Anime fans are in shock after finding out that the Miyazaki Hayao classic "My Neighbor Totoro" has a sequel.
The sequel, titled "Mei and the Kittenbus," was first shown in the Ghibli Museum back in 2003 and lasted for only 14 minutes. Written and directed by Miyazaki, "Mei and the Kittenbus" is set after "My Neighbor Totoro" and features a young and playful Catbus. The little sister Mei encounters the spirits once more and starts her own adventure.
Even Japanese Miyazaki fans did not know of the short film until Twitter user Taoru posted a poll asking if anyone knew about the wonderful sequel hiding under their noses. Only 14 percent of the responders said they knew of the sequel, while the remaining 86 percent had no idea of its existence in the world of anime. The post has been retweeted over 67,000 times as of writing.
Miyazaki has always been known to make films that will not require a sequel or even a prequel. The characters he creates will only be seen in that anime where he has created them on. Obviously, "Mei and the Kittenbus" is a huge exception to that rule, and fans are very thankful of him for telling another wonderful story hailing from the Ghibli Forest.
The reason why the sequel to the classic was not known to general knowledge is that it has never been released in the home video market. "Mei and the Kittenbus" can be exclusively viewed in the Ghibli Museum in Tokyo. Apparently, the short film has already been shown in the U.S.
"My Neighbor Totoro" is one of Miyazaki's most beloved stories in film. It has been a part of one generation to another, from Japan to North America and even in Europe.
"Mei and the Kittenbus" will be screened in the Ghibli Museum from Nov. 1 to 30.
