Yasuko Kusakabe

Mother of Satsuki and Mei

The ailing mother of Satsuki and Mei, who is hospitalized. She has a kind, gentle, and cheerful personality.

Quotes

  • Do you like ghosts, Mom? Of course.
  • Once I'm discharged, I plan to listen to all your selfish requests.
  • This house is shabby, but I love it.

Trivia

  • Yasuko Kusakabe's illness is not explicitly stated, but tuberculosis is suggested.
  • Voiced by Sumi Shimamoto.
  • In the novel version, it is described as hospitalization in a tuberculosis sanatorium.
  • A character created by director Hayao Miyazaki, depicted as a kind and wise mother figure.
  • The story is set in the early 1950s of the Showa era.

Alternate names

Yasuko Kusakabe Kusakabe Mom

Tags

My Neighbor Totoro Kusakabe Family Studio Ghibli mother frail hospitalized Showa era forest family anime film

Profile

Species
Human
Gender
Female

Appearance

Overall appearance
A young mother with a gentle and kind expression.
Eye color
Brown
Hair color
Brown

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Kind
Detailed personality
A calm, bright, and intelligent woman. Even while hospitalized, she remains positive and devoted to her children.
Keywords
  • kind
  • gentle
  • cheerful
  • loving
  • optimistic
  • intelligent
Motivation
To be discharged from the hospital soon and live together with Satsuki and Mei.

History

Backstory
In the early 1950s (early Showa 30s), hospitalized due to frail health. She acts cheerful for the sake of her daughters, but her condition is not fully recovered.
Debut date
April 16, 1988
Work title
My Neighbor Totoro
Media type
Movie

Moving

Significant event
Moving
Description
The family moves to the countryside, and she is hospitalized, separated from her children.

Illness Notification

Significant event
Illness Notification
Description
Her condition worsens, and the family is informed by telegram that her hospitalization will continue.

Delay of Temporary Discharge

Significant event
Delay of Temporary Discharge
Description
She was scheduled for temporary discharge during summer vacation, but it was postponed after catching a cold.

Relationships

Tatsuo Kusakabe

Spouse

Husband. A kind part-time archaeology lecturer.

Satsuki Kusakabe

Child

Eldest daughter. Responsible and caring toward her mother.

Mei Kusakabe

Child

Second daughter. A curious and energetic girl.

Media appearances

My Neighbor Totoro

Movie / Supporting

Theatrical animated film released on April 16, 1988

Voice cast and creators

Sumi Shimamoto

Voice actor
Sumi Shimamoto
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Theatrical version

Lea Salonga

Voice actor
Lea Salonga
Language
English
Version or series
Disney dub

Alexandra Kenworthy

Voice actor
Alexandra Kenworthy
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

My Neighbor Totoro DVD

Item name
My Neighbor Totoro DVD
Category
Digital
Availability
Regular

My Neighbor Totoro Blu-ray Disc

Item name
My Neighbor Totoro Blu-ray Disc
Category
Digital
Availability
Regular