Tokyo, early ‘40s. Testuko – known to everyone as Totto-Chan – is a little girl full of life who can sometimes be a lot for for her teacher, who eventually sends her away. Totto-Chan’s parents enroll her at Tomoe, a school like no other, where old wagons serve as classrooms and where the principal emphasizes on the children’s independence and creativity. While Japan descends deeper into war, Totto-Chan discovers how life’s little experiences can be so much more important than lessons.
Based on the most published autobiography worldwide, this adaptation demonstrates the efficiency of active forms of pedagogy, educating children in a spirit of cooperation and mutual aid in times of war. A story enhanced by the freedom and sensitivity of the animation.
Accessible from 10 years and over
Cast/Avec
Koji YAKUSHO
Liliana ONO
Shun OGURI
Anne WATANABE
Screenplay
Shinnosuke Yakuwa
Yôsuke Suzuki
based on Totto-Chan: The Little Girl at the Window (Madogiwa no Totto-chan) by Tetsuko Kuroyanagi
Best Animation Film, Japanese Movie Critics Awards 2024, 2024, af
Paul Grimault Award, Annecy International Animated Film Festival, 2024, af
Shinnosuke YAKUWA
Shinnosuke Yakuwa was born in 1981 in Japan. He directed several animated films based on the Japanese manga series Doraemon as well as many episodes for the adapted TV series. He directed Totto-Chan: The Little Girl at the Window in 2023.
