About:

Title: Kiki’s Delivery Service (魔女の宅急便)
Released: 1989

Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Class Superlative: Most Cheerful

In a Land of Pure Imagination

At the age of 13, all witches must spend a year on their own to hone their craft. For her apprenticeship, Kiki moves to a scenic port town. But she’s yet to come into her magical abilities, and all she can do is (just barely) fly a broom. In order to support herself — she can’t just accio cash, y’know? — Kiki starts a delivery service (SPOILER ALERT). As if being a teenager wasn’t enough to worry about — Kiki has a whole business to run! And as you might suspect, things don’t always go so smoothly. 

Adorable Child Alert

The birthday boy may be adorable, but he also seems a bit spoiled.

Lovable Anthropomorphic Sidekicks

JIJI! Jiji is everything!

Jiji gets another GIF because he’s my favourite Ghibli pet! (Note that I said pet, not non-human. ‘Cause DON’T MAKE ME CHOOSE, I WON’T!)

And for those of you who prefer dogs, here’s Jeff! (With more Jiji!)

Wait, WTF?

KIKI, WHY ARE YOU SO LOUD?

Famous Voices

Class Superlative: Most Cheerful

(You best believe that’s a Bring It On pun!) It’s hard to believe that anything could bring bubbly, effervescent Kiki down. But everyone feels insecure from time to time. And UGH, Kiki — are you me!?

To paraphrase Fraulein Maria, we just need confidence in us! Kiki’s Delivery Service is so full of joy and positivity, and that energy is super infectious. 

Exploring the Studio Ghibli Vault

Mandy (she/her) lives in Edmonton, AB. When she’s not raiding the library for YA books, she enjoys eating ice cream (esp. in cold weather), learning fancy pole dance tricks, and stanning BTS. Mandy has been writing for FYA since 2012, and she oversaw all things FYA Book Club from 2013 to 2023.