To-to-ro Totoro To-to-ro Totoro
Dareka ga kossori
Komichi ni konomi uzumete
Chisana me haetara himitsu no angou
Mori e no pasupooto
Suteki na bouken hajimaru
Tonari no To-to-ro Totoro To-to-ro Totoro
Mori no naka ni mukashi kara sunderu
Tonari no To-to-ro Totoro To-to-ro Totoro
Kodomo no toki ni dake anata ni otozureru
Fushigi na deai
To-to-ro Totoro To-to-ro Totoro
Ame furi basu tei
Zubunure obake ga itara
Anata no amagasa sashite agemashou
Mori e no pasupooto
Mahou no tobira ga hiraku
Tonari no To-to-ro Totoro To-to-ro Totoro
Tsukiyo no ban ni okarina fuiteiru
Tonari no To-to-ro Totoro To-to-ro Totoro
Moshimo aeta nara suteki na shiawase ga
Anata ni kuru wa
Behind the Music: Meaning & Story
The My Neighbor Totoro theme song is the quintessential anthem of childhood wonder. Composed by the legendary Joe Hisaishi and performed by Azumi Inoue, the song has become one of the most recognized pieces of music in Japanese animation. While the film originally premiered in Japan in 1988, its cultural impact continues to grow globally, including its later theatrical releases in the United Kingdom.
The lyrics describe the magical, hidden world of the forest that only children can see. Lines like “Kodomo no toki ni dake anata ni otozureru” (It visits you only when you are a child) emphasize the film’s theme of preserving innocence and the ability to find magic in nature. The upbeat, march-like rhythm invites listeners to walk alongside Satsuki and Mei on their adventures in the countryside.
Hisaishi’s composition uses bright brass and playful woodwinds to create a sense of safety and friendliness, mirroring the character of Totoro himself—a “huge, fluffy spirit” who is a protector rather than a monster. It remains a staple in Japanese music education and a beloved karaoke favorite worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the singer of the theme song?
The Japanese version is sung by Azumi Inoue, who also performed “Sanpo” (Hey Let’s Go), the famous opening walk song for the same film.
What does the name “Totoro” mean?
In the film, it is suggested that “Totoro” is Mei’s mispronunciation of “Torōru,” the Japanese word for “Troll.”
Is there an English version of the song?
Yes, both the 1993 Streamline and the 2005 Disney dubs of the film feature English-language versions of the song with adapted lyrics.
