For anyone who loves anime, and even for those who are new to the genre, Japan's Studio Ghibli offers a wide range of breathtaking films with beguiling characters.
One of the iconic studio's most beloved creations is Totoro - a creature who is something between a cat, an owl and a raccoon - who is the star of Studio Ghibli's popular film "My Neighbour Totoro", which tells the story of two sisters and their friendships with forest creatures. It was released in 1988 and became an instant classic, remaining popular both in Japan and abroad.
A producer from Japan's Studio Ghibli is offering an online tutorial for drawing the adorable Totoro. Toshio Suzuki, former president of the Tokyo-based studio, contributed the video to a website intended to support children stuck at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Hi everyone. I will teach you how to draw Totoro," a grinning Suzuki says in the brief lesson, first painting the outline of the rotund character.
Using a ink brush, he advises that "the most important" element of illustrating the creature is to draw its rounded eyes set far apart. "This is something you can do at home. Everyone, please draw pictures," Suzuki says.
VIDEO: Time on your hands and a fan of anime?
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Toshio Suzuki, former president of the famed Studio Ghibli in Japan, has created an online tutorial for drawing one of its most beloved characters: Totoro.
The video was made to support children stuck at home during the pandemic pic.twitter.com/phYNZkvXkd
Suzuki produced the movie, along with other major Studio Ghibli animations such as "Kiki's Delivery Service," "Princess Mononoke" and "Spirited Away."
Japan has seen a smaller COVID-19 outbreak than parts of Europe or the United States, but many schools have been closed since late February and the country is currently under a state of emergency.
Tokyo's popular Ghibli Museum, featuring the works of the studio's Oscar-winning animator Hayao Miyazaki, is among the public and private facilities that have been closed for months.
Suzuki's video is on a website set up by his hometown of Nagoya to support children stuck at home, and also features video messages from celebrities and famed athletes linked to the city.
- With files from Relax News.
