Yubaba
The terrifying old witch who rules the bathhouse
An old witch who runs the bathhouse and dominates Chihiro with name-stealing magic. She is the ruler of the hot spring town.
Quotes
- “If you steal their name, you can control them.”
- “You don't have to be afraid, child.”
- “Now, get to work!”
- “What I say is absolute.”
- “The world isn't sweet, you know.”
Trivia
- Yubaba's design is inspired by witch characters from Japanese folktales.
- The name-stealing concept derives from traditional Japanese yokai and mythology.
- Voice actress Mari Natsuki brought the character to life with her powerful voice.
- The contrast with her twin sister Zeniba is one of the key themes of the work.
- Yubaba's large earrings are an iconic item for the character.
Alternate names
Yubaaba
Granny
Yubaba
Big Granny
Profile
- Species
- witch
- Gender
- Female
Appearance
- Overall appearance
- An old woman with dignity and severity, featuring a characteristically large head, upturned eyebrows, and red clothing.
- Height
- Approximately 150cm
- Weight
- secret
- Eye color
- Brown
- Hair color
- Blond
- Distinguishing features
-
- Large head
- Long pointed nose
- Upturned eyebrows
- Long eyelashes
- Pointed chin
- Iconic items
-
- Rings
- Red kimono
- Large earrings
- Staff
Personality and abilities
- Core personality
- Dominant
- Detailed personality
- Greedy and cruel, but highly skilled in business, deftly ruling the bathhouse in the hot spring town and manipulating others with name-stealing magic. She has intense emotional expressions and a selfish side. However, she occasionally shows a human side.
- Keywords
-
- Greedy
- Cruel
- Cunning
- Power-oriented
- Family-loving
- Emotional
- Loving side
- Motto
- “If you steal their name, you can control them.”
- Talents
-
- Powerful magic
- Transformation ability
- Negotiation skills
- Business acumen
- Overwhelming presence
- Skills
-
- Name-stealing magic
- Domination and management
- Strategic planning
- Manipulation of people
- Deception
- Motivation
- Prosperity of the bathhouse and maintaining her own power.
- Habits
- Yells loudly. Sometimes acts spoiled like a child but gets angry immediately.
- Favorite foods
- Gourmet food, Sweets, Alcohol
- Favorite colors
- Red, Gold
- Disliked situations
- Betrayal, Rudeness, Incompetence
History
- Backstory
- Yubaba is an old witch who runs the mysterious bathhouse in the hot spring town and is feared by many. She dominates guests by stealing their names, solidifying her power. When Chihiro wanders into the bathhouse, she steals Chihiro's name and controls her, but through subsequent interactions, she also shows a side that watches over Chihiro's growth.
- Debut date
- July 20, 2001
- Work title
- Spirited Away
- Media type
- Movie
Stealing Chihiro's name
- Significant event
- Stealing Chihiro's name
- Description
- Steals Chihiro's name and gives her the false name 'Sen' to make her work in the bathhouse.
Bathhouse management
- Significant event
- Bathhouse management
- Description
- Rules the bathhouse in the hot spring town, welcoming many gods and spirits as customers.
Relationship with Haku
- Significant event
- Relationship with Haku
- Description
- Has a complex relationship with Haku, whom she treats like a disciple, and is a key figure connected to his past.
Relationships
Media appearances
Spirited Away
Movie / Supporting
2001 theatrical release
Voice cast and creators
Mari Natsuki
- Voice actor
- Mari Natsuki
- Language
- Japanese
- Version or series
- Theatrical version
- Notes
- Iconic original voice actress
Suzanne Pleshette
- Voice actor
- Suzanne Pleshette
- Language
- English
- Version or series
- English dub
Hayao Miyazaki
- Creator name
- Hayao Miyazaki
- Role
- Original author
Studio Ghibli
- Creator name
- Studio Ghibli
- Role
- Animation studio
Hayao Miyazaki
- Creator name
- Hayao Miyazaki
- Role
- Character designer
Related goods
Yubaba figure
- Item name
- Yubaba figure
- Category
- Figure
- Availability
- Regular
Yubaba plush
- Item name
- Yubaba plush
- Category
- Plush or doll
- Availability
- Limited