The Jizo Statue

The Jizo Statue (also known as Ksitigarbha) appears in My Neighbor Totoro as an object and a location.

Satsuki and Mei next to the Jizu statue

The statue is featured when Satsuki and Mei have under it's shelter to avoid the rain. This is where Kanta gives his umbrella to Satsuki.

When Satsuki and Mei first arrive at the Jizo statue, Satsuki is seen to quickly pray. She says, "If it's not too much trouble, could we stay until it stops raining?".

As the girls wait, Kanta runs down the path with an umbrella, which he gives to Satsuki. This is what makes Satsuki begin to like Kanta.

Traditionally, Jizo statues are East Asian Buddhist statues. They are usually depicted as Buddhist monks.