Baron Humbert von Gikkingen

Cat puppet who is the protagonist of Shizuku's story

Cat puppet owned by Shiro Nishi. Protagonist of the story written by Shizuku in the coming-of-age romance story 'Whisper of the Heart'. A noble cat-shaped puppet brought back from Germany.

Trivia

  • The model for Baron is a doll owned by original author Aoi Hiiragi.
  • Baron in the story is depicted as a melancholic, gentlemanly cat puppet.
  • Popular character who also appears in 'The Cat Returns'.
  • Setting as a rare item that Shiro Nishi strongly desired and obtained while studying in Germany.
  • Monocle and silk hat are trademarks.

Alternate names

Baron Humbert von Gikkingen Baron Baron

Tags

Whisper of the Heart Studio Ghibli Baron Cat Puppet Protagonist of the Story Fantasy Coming-of-Age Romance Japanese Anime Film

Profile

Species
Puppet (Cat-Shaped)
Gender
Male

Appearance

Overall appearance
Doll with brown fur and a refined Western-style cat appearance. Wears a monocle and hat as part of its outfit, exuding elegance and nobility.
Height
約22cm
Weight
unknown
Eye color
Brown
Hair color
Red
Distinguishing features
  • Wearing a silk hat
  • Wearing a monocle (eyeglass)
  • Doll modeled in cat shape
Iconic items
  • Silk hat
  • Monocle
  • Tailcoat
  • Walking stick
  • Baron puppet

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Noble
Detailed personality
Displays noble and gentlemanly conduct, but harbors a strong will and kindness deep inside. Also an existence that evokes loneliness and melancholy.
Keywords
  • Gentlemanly
  • Elegant
  • Melancholy
  • Loneliness
  • Loyalty
Motto
No particular famous quotes in the work, but feels that interacting with kindness and elegance is his own mission.
Talents
  • Excellent leadership
  • Witty
  • Strategic thinking
  • Swordsmanship (image in the story)
Skills
  • Classical etiquette
  • Calm judgment
  • Adventure abilities in the story world
Motivation
To search for his lost companion, the noblewoman cat puppet, and reunite with her.
Habits
Always gentlemanly with a calm demeanor. Shows strong pride, but occasionally has eyes that evoke sadness.

History

Backstory
Noble cat puppet that Shiro Nishi, studying abroad in Germany, strongly desired and obtained. Previously acted together with a paired noblewoman cat puppet, but she went missing due to war. Sometimes dreams of his lost companion.
Debut date
July 15, 1995
Work title
Whisper of the Heart
Media type
Movie

Appearance

Significant event
Appearance
Description
Appears as the protagonist of the story written by Tsukishima Shizuku in Studio Ghibli's animated film 'Whisper of the Heart'.

Appearance in The Cat Returns

Significant event
Appearance in The Cat Returns
Description
Also appears in the related work 'The Cat Returns', further expanding the character's popularity and narrative depth.

Live-action film adaptation

Significant event
Live-action film adaptation
Description
Treated as an iconic figure that enhances the story's world-building.

Relationships

Shiro Nishi

Guardian

Owner and guardian. Deep relationship with Nishi Shiro, cherished as a companion in his life.

Shizuku Tsukishima

Muse

Serves as a source of inspiration and muse as the protagonist of her story.

Seiji Amasawa

Ally

As one of the central story characters, serves as a bridge between Baron's world and reality.

Chikyūya-related characters

Chikyūya-related characters: mascot

Media appearances

Whisper of the Heart

Movie / Supporting

1995 theatrical release

Whisper of the Heart

Manga / Supporting

1989 serialization

The Cat Returns

Movie / Supporting

2002 theatrical release

Whisper of the Heart (live-action film)

Movie

2022 release

Voice cast and creators

Shigeru Tsuyuguchi

Voice actor
Shigeru Tsuyuguchi
Language
Japanese
Version or series
1995 theatrical version

Aoi Hiiragi

Creator name
Aoi Hiiragi
Role
Original author

Yoshifumi Kondō

Creator name
Yoshifumi Kondō
Role
Character designer

Hayao Miyazaki

Creator name
Hayao Miyazaki
Role
Writer

Studio Ghibli

Creator name
Studio Ghibli
Role
Animation studio

Shueisha

Creator name
Shueisha
Role
Publisher

Tokuma Shoten

Creator name
Tokuma Shoten
Role
Licensee

Related goods

Baron Figure

Item name
Baron Figure
Category
Figure
Availability
Regular

Baron Plush

Item name
Baron Plush
Category
Plush or doll
Availability
Regular