MovieChat Forums > Tonari no Totoro (1990) Discussion > Black dustmote creatures?

Black dustmote creatures?

posted 11 years ago by jmbwithcats
9 replies | jump to latest

What are the little minion creatures called that Hayao Miyazaki puts in all of his anime films?

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[–] glitterpuppy64 11 years ago

They're called 'Soot Spirits' :)

WATER NEBULAAA!
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[–] Suzume-san 11 years ago

Susuwatari.

[–] CapnKaos 11 years ago

Actually the girls call them "Makkuro kurosuke" in the movie.

[–] icymark 11 years ago

susuwatari. it's a meaning, if you see them.. death is close.

[–] CapnKaos 11 years ago

susuwatari. it's a meaning, if you see them.. death is close.

Errr, no it doesn't.

[–] Suzume-san 11 years ago

Susu = soot
Wataru = to cross (a bridge or similar) - to range freely, to wander
So 'soot wanderers' or 'soot sprites' would be about right.

That's what they're called in Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi - Spirited Away

[–] velcronewsletter 10 years ago

are they meant to be dangerous? or are they benevolent spirits?

[–] Suzume-san 10 years ago

They're certainly not dangerous, no - they're just like little creatures, I think. The ones in Sen to Chihiro work in the boiler-room stoking the boiler. Kamaji says if they don't work they will turn back into soot.

[–] velcronewsletter 10 years ago

ah ok, thanks for explaining