“Totto-Chan: The Little Girl at the Window,” the animated film adaptation of Tetsuko Kuroyanagi’s autobiographical memoir, continues its award-winning streak, securing the Best Animated Feature award at the Anima 2025 festival. The film, directed by Shinnosuke Yakuwa, has been lauded for its classical yet contemporary approach, depicting the world through the complex perspective of a child.
Anima Festival 2025: Jury’s Acclaim for Totto-Chan
The jury at Anima 2025 praised “Totto-Chan” for its “classical yet very contemporary approach,” highlighting the film’s ability to portray a story set in the past through the intricate viewpoint of a child. They also commended the director’s skill and the dedication put into crafting the young protagonist’s character.
An Engaging and Intimate Tale
The film was described as a “lovely, colourful and poetic animation about the end of childhood.” Another jury stated, “For the classical yet very contemporary approach of a film staged in the past, through the complex point of view of a child, the dexterity of the direction and all the efforts that have been put into the characterisation of the young protagonist, the jury unanimously decided to give the Award for Best Animated Feature to Totto-Chan: The Little Girl at the Window by the Japanese director Shinnosuke Yakuwa.”
Other Accolades for Totto-Chan
Prior to its Anima 2025 win, “Totto-Chan: The Little Girl at the Window” received the Paul Grimault Award at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June 2024, one of the world’s largest animation film festivals. Furthermore, Shin-Ei Animation, the studio behind the film, was honored with the Hiroshi Ōkawa Award at the 3rd Niigata International Animation Film Festival.
Annecy International Animation Film Festival
The Annecy International Animation Film Festival recognized “Totto-Chan” with the Paul Grimault Award. The festival’s official website describes the film: “At little Totto-Chan’s Tomoe School during the Second World War, she learns what racism and intolerance are, and discovers the grim reality of war.”
Niigata International Animation Film Festival
Shin-Ei Animation received the Hiroshi Ōkawa Award for their work on “Totto-Chan: The Little Girl at the Window” at the 3rd Niigata International Animation Film Festival. The awards at this festival honor technical achievements in animation.
About “Totto-Chan: The Little Girl at the Window”
“Totto-Chan: The Little Girl at the Window” is an animated film based on the autobiographical memoir by Japanese actress and media personality Tetsuko Kuroyanagi. The story revolves around Totto-chan, a young girl who is deemed a disruptive influence and is expelled from her elementary school. Her mother then enrolls her in Tomoe Gakuen, an unconventional school where the headmaster, Sosaku Kobayashi, nurtures her curiosity and individuality.
The Memoir’s Enduring Appeal
Kuroyanagi’s memoir has been beloved for generations, offering a heartwarming and insightful look into childhood, education, and the importance of embracing one’s unique qualities. The animated film adaptation brings this cherished story to life with vibrant visuals and a touching narrative. The film opened in Japan on December 8. Kuroyanagi’s memoir tells her story of going to school at Tomoe Gakuen, after not fitting at her original elementary school.
