Tōichi is a fisherman in the Studio Ghibli film When Marnie Was There. He provides quiet company to Anna out on the marsh.
Background[]
In the book the film was based on, written by Joan G. Robinson, it's explained he was the eleventh child in his family. His mother considered him "one-too-many", so he is given the name "Wuntermenny". This wordplay was adapted in the Japanese translations of the book, where "jū ichi" ("eleven") becomes "Tōichi".
This provides commentary on the nature of loneliness. Someone from a huge family can be just as solitary as someone with no family, Anna.
Appearance[]
He is burly and steely-eyed, with muscular rowing arms and a grey beard. He wears a brown fishing jacket, and a dark green knit cap. Anna describes him as "like a bear".
Etymology[]
- The name Tōichi means "eleven" (十一).