‘My Neighbour Totoro’ a hit in China decades after premiere

A CLASSIC Japanese animated movie, which was released three decades ago but only screened in China recently, collected 100 million yuan (RM60.81mil) within five days.

My Neighbour Totoro, written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki that came out in 1988, had not been publicly shown in China as the country had a strict quota on the number of foreign films, Nanyang Siang Pau reported.

Previously, fans could only watch the film on DVD or via illegal downloads.

The film is about two sisters who encounter Totoro, a giant furry magical creature, and other forest creatures.

Totoro, who comforts the sisters when their mother was taken ill, has become a popular character in Japanese anime.

> E-commerce giant Alibaba Group has opened an unmanned hotel in Hangzhou, China, where guests can check in via facial recognition technology.

China Press reported that the “future hotel” is run by artificial intelligence (AI).

There is no cashier, receptionist or hotel manager. Guests do not need hotel cards. They would just need to show their faces when they want to use the lift, go to the gym or enter their rooms.

There are various AI products, such as smart speakers and robots, to serve the hotel guests. Smart speakers in every room enable guests to adjust the room temperature or flip the switches using voice commands.

> Nanyang Siang Pau reported that a resort in Hangzhou, China has introduced a new way for guests to enjoy its hot springs.

Visitors can feast on steamboat meals while dipping in the hot springs.

Chillies are put into the hot springs for a “spicy” flavour while vegetables, mushrooms and wolfberries are available for those who prefer a “non-spicy” flavour.