
Giant bread contains a giant surprise.
When British baker Paul Hollywood came to Japan to film his 2020 TV mini series Paul Hollywood Eats Japan, he sparked controversy for initially thinking the food culture was “all about rice and noodles“, and not knowing that people here actually baked bread and cakes.
After spending some time here, though, Hollywood realised that they don’t just bake bread and cakes here, they do it so well they put other countries to shame. There’s really no bounds to the imaginative baked creations you can find in Japan, and here to prove that point is talented bread maker Izuyo, who recently posted a video on Instagram showing his deliciously large bread…in the shape of Totoro from the Studio Ghibli film My Neighbour Totoro.
On the outside, the animated forest giant appears to be staring without any real expression on its face, which is how it sometimes appears in the film. However, once it’s been sliced in two, the inside reveals a fantastic surprise, because, like magic, a totally different-looking Totoro appears!
▼ Take a look at the grand reveal below.
Inside the squishy looking Totoro is another Totoro, and this one brings new meaning to ‘smiling on the inside’, as it can be seen baring its distinctive wide grin.
It’s incredibly cute, and incredibly well-made, and though Izuyo humbly describes the 26-centimetre (10.2-inch) high creation as “bread that children will like“, comments online prove its appeal spreads far beyond that of children, with many adults heaping praise on the talented baker.
“Omg – what a surprise!”
“This is wonderful! Thanks for making me smile.”
“Too cute!!!”
“Beyond amazing. The face inside is totally different! It would be sacrilegious to eat it!”
“Are you selling these?”
Unfortunately for us, it looks like these aren’t available to purchase, but given the many gobsmacking creations Izuyo has shared on YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram, if he ever does decide to start up a business, he’d be sure to have plenty of customers.
Source: Instagram/izuyo0719
Featured image: Studio Ghibli
Insert images: Instagram/izuyo0719
● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Japanese baker creates terrifyingly cute anime character breads【Videos】
My Neighbour Totoro storyboards reveal secrets behind the Ghibli anime movie
Studio Ghibli reveals new range of fluffy Totoro tummy towels
May’s Garden House Restaurant: The first Totoro-themed restaurant officially licensed by Studio Ghibli
Studio Ghibli animator creates heartwarming new anime commercial in Japan【Video】
What’s up with the “mosquito buzz” noise at Shibuya Station?
7-Eleven Japan’s cooked-in-store takoyaki is here! How does it fare against the street food king?
Japanese convenience store gives away free ice cream with creative ad at Shinjuku Station
Time to get wet: Underwater photos of girls in sailor suits and… plastic exoskeletons?
Tsujihan sushi bowl restaurant goes viral with foreign tourists, but is it worth the hype?
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
New Japanese banknotes selling online for up to 40 times original value
New Totoro carabiner pouches are ready to clip/tag along with you on all your adventures[Photos]
Buddhist priest arrested for using health insurance card he found on the street
It’s time to say goodbye to one of Tokyo’s most famous landmark meeting spots
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Studio Ghibli launches huge new anime movie T-shirt collection with special design details
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Tifa’s Final Fantasy VII bar is going to pop up in real-world Tokyo
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Studio Ghibli croquettes not to eat, but to keep your stuff in, going on sale in Japan[Photos]
Pokémon hot spring footbath opening in Japan this spring
Secret staff cafeteria in Tokyo is a hidden gem you won’t find in travel guides
Move aside, convenience store egg sando – there’s a better version of the iconic sandwich in Japan
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Totoro runs, does aerobics, and holds an impressive yoga pose in series of cute illustrated GIFs
Studio Ghibli releases amazing new My Neighbour Totoro merchandise in Japan
New Studio Ghibli tea collection includes tea sourced from Totoro’s real-life forest in Japan!
Totoro and friends come out to play as cute new Studio Ghibli toys
Studio Ghibli’s Mother’s Day corn set is a heartwarming gift for Totoro fans
Receive Studio Ghibli anime art in new crowdfunding campaign to save Totoro’s forest
New Roaring Totoro plushies from Studio Ghibli make us view the character in a new light
Studio Ghibli turns My Neighbour Totoro characters into bag charms for everyday adventures
Studio Ghibli My Neighbour Totoro sweater is the anime knitwear we need this winter
Cakes that bring a giant Totoro-sized smile to any Studio Ghibli fan’s face【Photos】
Studio Ghibli reveals surprising secrets hidden in My Neighbour Totoro
Studio Ghibli producer shows us how to draw Totoro【Video】
Studio Ghibli’s “Bouncing Totoro” zoetrope gets its own merchandise at museum
Totoro discovered in Japanese forest【Photos】
Amazing photos of Studio Ghibli cosplay bring all your favorite characters to life 【Pics】
Studio Ghibli wind chime adds anime charm to the summer breeze