Kiki’s Delivery Service: A Retrospective

Kiki’s Delivery Service turns 35 this year! With a relatable story and a female lead who’s both spirited and unsure of herself, it’s no wonder this Studio Ghibli film has stood the test of time. And important themes remain relevant today beneath the lovely animation, beautiful music, and fun cast. Join us as we explore Kiki’s Delivery Service in this retrospective. There are no major spoilers, but if you haven’t seen the movie, now’s a good time to watch it!

What is Kiki’s Delivery Service about?

Kiki’s Delivery Service follows a young witch and her black cat Jiji who leaves home to train for a year. As she starts her delivery service, Kiki fights feelings of loneliness and self-doubt about her abilities. At the same time, she makes many new friends who guide her along the way. Fun fact: The Ghibli film is based on a book by the same name, by Eiko Kadono, though it made many changes to the original story.

Directed by Hayao Miyazaki and with music composed by Joe Hisaishi, Kiki’s Delivery Service was released in 1989. It was immediately successful and won many awards, including three at the Anime Grand Prix. Its 1997 English dub starring Kirsten Dunst and Phil Hartman was the first one done by Disney under a deal with Tokuma. Kiki’s Delivery Service is now considered a classic Studio Ghibli movie!

What can we learn from Kiki’s Delivery Service?

Traditional vs. Modern

The city of Koriko’s inhabitants are quick to embrace new technology, such as the dirigible The Spirit of Freedom, which gives non-witches the ability to fly but breaks down twice. Another example is Kiki’s customer Madame’s new electrical oven, which breaks down before a delivery. Kiki saves the day by cooking the food in an old wood-fired oven, showing that the old way of doing things is alive and better. 

Kiki’s Delivery Service also shows the clash of traditional and modern values. Raised in the countryside, Kiki is kind and hardworking, cleaning Madame’s house besides making the delivery for her. In contrast, Madame’s granddaughter, a rich city girl, is spoiled and rude. Despite living a “modern” and privileged life, she’s more backward than our “old-fashioned” yet self-sufficient protagonist.

Are you looking for cute Studio Ghibli items? Look no further than YumeTwins! YumeTwins sends all kinds of kawaii character goods – from Japanese plushies to stationery – right to your door so that you can enjoy your best kawaii lifestyle on your way!

Dealing with loneliness

At only 13 years old, Kiki is excited to strike out on her own. And despite some hiccups, her delivery service seems to be going well. However, she struggles with loneliness, paired with a growing lack of self-confidence. There are several scenes where she gazes out the bakeshop window, watching people walk by. While the hapless Tombo tries to invite her out, Kiki refuses, using work as an excuse while also thinking his friends won’t accept her.

Later, Kiki tells Jiji, “I make friends, then suddenly I can’t bear to be with them.” Shortly afterward, she realizes she can no longer speak to him, making her less confident in her powers. It’s only when Kiki shares her fears (see below) and permits herself to be with others that she becomes less lonely. Kiki’s Delivery Service strikes a chord with students and young people far from home, more so than other Studio Ghibli movies.

Finding your inspiration

As a witch, Kiki’s only power is flying, which she loves and focuses on in her training. However, she loses her passion as she becomes busier with her business. Then, when she grows more unsure of herself, she loses her ability to fly. Kiki even breaks her mother’s broomstick while trying to lift off. Devastated and wondering if she should return home a failure, she agrees to visit her friend Ursula.

An independent painter, Ursula gives Kiki helpful advice, like taking breaks from work. She also shares that she went through an artistic slump. “I hadn’t figured out what or why I wanted to paint,” she explained. “I had to discover my style.” She suggests that Kiki look for a new purpose to get her powers back. Hopefully, creative minds who watch Kiki’s Delivery Service become as inspired and confident as Kiki does.

Why should I watch Kiki’s Delivery Service?

Kiki’s Delivery Service is one of Studio Ghibli’s most beautiful and well-made movies. Inspired by real-life places in Europe, its settings are brightly colored and detailed. And the music is, at times, playful and wistful, following Kiki’s journey.

Besides our main heroine, the supporting characters are memorable and likable, helping Kiki through her struggles: sarcastic Jiji, warm-hearted Osono, gruff but well-meaning Fukuo, friendly Tombo, and assertive Ursula. They’re all people we wish existed in real life.

Finally, this movie touches on relatable themes and has a positive message. We might become lonely or lose our inspiration, but Kiki’s Delivery Service encourages us never to give up and assures us that everything will be okay. What are your thoughts on Kiki’s Delivery Service? Tell us in the comments.