Totoro and Forests You Can Visit West of Tokyo

When I arrived to these shores, I had almost no idea about anime or manga. 

This is where I learn my pottery, in Hibita, east of Tokorozawa.

And, when was Totoro set? 1958?



It is a major push for environmental education. Where? Tokorozawa.

This is one forest you can visit from Tokyo.

In April of 1990, with the objective of preserving the lush nature of Sayama Hills to future generations, the National Trust of Totoro no Furusato was born.  Due to the efforts of 5 initial contributors, including film director Hayao Miyazaki, a large amount of donations were received from all across Japan.
Sayama Hills is known as the inspiration of Mr.Hayao Miyazaki’s animation masterpiece, “Tonari no Totoro (My Neighbor Totoro, 1988)”.  The Trust Fund was named in its honor.

Totoro Fund Website

We are a legally incorporated foundation with the purpose of preserving the beautiful natural habitat and cultural assets of Sayama Hills and its surrounding areas.
As of March 1, 2016

Back then, Studio Ghibli was just starting to make a difference, artistically and emotionally and wonderfully. 

But levitation, how did he come to that transcendental thought? 

"Where Totoro was Born" - a new book published in May, 2018.

How about Hayao Miyazaki and his crew in Kogane, Tokyo, plus his roots in Tokorozawa, near Hibita, where I do pottery. Miyazaki says, "Without Tokorozawa, I could not have made my movies." But he also will not let any of his characters be used on city buses, trains, or anywhere in the city.

Living near places like the Totoro Forest, a rare piece of land in this part of Saitama that Miyazaki has lent his name to, as it is all volunteer foundation based.

The origins and development of the Foundation

Biocultural preservation efforts at Sayama Hills have been in place since the 1970s.  As a result, most of the natural habitats in the hills have been protected.  However, due to urban and leisure facility development, destruction of the habitat, through deforestation and illegal dumping, is clearly visible.

In April of 1990, with the objective of preserving the lush nature of Sayama Hills to future generations, the National Trust of Totoro no Furusato was born.  Due to the efforts of 5 initial contributors, including film director Hayao Miyazaki, a large amount of donations were received from all across Japan.

Sayama Hills is known as the inspiration of Mr.Hayao Miyazaki’s animation masterpiece, “Tonari no Totoro (My Neighbor Totoro, 1988)”.  The Trust Fund was named in its honor.


And I get how he is always into "forest" and "flying" but - levitation?

Love this poster from 1986:

Tot