While their mother is in the hospital, 10-year-old Satsuki and 4-year-old Mei move into an old-fashioned house in rural Japan with their professor father. At the foot of an enormous camphor tree, Mei discovers the nest of King Totoro, a friendly giant forest spirit who resembles an enormous bunny. Mei and Satsuki learn that Totoro makes the trees grow, and when he flies over the countryside or roars in his thunderous voice, the winds blow. Totoro becomes the protector of the two sisters, watching over them when they wait for their father, and carrying them over the forests on an enchanted journey. When the children worry about their mother, Totoro sends them to visit her via a Catbus, a magical, multilegged creature with a grin the Cheshire Cat might envy.