Mei Kusakabe
Mei Kusakabe |
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| Japanese Name: | 草壁 メイ (Mei Kusakabe) |
| Species: | Human |
| Age: | 4 years |
| Gender: | Female |
| First Appearance: | My Neighbor Totoro |
| Second Appearance | Mei and the Kittenbus |
| Voice actor (Japanese): | Mei Kusakabe |
| Voice actor (Streamline): | Cheryl Chase |
| Voice actor (Disney): | Elle Fanning |
Appearance
Mei’s full appearance.
Mei Kusakabe, a lively four-year-old (though five in the Streamline dub), has sandy brown hair and deep brown eyes that sparkle with curiosity. Her usual outfit reflects her playful personality: a white, puffy-sleeved blouse paired with a bright pink dress, sunny yellow shoes, and white bloomers, all complemented by a small yellow bag she often carries. Toward the end of the film, Mei is seen in a soft carnation-pink dress, adding a sweet touch to her appearance.
At night, Mei wears a cozy sunshine-yellow nightdress, while in the short sequel, Mei and the Kittenbus, she’s seen in a sky-blue nightdress. Mei’s wardrobe highlights her youthful spirit and adds a charming visual element to her character’s lively personality.
Personality
As the younger sister in My Neighbor Totoro, Mei Kusakabe’s personality contrasts beautifully with her older sister, Satsuki. According to director Hayao Miyazaki’s vision, Mei is a single-minded and determined child. Cheerful and a bit stubborn, she mirrors her sister’s persistence and boldness, yet with her own touch of shyness and quiet observation. Mei’s more introverted nature makes her especially observant, often absorbing the details around her with an innocent curiosity.
Mei’s childlike wonder allows her to connect with the magical Totoros without fear. Her lack of apprehension in the presence of these creatures stems from a worldview that hasn’t yet been clouded by adult concerns or fears. This openness may also be influenced by a touch of loneliness, as she copes with the absence of her mother—a challenge that feels even more significant for someone so young.
Despite her struggles, Mei remains a bright, playful child, free of any shadows in her personality. She looks up to Satsuki and often follows her lead, though her boundless curiosity sometimes takes over. When Mei finds something fascinating, she becomes so captivated that she can lose track of time and place, much to her sister’s worry. Mei’s spirited, wholehearted nature makes her a truly endearing character who embodies the magic and resilience of childhood.
History
In the yard, Mei spots the Totoros and watches in awe.
Mei Kusakabe, born in Tokyo in May 1954, is Satsuki’s spirited and sometimes mischievous little sister. She’s first seen aboard the moving van with her sister and their father, Tatsuo, as they journey to their new home in the countryside, where the fresh air will benefit their ailing mother, Yasuko, who is recovering in a nearby hospital. Along the way, Mei enjoys her favorite caramel snack as they pass rice fields and approach their new house nestled under a giant camphor tree. Filled with excitement, Mei eagerly explores her surroundings, welcoming the mysterious spirits within. Granny, the kind caretaker of their home, immediately warms to Mei, telling her stories of the spirits she once encountered in her own childhood.
One day, Mei encounters a small, mysterious creature—one of the Totoros—and curiously chases after it. The tiny creature leads her through a hidden path to the massive roots of the camphor tree, where she stumbles upon Totoro, the gentle and magical forest spirit. Far from frightened, Mei is in awe of the large creature, even as it lets out a huge yawn. “Ta, ta, ra…” Mei murmurs, trying to find words. Totoro responds with a deep, rumbling “Buha, buha!” Overjoyed, Mei finally declares, “To, to, ro!”—and from then on, she is convinced the creature is called a Totoro.
Mei holds a deep affection for her mother, and her longing for Yasuko’s return grows when she learns her mother’s stay at the hospital will be extended. Frustrated and disappointed, Mei quarrels with Satsuki, eventually deciding to take matters into her own hands. Determined to visit her mother, she sets off alone toward the hospital but soon loses her way. The entire community, along with Satsuki, Kanta, and even the magical Catbus, join forces to locate her, and thanks to their efforts (and a little help from Totoro), Mei is found safe and sound.
Relationships
Satsuki Kusakabe
Mei admires her older sister, Satsuki, with all the energy and devotion of a younger sibling. Satsuki, being more serious and mature, often takes on a guiding role, but Mei frequently mirrors her actions and follows her around, even to school. She occasionally sits in Satsuki’s class, which brings amusement to Satsuki’s classmates and further shows Mei’s desire to be close to her sister, whom she deeply respects.
Tatsuo Kusakabe
Mei loves her father, Tatsuo, even though his work as a university professor often keeps him away. She cherishes the moments they share together and looks up to him as a comforting figure in her life. Tatsuo’s gentle, patient nature allows Mei to feel safe and supported, even while her mother is away in the hospital.
Yasuko Kusakabe
Mei misses her mother, Yasuko, dearly. With Yasuko hospitalized due to an illness, Mei often feels her absence keenly and longs for the day when they can be together again. This separation weighs heavily on her, as she struggles to understand the situation fully at her young age. Her strong desire to reunite with her mother leads her to attempt a journey to the hospital alone, showcasing her fierce loyalty and deep love for Yasuko.
Granny
Granny quickly forms a bond with Mei, whom she sees as the granddaughter she never had. Patient and nurturing, Granny understands the challenges Mei faces with her mother in the hospital and often cares for her with kindness. While Mei is affectionate toward Granny, she’s hilariously terrified of the farm animals on Granny’s property, adding a humorous element to their relationship.
Mei and the Kittenbu
Chika Sakamoto returns to her beloved role as Mei in a heartfelt TV reunion for Mei and the Kittenbus.
Mei Kusakabe makes a delightful return in the exclusive Ghibli animated shortMei and the Kittenbus. This charming film was teased in the late 1990s and completed shortly after the Ghibli Museum opened in October 2002.
The story begins on a blustery day at the Kusakabe home, where Mei is energetically running around, filled with excitement. As she indulges in her beloved caramel candy, a mini whirlwind suddenly appears before her—the Kittenbus! This adorable, playful creature invites Mei on an enchanting adventure. Together, they embark on a whimsical journey to find the elusive Granny Cat.
Along the way, they encounter familiar faces, including Totoro and the larger Catbus. The Catbus guides them to a secret meeting point where all the Totoros gather. This delightful reunion captures the magic of childhood and the bond between Mei and the enchanting creatures of the forest, showcasing the whimsical spirit that characterizes Studio Ghibli’s storytelling.