Kim Soo Youn, animator do-it-all at DNA Production Co., has the answer to this previously posted question: what does the leaf on a character's head represent? It turns out that a leaf on the head isn't a disease. Soo Youn confirms that it is a sign that the creature is magical. 
She points out that the Japanese character Totoro (pictured above in Beijing) has this leaf on his head. Also, these magical characters can often shape shift. That makes perfect sense! The leaf works as a marker of their magical abilities as well as help the viewer keep track of the character as they shape shift. And it looks cool, too. Question answered!Are there any other symbols in animation like this that confuse you, too?
4 comments:
Hmm, interesting. I'm reminded of that mad anime ferret cartoon from Ilbon in the early nineties. The ferret could talk to the hamster though he had no special abilities.
Biting humans is not a magical ability. :)
Hey Alex,
Really? Hmmmmm. . . I've seen promotional materials for that anime, although I haven't seen it. That ermine doesn't have magic powers? Well, then I wonder what that leaf on his head could mean?
Maybe this question isn't answered after all. . .
Thanks for being the only site on the net to explain this phenomenon.
They mention a leaf on the head in connection with transformation in "Pom Poko". The character says the leaf is for amateurs! : )
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