Toyota has brought a touch of magic to the realm of electric vehicles (EVs) by transforming its Accessible People Mover (APM) EV into the iconic “Catbus” from the beloved Studio Ghibli film My Neighbor Totoro.
This imaginative project has given fans a reason to be excited about a fully-electric Toyota, capturing the whimsical essence of the magical feline vehicle.
The APM EV, originally designed to transport passengers during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, served as the foundation for the Catbus transformation. Despite its functional nature, Toyota collaborated closely with director Hayao Miyazaki to ensure that the Catbus EV stayed true to its animated counterpart.
Miyazaki’s input was invaluable in recreating the charm and authenticity of the Catbus. From the placement of the cat’s paws to the design of its glowing eyes that double as headlights, every detail was meticulously crafted to evoke the spirit of the original film.
Toyota’s design partner, Naoki Nagatsu, worked tirelessly to capture the essence of the Catbus, scaling down its dimensions and refining its features under Miyazaki’s guidance.
One of the key challenges was translating the two-dimensional animation of the Catbus into a three-dimensional vehicle.
Nagatsu and his team carefully navigated this process, ensuring that every aspect of the Catbus design reflected its magical and whimsical nature. From the fur-lined interior to the mice riding on the roof, no detail was overlooked in bringing the Catbus to life.
The APM Catbus will make its debut at Ghibli Park on March 16, offering visitors the opportunity to experience a ride aboard this enchanting vehicle.
With tickets priced at ¥1000 for adults and ¥500 for children, or approximately $6.70 and $3.35, respectively, fans of Studio Ghibli can immerse themselves in the fantastical world of My Neighbor Totoro like never before.
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