My Neighbor Totoro

It's Just For Fun Friday! On JFFF, we review items and activities that you can do with your kids in order to increase their cultural competence and diversity awareness. 

I guess that there is a bit of a pattern brewing here on JFFF. Last week, we reviewed a classic book. This week we are reviewing a classic movie. But this isn't a classic Hollywood film (let's face it, the vast majority of those are not at all diverse), it's a Japanese film. And it's just about the sweetest movie I've seen in a long time. It's called 'My Neighbor Totoro' and it was made in 1993 so it has been around for over 20 years. The movie has legions of fans - and when you watch it, you'll see why. And in addition, it has a lot to offer by way of diversity.  

Now if you are from or live in Japan, then this doesn't offer very much. But if a trip to Tokyo with your kiddos is a wee bit out of budget right now, this is a great flick. It's about two adorable little girls who move to the Japanese countryside with their father to be closer to their mother who is sick and in the hospital. There are a lot of universal themes in here about moving, everyday life, school, and the love between family members. It's just all done through a Japanese perspective. There's also a bit of magic in there - which always draws kids in. I highly recommend watching it with your little girls and boys.

So check out the video and then print out the page below for a quick list of potential questions and comments you can ask your kids as you're watching the movie together. There's also a link to buy the movie if you choose. 

What did you notice about Japanese culture that interested you? Have you ever been to Japan? Would you ever want to visit with your kids? Why or why not? Leave a comment below.

Most of all, enjoy. And don't forget to HAVE FUN!

---

---

jfffmyneighbortotoroprintable.pdf
File Size:	472 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

---

---

Get the movie here!

---

Check back next week for another Just For Fun Friday!