their mother’s hospital.
In 2002, Ghibli built on the Catbus’ legacy with a short sequel film called Mei and the Kittenbus, which was shown exclusively at the Studio Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Japan. Ghibli Park, which opened its doors to the public last November, is also showcasing a new version of the Catbus featuring an alternate color scheme.
The Studio Ghibli film library, including My Neighbor Totoro, is available on HBO Max.
Source: TikTok
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