Dark theories are nothing new in the world of Studio Ghibli. From rumors about Spirited Away to the origins of its spirits, fans constantly dig into hidden meanings. But the most shocking theory is that Totoro is actually a carnivorous creature.
This idea is based on biology: Totoro has forward-facing eyes (binocular vision), a trait usually found in predators to judge the distance when attacking prey.
Miyazaki’s clever trick during a job interview
This theory became so well-known that director Hayao Miyazaki used it as a test during Studio Ghibli’s job interviews. According to director Kenji Itoso on Oricon, Miyazaki casually stated:
“Totoro is actually a carnivore. The only reason it doesn’t eat Satsuki and Mei is simply because it wasn’t hungry at the time.”
While many candidates nodded in agreement out of respect for the famous director, only Kenji Itoso dared to challenge the claim. Itoso argued that Totoro’s design shows it only has molars, a trait typical of herbivores or non-predatory animals. Miyazaki smiled and congratulated him, offering him a position at the prestigious Studio Ghibli.
Why Totoro is never a killer
No matter how tempting the conspiracy is, Miyazaki officially debunked it with simple reasoning.
First, Totoro is not an animal. Despite its large, furry appearance, throughout the film Totoro is portrayed as a spirit of the forest, a sacred deity rather than a flesh-and-blood creature with normal biological needs.
Second, Totoro represents innocence. My Neighbor Totoro is consistently ranked among the most family-friendly anime. Turning this symbol of protection and childhood into a predator would completely undermine the core message and artistic philosophy Ghibli upholds.
After that fateful interview, when asked why he posed such a “trap” question, Miyazaki shared a profound insight:
“In the entertainment industry, the most important thing is to think independently, not just accept everything others say.”
This philosophy is the guiding principle behind Ghibli’s success. While the world chased noisy trends, Miyazaki chose the quiet depth of Spirited Away, which went on to break box office records for over a decade. Ghibli’s success comes from daring to challenge common assumptions.
In the end, Totoro remains our big, kind friend. The story of the “carnivorous forest spirit” is Miyazaki’s reminder that in art and life, we should keep a clear mind to question and a warm heart to understand.