Totto-Chan: The Little Girl at the Window (窓ぎわのトットちゃん) is a 2023 Japanese animated biographical film written and directed by Shinnouske Yakuwa with Yōsuke Suzuki as a co-writer; the film is based on an autobiographical novel of the same title by Tetsuko Kuroyanagi. Produced by Shin-Ei Animation and distributed by Toho, it tells Kuroyanagi's story as a child (nicknamed Totto) of going to Tomoe Gakuen, and learning new things as Japan descends into war. The film stars Liliana Ohno as the voice of Totto, alongside Koji Yakusho, Shun Oguri, Anne Watanabe, and Karen Takizawa. It was released in Japan on December 8, 2023.
Synopsis
The film is based on the early life of Tetsuko Kuroyanagi, whose character bears her childhood nickname Totto-chan. Totto-chan is depicted as being a poor fit for the 1930s Japanese public school system, exhibiting behaviors similar to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Her wealthy parents withdraw her from public school and enroll her at an unusual one-room elementary school where most classes are held in a converted streetcar. The school principal, Sosaku Kobayashi, offers students many unusual innovations linked to progressive education, such as student-directed curricula, interpretive dance and other group activities, and guiding students to respond to physical disability with respect and mutual care. The principal also introduces his own traditions, notably a daily requirement that students bring something from the "ocean" and "mountains" in their