Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbor Totoro LEGO Achieves Major 10,000 Milestone

Studio Ghibli’s beloved mascot has earned another chance to become the star of his own LEGO creation. Recently, a My Neighbor Totoro prototype on LEGO Ideas hit a critical milestone, putting it in the running to become an official LEGO set down the road.

The LEGO Ideas platform receives thousands of submissions every year from users who wish to see their designs — either original or IP-inspired — become available to builders all around the world. In 2024, LEGO prototype designer “Jazlecraz” unveiled a detailed replica of the original theatrical poster for Studio Ghibli’s 1988 anime film, My Neighbor Totoro. Two years later, this build has now acquired 10k supporters, advancing it to the “Review” phase of LEGO’s selection process.

Studio Ghibli’s Totoro Movie Poster LEGO Set Gets 1 Step Closer to Becoming Reality

A LEGO replica of the film poster design for My Neighbor Totoro — A LEGO set featuring a model of Totoro, with a leaf on his head, standing next to Satsuki, who holds a bright red umbrella over her head. Above the two are large pink LEGO pieces spelling out My Neighbor Totoro in Japanese.

As the eponymous star of one of Ghibli’s most renowned features, Totoro is an extremely popular character within the LEGO Ideas community. However, Jazlecraz’ creation sets itself apart thanks to its unique source material and design. As shown above, Satsuki and Totoro stand side by side against a dark backdrop surrounded by a white border, giving it the appearance of a physical movie poster that can be hung on a wall.

In addition to pink LEGO pieces that spell out the film’s title in Japanese, the set also includes a piece containing text with the poster’s tagline, which translates to “These strange creatures still exist in Japan, supposedly” in English. “The design is subtly three-dimensional, giving it a surprising sense of depth, although it still struggles to fully capture that Studio Ghibli magic!” One section of Jazlecraz’ description reads.

While numerous Ghibli-inspired sets have reached the Review phase over the last few years, none have yet managed to cross that all-important final hurdle. In 2025, LEGO rejected five potential Ghibli candidates, which included sets based on My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away. Notably, one of the Totoro-themed prototypes was conceived as a 40th anniversary tribute to Studio Ghibli, which opened its doors in 1985.

Written and directed by Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki, My Neighbor Totoro revolves around two young girls named Satsuki and Mei who move out to the countryside with their father. After arriving at their new house, the sisters quickly discover that a horde of strange creatures has taken up residence in the attic. The elderly landlord, “Granny,” informs them about the existence of “soot spirits” and other forest spirits that can only be seen by children.

Four-year-old Mei is the first to discover many of their neighborhood’s other inhabitants, including the enormous yet gentle “Totoro,” who inhabits the hollow of a nearby camphor tree. Satsuki meets Totoro soon thereafter, leading to many unforgettable adventures. Additionally, when a crisis crops up involving Mei and Satsuki’s sick mother, Totoro and his companion, “Catbus,” kindly assist the girls in their hour of need.

Depending on the viewer’s geographical location, My Neighbor Totoro is available to stream on Max or Netflix. The anime is also returning to U.S. theaters from July 11-15 for Studio Ghibli Fest 2026. This year’s event slate also includes Tales from Earthsea (2010), Only Yesterday (1991), Castle in the Sky (1986), Princess Mononoke (1997) and Spirited Away (2001).