studio ghibli's whimsical character catbus comes to life as a toyota electric vehicle

toyota CatBus at Ghibli Park in japan

Catbus, a whimsical character from the Japanese animated film My Neighbor Totoro, created by Studio Ghibli and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, is now coming to life as an electric low-speed vehicle. This venture marks a surprising collaboration between the automotive company Toyota, technology experts MONET, and the world of entertainment. Together with Aichi Prefecture, they are introducing the APM Neko Bus to Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park, home to a theme park dedicated to the animated movies from the beloved studio, with its official debut scheduled for the end of 2023.

The real-life Neko Bus, inspired by the animated character, has been created using a Toyota APM electric trolley. Initially designed for the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics, this vehicle has undergone an exterior makeover to offer transportation for park visitors, embodying a bold yet furless version of the Catbus.

image by MONET, © Studio Ghibli

A playful Addition to Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park

Located next to Nagoya City, Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park features a sprawling 194 hectares of lush natural beauty. Since the highly-anticipated opening of Ghibli Park in November of the previous year, the park has quickly become a beloved public space for visitors. The project aims to enhance the visitor experience within the expansive theme park, making movement more enjoyable and comfortable, elevating the overall appeal, and paving the way for new concepts in mobility services within public spaces.

Discussions about this project began some months ago, focusing on aspects such as the vehicle’s design and operational procedures. Studio Ghibli, Toyota, MONET Technologies, Toyoei Kotsu, and Aichi Prefecture have reached a basic agreement outlining their commitment to bringing the APM Neko Bus to the park.