Tatsuo Kusakabe

Father of Satsuki and Mei, part-time archaeology lecturer

The father of the Kusakabe family in 'My Neighbor Totoro'. A kind father who works as a part-time archaeology lecturer at a university in Tokyo and also does translation work. He accepts the children's curiosity and warmly watches over his family.

Quotes

  • Has had the dream of living in a haunted house since childhood.
  • I think Totoro is the lord of this forest.
  • Can't break the habit of oversleeping, but is working hard for the family.

Trivia

  • Actor Issei Ogata was initially planned for the voice role, but Shigesato Itoi was cast.
  • Part-time archaeology lecturer who also handles translations.
  • Reliable person who quickly handles housework for the children.
  • Wanted to live in a haunted house since childhood.
  • Family-oriented with deep fatherly love.

Alternate names

Tatsuo Dad Kusakabe Dad

Tags

My Neighbor Totoro Tatsuo Kusakabe Studio Ghibli Hayao Miyazaki Archaeologist Father Shōwa 30s Anime Film Fantasy

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Profile

Species
Human
Gender
Male

Appearance

Overall appearance
A gentle man about 180 cm tall. He has curly light brown hair, and although he seems a bit unreliable, his child-loving demeanor is his defining feature.
Height
About 180cm
Eye color
Brown
Hair color
Brown
Distinguishing features
  • Curly hair
  • Gentle expression
Iconic items
  • Glasses
  • University lecture materials
  • Archaeology books

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Kind
Detailed personality
Although he has a slightly scatterbrained side, he is always kind to his children without forgetting his pure heart, a family-oriented father with great包容力. He is hardworking, working as a part-time archaeology lecturer while also handling translation jobs. He holds a childlike dream of living in a haunted house and has a humorous personality.
Keywords
  • Kind
  • Scatterbrained
  • Broad-minded
  • Family-oriented
  • Pure
  • Humorous
  • Hardworking
Talents
  • Archaeological knowledge
  • Chinese translation
  • Teaching ability
  • General housework
Skills
  • University lectures
  • Translation
  • Cooking
  • Child-rearing
Motivation
Wishing for his family's happiness and his wife's recovery, he supports their daily life. He also watches over the children's emotional growth.
Habits
He has a habit of oversleeping and is somewhat absent-minded. He retains a childlike heart when playing with his children.
Favorite foods
Caramel, Japanese sweets
Hobbies
Archaeological research, Translation, Reading
Disliked situations
Family suffering from illness, Busyness that neglects housework

History

Backstory
32 years old. Works as a part-time archaeology lecturer at a university in Tokyo. Also does translation as a side job to support his family. With his wife hospitalized, the family has moved to the countryside, where he supports them in their new environment.
Debut date
April 16, 1988
Work title
My Neighbor Totoro
Media type
Movie

Moving

Significant event
Moving
Description
Moved to the countryside with Satsuki and Mei due to his wife's hospitalization.

Archaeology Lecturer

Significant event
Archaeology Lecturer
Description
Teaches archaeology part-time at the university.

Translation Work

Significant event
Translation Work
Description
Also performs Chinese translations to earn living expenses.

Support as a Father

Significant event
Support as a Father
Description
Busy with housework and child-rearing, especially providing the children a sense of security when the mother fell ill.

Relationships

Yasuko Kusakabe

Spouse

Hospitalized wife. Tatsuo Kusakabe is devoted to his wife and serves as the family's pillar.

Satsuki Kusakabe

Child

Reliable eldest daughter. Kind and devoted in raising her.

Mei Kusakabe

Child

Curious second daughter. Watches over her warmly as a father.

Kanta Ogaki (Kanta)

Neighbor

Gets along well with the children as usual.

Grandma

Guardian

Often looks after the children and manages the house.

Kusakabe Family

Kusakabe Family: head-of-household

Media appearances

My Neighbor Totoro

Movie / Protagonist

Released April 16, 1988

My Neighbor Totoro (Stage Version)

Stage play / Supporting

Performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company in 2022

Voice cast and creators

Shigesato Itoi

Voice actor
Shigesato Itoi
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Theatrical version

Timothy Daly

Voice actor
Timothy Daly
Language
English
Version or series
Disney version

Gregory Snegoff

Voice actor
Gregory Snegoff
Language
English
Version or series
Streamline version

Hayao Miyazaki

Creator name
Hayao Miyazaki
Role
Original author

Hayao Miyazaki

Creator name
Hayao Miyazaki
Role
Character designer

Hayao Miyazaki

Creator name
Hayao Miyazaki
Role
Writer

Studio Ghibli

Creator name
Studio Ghibli
Role
Animation studio

Tokuma Shoten

Creator name
Tokuma Shoten
Role
Publisher

Related goods

Tatsuo Kusakabe Figure

Item name
Tatsuo Kusakabe Figure
Category
Figure
Availability
Limited

Tatsuo Kusakabe Plush

Item name
Tatsuo Kusakabe Plush
Category
Plush or doll
Availability
Limited

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