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Japanese Photographer Captures Moments Of Life In Countryside, Look Like Stills From My Neighbour Totoro 

Japanese photographer takes ethereal anime-like photos of countryside


While anime may be fictional, many scenes depicted can coincidentally bear resemblance to places around us or even be inspired by real life locations, if you know where to look. A Japanese photographer, Akine Coco, proves that the world of anime doesn’t only exist on television, but also in a remote countryside. 


Photographer takes Studio Ghibli-like photos of countryside in Japan


Japanese photographer countryside - torii gate in rural japan
Image credit: @akinecoco987

A Japanese photographer, who goes by Akine Coco on Twitter, has been capturing photos of daily life in rural Japan and sharing them on the social media platform

Japanese photographer countryside - rural japan
Image credit: @akinecoco987

From a lone torii gate surrounded by overgrown weeds to thatched wooden houses in a field with lush greenery, Akine Coco beautifully captures the charming everyday scenery in rural areas and describes them as “scenes from an anime”. 

Japanese photographer countryside - rural japan
Image credit: @akinecoco987

The rural landscape photos strongly channel the immersive and ethereal vibes that Studio Ghibli films are known for. Currently, Akine Coco has amassed more than 178,600 followers on Twitter.    


Photos look like scenes out of My Neighbour Totoro


Japanese photographer countryside - my neighbour totoro
Image credit: Studio Ghibli 

Japanese photographer countryside - rural japan
Image credit: @akinecoco987

Though all the photos are stunning in their own right and have garnered positive responses, the ones set in the countryside are extra charming as they remind us of stills from My Neighbour Totoro, a Studio Ghibli film about 2 young sisters living in the countryside. 

Japanese photographer countryside - my neighbour totoro
Image credit: Studio Ghibli 

Japanese photographer countryside - road in rural japan
Image credit: @akinecoco987

The film doesn’t specify where the story takes place. But given the pictures’ uncanny resemblance to the rural setting in My Neighbour Totoro, we bet Satsuki and Mei would look right at home when photoshopped into these photos. 


Akine Coco also dabbles in shooting cityscapes


Japanese photographer countryside - minimalist photo of building
Image credit: @akine_coco

Apart from shooting rural landscapes, Akine Coco also dabbles in urban photography. In particular, their Instagram feed is filled with minimalist photos that capture the curves and contours of interesting architecture and buildings.  

Japanese photographer countryside - minimalist photo of building
Image credit: @akine_coco

Though the environment is completely different, Akine Coco’s photographs of urban spaces retain the same delicate lightness and dreaminess that can be found in those taken in the rural areas. 


Japanese photographer takes photos of anime-esque countryside


Akine Coco updates regularly on Twitter and occasionally on Instagram. If you’d like to see more of such unique scenic views, make sure to give them a follow. 

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Cover image adapted from: Studio Ghibli, @akinecoco987, Studio Ghibli, and @akinecoco987