When the news comes that Mei and Satsuki's mother will have to stay in the hospital longer, Mei decides to take her some corn to make her better. When her little sister disappears, Satsuki enlists Totoro's help in finding her.
Eleven-year-old Satsuki and her little sister Mei move into a historic country house with their dad and experience the magic of the Soot Sprites, and the world of Totoro, a magical forest creature.
Mei and Satsuki are adjusting to their new country home and have made friends with the neighbor boy Kanta, but life without their mother is still difficult, and Granny and Totori have taken it upon themselves to watch over the two girls.