Kiki

Young witch girl aiming for independence

A 13-year-old witch girl who starts a delivery service job in a new town to become independent and grows through the experience.

Quotes

  • I felt down at times, but I'm fine.
  • Magic is a personal talent. What's important is believing in yourself.
  • Flying through the sky is fun. But even more important is discovering yourself.
  • When I could connect with the townspeople, I truly became strong.
  • Jiji, I can't fly anymore, but I'm still here.

Trivia

  • Kiki's hairstyle was originally planned as long hair but changed to short hair for animation reasons.
  • Black cat Jiji is set to be the same age as Kiki, 13 years old.
  • The theme songs 'Rouge no Dengon' and 'Yasashisa ni Tsutsumareta nara' by Yumi Matsutoya became revival hits after the film's release.
  • Kiki's model is said to be the daughter of Toshio Suzuki, from whom director Miyazaki drew inspiration.
  • In the English Disney dub, Kirsten Dunst voices Kiki.
  • At the time of the film's release, 'Takkyubin' was a registered trademark of Yamato Transport, which also participated as a sponsor.

Alternate names

Kiki 13-year-old witch Protagonist of Kiki's Delivery Service Girl with red ribbon

Tags

Kiki's Delivery Service Hayao Miyazaki Studio Ghibli Witch Coming-of-age story Witch's delivery service Anime film Black cat Jiji Delivery service

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Profile

Species
Human (with witch lineage)
Gender
Female

Appearance

Overall appearance
Energetic girl wearing a black dress with a red ribbon. Short hair.
Eye color
Brown
Hair color
Black
Distinguishing features
  • Red ribbon
  • Short hair
  • Black dress
Iconic items
  • Red ribbon
  • Broom
  • Black cat Jiji
  • Deck brush

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Cheerful
Detailed personality
Curious and optimistic. Struggles with city life but perseveres and grows. A bit sassy but has a kind heart.
Keywords
  • Cheerful
  • Curious
  • Optimistic
  • Kind
  • Energetic
  • Competitive
Motto
I felt down at times, but I'm fine.
Talents
  • Magic to fly through the sky
  • Strong will
Skills
  • Delivery business
  • Life skills
  • Communication skills to bond with people
Motivation
To live independently relying on her own strength
Habits
Habit of talking to Jiji.
Favorite foods
Bread
Favorite colors
Red
Hobbies
Flying, Delivery
Disliked situations
Loneliness, Anxiety

History

Backstory
A 13-year-old witch girl. Following tradition, she leaves her hometown for training and begins living in the new town of Koriko. She starts the delivery service 'Kiki's Delivery Service' using her magical abilities, facing various hardships but growing through them.
Debut date
July 29, 1989
Work title
Kiki's Delivery Service
Media type
Movie

Departure for independence

Significant event
Departure for independence
Description
On the night of the full moon at age 13, she leaves her hometown with black cat Jiji and travels to a new town.

Opening delivery business

Significant event
Opening delivery business
Description
Boards at a vacant room in a Koriko bakery and opens the delivery service 'Kiki's Delivery Service' using her flying magic.

Flying inability slump

Significant event
Flying inability slump
Description
Her magic weakens and she can't fly, becoming mentally depressed, but she recovers with encouragement from her friend Ursula.

Rescuing Tombo

Significant event
Rescuing Tombo
Description
Saves Tombo, who was captured by a runaway airship, using her magic power and regains her abilities.

Relationships

Kokiri

Mother

Witch mother skilled in potion brewing. Passed down witch traditions to Kiki and saw her off on her journey.

Okino

Father

Ordinary human who gently watches over his daughter Kiki.

Jiji

Best friend

Kiki's partner and sole conversation partner. In the latter half, her magic weakens and they can no longer talk.

Tombo

Friend

Member of Koriko's flying club. Takes interest in Kiki and they become close. Saved by Kiki during the airship incident.

Osono

Guardian

Bakery owner. Provides Kiki with a room to live in and supports her warmly.

Ursula

Mentor

Painter woman who draws pictures in the forest. Encourages and supports Kiki after she loses her magic.

Flying Club

Flying Club: unknown

Media appearances

Kiki's Delivery Service (1989 film)

Movie / Protagonist

July 29, 1989

Voice cast and creators

Minami Takayama

Voice actor
Minami Takayama
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Theatrical version
Notes
Voices both Kiki and Ursula

Kirsten Dunst

Voice actor
Kirsten Dunst
Language
English
Version or series
Disney version

Lisa Michelson

Voice actor
Lisa Michelson
Language
English
Version or series
Streamline version

Eiko Kadono

Creator name
Eiko Kadono
Role
Original author

Hayao Miyazaki

Creator name
Hayao Miyazaki
Role
Director

Hayao Miyazaki

Creator name
Hayao Miyazaki
Role
Script Writer

Hayao Miyazaki

Creator name
Hayao Miyazaki
Role
Producer

Katsuya Kondo

Creator name
Katsuya Kondo
Role
Character Designer

Studio Ghibli

Creator name
Studio Ghibli
Role
Animation Studio

Joe Hisaishi

Creator name
Joe Hisaishi
Role
Music Composer

Related goods

Figure

Item name
Figure
Category
Figure
Availability
Regular

Plush (Jiji)

Item name
Plush (Jiji)
Category
Plush or doll
Availability
Regular

Picture book

Item name
Picture book
Category
Stationery
Availability
Regular

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