You see a girl standing in the rain next to Totoro. She's not Mei or Satsuki. Miyazaki's first concept for the movie included just one 6-year old girl. Huge unfamiliar mysterious creature is creeping up on her in the darkness. It's standing just next to the girl on the desolate street. It's scary, isn't it. But if she is with her sister, she can endure the difficult situation with her sister sleeping on her back, feeling safe. So, Miyazaki decided to split her into two sisters. We feel sympathy with that admirable little girl.
And that huge creature is holding the umbrella that is same size with ours.
That makes us feel an affinity with it.
The combination of the elder sister and the simple and innocent cute kid sister is great.
