In 1940s Tokyo, a spirited young girl named Totto-chan attends an unconventional school. But beyond its walls, the war comes ever closer.

In 1940s Tokyo, a spirited and inquisitive young girl named Totto-chan struggles to conform to the rigid education system. Expelled from her traditional school for her unconventional behaviour, she finds a new beginning at Tomoe Gakuen - a unique and progressive school led by its compassionate founder and headmaster Sosaku Kobayashi. Under his guidance, children are encouraged to explore their individual talents through creativity and joy.

Yet, beyond the whimsical world of Tomoe, the grim spectre of war looms ever closer. Candy machines stand empty, and the contents of children's bento boxes grow increasingly sparse. Shinnosuke Yakuwa, in his first non-franchise anime feature, brings to life Tetsuko Kuroyanagi's beloved 1981 autobiographical memoir, capturing the delicate balance between childhood innocence and the gruesome realities of World War II.

Rendered in warm, luminous colours and enriched with expressive dream sequences, Totto-chan: The Little Girl at the Window evokes the carefree charm of classic children's book illustrations. It’s an invitation to see the world through Totto-chan’s eyes. An invitation worth accepting.

This program screened as part of Kaboom Animation Festival 2025

Showing in this program

Totto-chan: The Little Girl at the Window

• Shinnosuke Yakuwa
• Japan, 2023
• 113 min.

Going to school at Tomoe Gakuen, after not fitting at her original elementary school. She meets unique students and learns new things at school, even as Japan descends into war.