Chihiro Ogino

The girl who grows up in the mysterious bathhouse

A 10-year-old girl who works at a mysterious hot spring town's bathhouse, helps her parents, and achieves independence and growth as the protagonist.

Quotes

  • Don't forget your name. Your name is the key to your heart.
  • It's okay, I'm here.
  • Even if scared, face forward.
  • Keep a strong heart.
  • Thank you, see you again.

Trivia

  • Voice actress Rumi Hiiragi was actually 10 years old at the time and voiced Chihiro.
  • The character's name 'Chihiro' has the surname Ogino and nickname 'Sen'.
  • Part of the story is based on director Hayao Miyazaki's personal experiences.
  • The bathhouse in the film was designed referencing Tokyo's public baths and hot spring towns.
  • The film took 4.5 years to produce and is considered Studio Ghibli's masterpiece.

Alternate names

Sen Chihiro Ogino Sen

Tags

Spirited Away Hayao Miyazaki Studio Ghibli Girl Protagonist Fantasy Coming-of-Age Story Bathhouse Adventure Japanese Animation

Profile

Species
Human
Gender
Male

Appearance

Overall appearance
A 10-year-old girl with slightly long brown hair and a simple, natural atmosphere. Characterized by a checkered one-piece dress resembling a school uniform.
Height
About 140cm
Eye color
Brown
Hair color
Brown
Distinguishing features
  • Simple expression
  • Natural hairstyle
  • Childlike build
Iconic items
  • Checkered one-piece dress
  • Red ribbon (latter half of the movie)
  • Card resembling hanafuda

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Brave
Detailed personality
Initially timid and a crybaby, but through the story, she gains a sense of responsibility and independence, growing into a strong girl who confronts difficulties. She also possesses kindness and compassion.
Keywords
  • Brave
  • Honest
  • Kind
  • Strong sense of responsibility
  • Full of curiosity
Motto
Facing difficulties and believing in oneself
Talents
  • Intuition
  • Observation
  • Sincerity
  • Adaptability
Skills
  • Customer service
  • Cooking assistance
  • Problem-solving
  • Etiquette
Motivation
To help her parents and return to the original world. To overcome difficulties on her own through independence.
Habits
She sometimes stutters when nervous.
Favorite foods
Japanese sweets, Rice
Favorite places
Bathhouse, Places rich in nature

History

Backstory
Living as an ordinary 10-year-old girl, but while moving with her parents, she passes through a mysterious tunnel and wanders into a spirit world's hot spring town. Triggered by her parents being turned into pigs, she works at the bathhouse, faces various trials, and grows.
Debut date
July 20, 2001
Work title
Spirited Away
Media type
Movie

Wandering into the other world

Significant event
Wandering into the other world
Description
During the move, enters the other world's hot spring town with her parents.

Parents turned into pigs

Significant event
Parents turned into pigs
Description
Decides to start working at the bathhouse because her parents were turned into pigs.

Meeting Haku

Significant event
Meeting Haku
Description
Meets Haku, an employee at the bathhouse, and receives help.

Series of trials and independence

Significant event
Series of trials and independence
Description
Overcomes various difficulties and achieves growth by protecting her own name.

Return to the real world

Significant event
Return to the real world
Description
Finally returns to the original world with her parents.

Relationships

Ogino

Mother

One of her parents, wanders into the other world together with Chihiro.

Ogino

Father

Chihiro's father. Unknowingly turned into a pig.

Haku

Mentor

Supported Chihiro through advice and help at the bathhouse.

Zeniba

Ally

Believes in Chihiro at the end and provides support.

Lin

Teammate

Colleague who works together at the bathhouse and encourages each other.

Bathhouse staff

Bathhouse staff: unknown

Media appearances

Spirited Away

Movie / Protagonist

2001 movie

Voice cast and creators

Rumi Hiiragi

Voice actor
Rumi Hiiragi
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Theatrical version
Notes
Original

Daveigh Chase

Voice actor
Daveigh Chase
Language
English
Version or series
English dub

Hayao Miyazaki

Creator name
Hayao Miyazaki
Role
Original author

Hayao Miyazaki

Creator name
Hayao Miyazaki
Role
Character designer

Studio Ghibli

Creator name
Studio Ghibli
Role
Animation studio

Toho

Creator name
Toho
Role
Publisher

Related goods

Chihiro figure

Item name
Chihiro figure
Category
Figure
Availability
Regular

Bathhouse mascot

Item name
Bathhouse mascot
Category
Plush or doll
Availability
Limited