Makkuro-Kurosuke from “Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi

Personality

Makkuro-Kurosuke, also known as Susuwatari, are shy and slightly frightening creatures. They appear curious and inquisitive, often hovering around and extending stick-like limbs to inspect their surroundings. Despite their small size and ghostly appearance, they seem to play an important role in the movie as workers in the bathhouse boiler room.

Background

Makkuro-Kurosuke, or Susuwatari, first appeared in the 1988 Studio Ghibli film My Neighbor Totoro as small, sooty creatures living in abandoned buildings. They later reappeared in the 2001 film Spirited Away, where they were depicted as workers in Kamaji’s boiler room, responsible for maintaining the bathhouse’s furnaces.

Appearance

Makkuro-Kurosuke are small, spherical creatures with black, soot-like bodies. They have two large, inquisitive eyes and appear to be covered in a fuzzy, soft material. They can extend stick-like legs and arms from their bodies to perform various tasks.

Abilities

Despite their small size and unassuming appearance, Makkuro-Kurosuke demonstrate the ability to levitate and move about with agility. They can also extend their limbs to manipulate objects and perform their duties as workers in the bathhouse’s boiler room.

Origin

Makkuro-Kurosuke, or Susuwatari, were created by renowned Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli. They are inspired by traditional Japanese folklore and mythology, particularly the concept of “soot goblins” or “dust bunnies” who are said to inhabit abandoned and neglected spaces.

Makkuro-Kurosuke – FAQ

Here are 6-8 FAQs about Makkuro-Kurosuke from “Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi”:

What is Makkuro-Kurosuke?

Makkuro-Kurosuke are small, soot-covered creatures that appear in the Studio Ghibli film “Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi” (also known as “Spirited Away”). They are small, black, amorphous creatures that resemble dust bunnies or soot goblins.

Where do Makkuro-Kurosuke come from?

Makkuro-Kurosuke are said to be supernatural creatures that live in the boiler room of the bathhouse in the spirit world where the movie takes place. They help the boiler man, Kamaji, operate the boilers and heating systems.

What is the role of Makkuro-Kurosuke in the movie?

Makkuro-Kurosuke play a supporting role in the movie. They are often seen scurrying around the bathhouse, helping Kamaji with his work. They also provide comic relief and help illustrate the supernatural, fantastic nature of the spirit world.

Are the Makkuro-Kurosuke friendly or dangerous?

Makkuro-Kurosuke are generally portrayed as harmless and friendly creatures. They do not seem to be a threat to the main characters in the movie. In fact, they are often shown helping Chihiro and the other characters in small ways.

What do Makkuro-Kurosuke look like?

Makkuro-Kurosuke are small, round, black creatures that resemble dust bunnies or soot goblins. They have no recognizable features such as eyes or mouths, and their bodies appear to be made of small pieces of soot or ash.

Are Makkuro-Kurosuke found in other Studio Ghibli movies?

Makkuro-Kurosuke are unique to the movie “Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi” and do not appear in other Studio Ghibli productions. They are considered one of the most iconic and memorable characters from this particular movie.