Kiki’s Delivery Service is a charming animated film by Studio Ghibli that tells the story of Kiki, a young witch who leaves her home to start her own delivery service. Along the way, she meets several interesting characters who help her on her journey.
One of the most beloved characters in the film is Jiji, Kiki’s black cat companion. In the original Japanese script, Jiji is actually female, but in the English dub, the character is voiced by a male actor. Jiji is witty, and sarcastic, and provides comic relief throughout the film. However, Jiji also serves as a symbol of Kiki’s inner struggles. When Kiki loses her ability to communicate with Jiji, it represents her loss of confidence and self-doubt.
Another important character in the film is Tombo, a young boy who is fascinated by flight. Tombo is persistent in his pursuit of Kiki’s attention and friendship, but he also serves as a reminder that Kiki’s magic is not the only thing that makes her special. Tombo’s passion for flight inspires Kiki to find her own unique talents and abilities.
Osono is another character who plays a significant role in Kiki’s journey. Osono is the owner of a bakery and offers Kiki a place to stay and work when she first arrives in town. Osono is kind and supportive, and she provides Kiki with a sense of stability and community.
There is Kiki’s mother, Kokiri. Kokiri is a wise and loving mother who encourages Kiki to follow her dreams and find her own path in life. Although Kiki initially struggles to find her place in the world, Kokiri’s unwavering support gives her the strength and confidence she needs to succeed.
The characters in Kiki’s Delivery Service are all unique and memorable in their own way. Each character serves a specific purpose in the story, whether it be providing comic relief, inspiring Kiki to find her own talents, or offering her a sense of community and support. Through these characters, the film explores themes of self-discovery, friendship, and the importance of following one’s own path in life.
Is Jiji a Girl Or a Boy?
Jiji is originally portrayed as a female in the original Japanese script of the popular animated film Kiki’s Delivery Service. However, in the English dubbed version, Jiji is voiced by a male actor, leading to confusion among viewers as to the character’s gender. It is important to note that in the original Japanese version, Jiji’s gender is not explicitly stated, and it is left open to interpretation. Therefore, while some may consider Jiji to be a female character, others may perceive them as male.
Why Did Kiki Cat Stop Talking?
Kiki’s cat, Jiji, stopped talking to her towards the end of the film due to the natural progression of growing up, not because Kiki lost her ability to communicate with animals. As Kiki matured and gained more independence, her reliance on Jiji as a confidant and friend decreased, leading to a shift in their relationship. This is a common experience for many young people as they grow up and develop new interests and relationships.
Why Did Jiji Leave Kiki?
Jiji did not leave Kiki in the movie “Kiki’s Delivery Service.” However, there is a scene in the movie where Jiji is unable to speak with Kiki even after she regains her power to communicate with him. This was done by the director, Hayao Miyazaki, to show that Kiki has come of age and no longer needs her “other self” to communicate with the world around her. The moment also symbolizes growing up and the loss of childhood innocence.
Does Kiki Ever Hear Jiji Again?
In the original Japanese version of the film, Kiki loses her ability to communicate with Jiji permanently. However, in the American version, there is a line added that suggests Kiki is once again able to understand Jiji at the conclusion of the movie. Therefore, it can be inferred that Kiki does hear Jiji again in the American version of the film, but not in the original Japanese version.
Conclusion
The characters in Kiki’s Delivery Service are complex and well-developed, each with their own unique personality and set of challenges to overcome. Kiki, the main protagonist, is a strong and determined young witch who learns important lessons about independence, friendship, and self-confidence throughout the film. Her companion, Jiji, is a loyal and humorous black cat who provides both comedic relief and emotional support for Kiki. Other characters such as Tombo, Osono, and Ursula add depth and richness to the story, each playing a vital role in Kiki’s journey. the characters in Kiki’s Delivery Service are a testament to the power of Miyazaki’s storytelling and his ability to create compelling and relatable characters that resonate with audiences of all ages.
