Catbus
A large, grinning, twelve-legged cat with a hollow body that serves as a bus.
The Catbus (Japanese: ねこバス, Hepburn: Nekobasu) is a fictional character in the Studio Ghibli film My Neighbor Totoro, directed by Hayao Miyazaki. It is a large, grinning, twelve-legged cat with a large bushy tail and a hollow body that serves as a bus, with windows and seats covered with fur. In the original Japanese version of My Neighbor Totoro, Catbus is voiced by Naoki Tatsuta, and it was voiced by Frank Welker and Carl Macek in the English-language versions.
Quick Facts
- Series
- My Neighbor Totoro
- First date
- 1988
- Creator
- Hayao Miyazaki
- Voice
- Naoki Tatsuta
- Frank Welker
- Carl Macek
Lore & Background
The Catbus is a fictional character from the Studio Ghibli film My Neighbor Totoro, directed by Hayao Miyazaki. It is described as a large, grinning, twelve-legged cat with a large bushy tail. Its hollow body serves as a bus, complete with windows and seats covered with fur. The character has gained popular reception since the release of My Neighbor Totoro, being described as 'one of the most iconic characters from Studio Ghibli' and 'almost as recognizable as Totoro himself.' Its popularity has inspired merchandise such as clothing, toys, and a vehicle at Ghibli Park in Nagakute. Additionally, a baby version called Kittenbus stars in a sequel titled Mei and the Kittenbus. The velvet worm species Eoperipatus totoro was named due to how the species resembles the Catbus in its elongated, multi-legged appearance.
Elsewhere in Studio Ghibli
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