KIKI

KIKI usually wears a plain, all-black dress called "the blackest black," because she is a witch. She often has a big red ribbon in her short dark hair. In the original novel, she has long hair, but in the animated movie, she is seen with short hair. She wears different colored and fun dresses only twice in her story, but both times she didn't have a good experience.

KIKI is curious, brave, and loves to help people even when she’s nervous or unsure. She sometimes doubts herself but keeps trying. She is friendly, polite, and always ready to learn about the world around her. KIKI cares deeply for her friends and wants to become independent.

According to witch rules, KIKI must leave home and live on her own at 13. She leaves her home village on her mother’s flying broom, even though her only real magic skill at first is flying. She is helped in Koriko by Osono, who owns a bakery and lets KIKI stay there. Later, she learns how to make a "sneeze potion" from her mother. KIKI’s magical ability is linked to her emotions and her sense of self.

Her birthday is February 2.

KIKI can fly on a broomstick, which is her main magical skill. This power weakens when she becomes unsure or stressed, like when work doesn't go well or she feels lonely. She can also make a "sneeze potion" thanks to her mother’s teachings. If her magic fades, she cannot talk to Jiji anymore, but when her power returns, they can speak again (in the novel). In the movie, once KIKI loses the magic link with Jiji, it does not come back.

• Jiji: KIKI’s black cat and closest friend. She can talk to him with her magic, but if her magic goes away, she can’t understand him anymore.
• Osono: A kind bakery owner in Koriko who helps KIKI settle in and start her delivery service.
• Tombo Kopoli: A boy in town who becomes KIKI’s friend and later, in the books, her long-distance boyfriend. By the last book, they get married and have two children.
• Ursula: An artist who supports KIKI during her struggles. Ursula helps KIKI realize how important it is to find her own path rather than copying others.

• After the novels ended, Studio Ghibli made official LINE stickers featuring KIKI using a smartphone or wearing a kimono, showing her adapting to the modern world.
• When KIKI first arrives in Koriko, people are surprised and even suspicious of witches. Over time, thanks to her hard work, she becomes accepted, but some worry that magical adventure and mystery are fading from the town.
• There is a story scene in the original novel where KIKI wears a swimsuit.
• The movie shows KIKI flying with her mother’s broom at first, but later, when she loses her magic, she uses a push-broom to save Tombo, showing her growth and independence.

Setting Off on Her Own

KIKI is a young witch who must leave her home at age 13 to become independent, as all witches do. She takes only what she needs and her mom's broom and heads to a new town by the sea named Koriko. She brings her black cat Jiji, who was born at the same time as her, as her companion.

Starting in Koriko

At first, the townspeople are not friendly to KIKI, making her feel lonely and unsure. However, KIKI meets Osono, a warm-hearted bakery owner who invites her to stay at her bakery and offers her a place to live.

Creating Kiki's Delivery Service

KIKI uses her flying skills to start a delivery service, bringing packages and goods all over Koriko. Through her business, she meets many people and starts to become more confident and independent.

Developing Her Magic and Facing Challenges

KIKI’s only magic at first is flying, but she also learns to make a "sneeze potion" from her mother. KIKI’s magical ability is very sensitive to her feelings. If she feels very sad, worried, or loses her sense of purpose, she begins to lose her magic and can no longer talk to Jiji. In the movie, this loss becomes permanent, symbolizing her growing up.

Building Friendships and Growing Up

KIKI befriends Tombo Kopoli, who admires her flying skills. They go through many adventures together. She also meets Ursula, an artist who helps KIKI realize the importance of finding her own talents instead of relying only on her family’s magic. With Ursula’s help, KIKI learns that true talent means making your power your own.

Overcoming Her Struggles

KIKI feels lost when her work isn’t appreciated, but a brave rescue and her friends’ support help her rediscover herself. She regains her ability to fly by focusing on what really matters to her—helping others and believing in herself.

Later Life (From the Books)

In later stories, KIKI continues long-distance romance with Tombo Kopoli, and in the final book, they marry and have two children. The wedding dress is made by a fashion designer friend.

• KIKI’s favorite outfit is her simple black dress, and she learns from experience that flashy clothes are not for her.
• In Ghibli’s view, magic in KIKI’s story means personal talent or a special ability everyone has, not just something supernatural. KIKI becomes stronger when she finds her own way in life.