Satsuki Kusakabe

The reliable eldest elementary school daughter

The eldest daughter of the Kusakabe family, a reliable 12-year-old elementary school student. She often takes care of her younger sister Mei.

Quotes

  • This strange creature still lives in Japan. Probably.
  • Totoro is the lord of the forest that has lived in this land since ancient times.
  • I was happy when my mother said she wanted to meet a ghost.
  • Totoro is just a living creature, not a spirit.
  • It would be fun if we all could fly in the sky together.

Trivia

  • The first contact with Totoro was made by younger sister Mei.
  • Satsuki's name derives from 'Satsuki,' meaning May.
  • The rainy bus stop scene with Totoro and the umbrella features minimalist music.
  • Satsuki Kusakabe's frizzy hair is inherited from her mother.
  • Great Totoro's height is about 2 meters.
  • Totoro makes a cameo appearance as a plush toy in Pixar's 'Toy Story 3'.

Alternate names

Satsuki Eldest Daughter Satchan

Tags

anime Studio Ghibli Totoro rural life fairy siblings elementary school student mountain 1980s fantasy

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Profile

Species
human
Gender
Female
Birthday
May 1
Birth year
Early 1950s

Appearance

Overall appearance
Energetic elementary school student with frizzy dark brown hair. Features a yellow-collared blouse, orange suspender skirt, and blue shoes.
Height
About 140cm
Eye color
Brown
Hair color
Black
Distinguishing features
  • frizzy hair
  • energetic expression
  • appearance befitting an upper elementary school student
Iconic items
  • Yellow collared short-sleeved blouse
  • Orange suspender skirt
  • Father's umbrella
  • White hat with light blue ribbon
  • White sandals (summer clothes)

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Strong sense of responsibility
Detailed personality
Devoted to parents, obedient, and a reliable caretaker for her younger sister Mei. Highly curious and level-headed, she quickly adapts to new environments. She also has a sensitive side, sometimes crying profusely over her mother's worsening condition. Friendly and builds good relationships with those around her.
Keywords
  • Strong sense of responsibility
  • Cheerful
  • Highly curious
  • Family-oriented
  • Level-headed
  • Caring
  • Sensitive
  • Athletic
Motto
Protect the family and confront difficulties
Talents
  • Athletic
  • Leadership
  • Quick-witted
  • Can do forward rolls and handstands
  • Sense of responsibility
Skills
  • Cooking (breakfast and bento making)
  • Exploration and adventure
  • Taking care of younger sister
Motivation
For her mother's illness to be cured and the family to live happily together
Habits
Reliable but sometimes anxious inwardly
Favorite foods
Caramel, Ohagi (receiving)
Hobbies
Exploration, Playing with friends, Physical activities
Favorite places
New house, Tsukamori Forest
Favorite colors
Yellow, Orange
Person
Mother, Father, Sister Mei

History

Backstory
In the early 1950s, she moves into an old rural house as the eldest daughter of the Kusakabe family to live near her hospitalized mother. Together with her sister Mei, she adapts to the new environment and encounters mysterious creatures like Totoro and the Catbus in the lush forest. She is the protagonist of a heartwarming story depicting anxiety about her mother's illness and family bonds.
Debut date
April 16, 1988
Work title
My Neighbor Totoro
Media type
Movie

Moving

Significant event
Moving
Description
Moves to an old rural house to live near her mother. The beginning of new life.

First encounter with Totoro

Significant event
First encounter with Totoro
Description
Younger sister Mei encounters Totoro in the forest, and Satsuki also becomes close with Totoro.

Interaction with Totoro at the rainy bus stop

Significant event
Interaction with Totoro at the rainy bus stop
Description
Lends her father's umbrella to Totoro and receives a gift from Totoro.

Mother's condition worsens

Significant event
Mother's condition worsens
Description
Receives news of her mother's worsening illness, worries and sobs loudly, but with Totoro's help resolves her younger sister's getting-lost incident.

Stage adaptation - London performance (2022~)

Significant event
Stage adaptation - London performance (2022~)
Description
Adapted into a stage play and achieves great success in London, UK.

Relationships

Tatsuo Kusakabe

Father

Kind father and part-time university lecturer in archaeology. Warmly watches over his reliable daughters.

Yasuko Kusakabe

Mother

Mother hospitalized due to illness. Always worries about her daughters' feelings while remaining bright and kind.

Mei Kusakabe

Sibling

4-year-old younger sister. Very close with strong sisterly love, supporting each other.

Kanta Ogaki (Kanta)

Best friend

Lent an umbrella on a rainy day and helped when younger sister Mei got lost.

Michiko

Friend

First friend after transferring schools; came to pick her up on the way to school.

Kusakabe Family

Kusakabe Family: eldest-child

Media appearances

My Neighbor Totoro

Movie / Protagonist

Released April 16, 1988

My Neighbor Totoro

Stage play / Protagonist

London performance from 2022~

Voice cast and creators

Noriko Hidaka

Voice actor
Noriko Hidaka
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Theatrical original

Dakota Fanning

Voice actor
Dakota Fanning
Language
English
Version or series
Disney dub

Lisa Michelson

Voice actor
Lisa Michelson
Language
English
Version or series
Streamline dub

Hayao Miyazaki

Creator name
Hayao Miyazaki
Role
Original author

Hayao Miyazaki

Creator name
Hayao Miyazaki
Role
Character designer

Studio Ghibli

Creator name
Studio Ghibli
Role
Animation studio

Tokuma Shoten

Creator name
Tokuma Shoten
Role
Publisher

Toho

Creator name
Toho
Role
Licensee

Related goods

Plush toy

Item name
Plush toy
Category
Plush or doll
Availability
Regular

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