Kiki

Overview

Kiki is the main protagonist of Studio Ghibli's animated feature film Kiki's Delivery Service. Born to a witch mother and a human father, she leaves her hometown at age thirteen alongside her companion cat, Jiji, in accordance with witch tradition. After settling in the seaside town of Koriko, she establishes a flying courier service, navigating independence and growing into a full-fledged witch.

Appearance

Kiki has short brown hair topped with a signature oversized red hair bow, alongside brown eyes. She wears a simple, loose-fitting black short-sleeved dress. When traveling by flight, she mounts a wooden broom.

Personality

Kiki is energetic, earnest, and proactive, demonstrating determination when adapting to new environments. Despite her upbeat nature, she also experiences self-doubt and emotional sensitivity typical of early adolescence, working through periods of uncertainty through resilience and connection with others.

Abilities

Kiki possesses the magical ability to fly by riding a wooden broom. She is also capable of speaking with and understanding her companion black cat, Jiji.

Background

Having chosen at age ten to live as a witch, Kiki embarks on her mandatory independent training year on a full moon night at age thirteen. Moving to the city of Koriko—where no other witches reside—she initially struggles with the unfamiliar urban environment. She eventually opens her courier business while lodging at a local bakery, learning to navigate independent life.

Relationships

Jiji, a talking black cat, is Kiki's loyal familiar and traveling partner. Upon arriving in Koriko, she is taken in by Osono, a welcoming baker. During her stay, she develops bonds with Tombo, an aviation-obsessed local boy, and Ursula, a free-spirited painter living in the forest.

Trivia

The departure ceremony depicted in her story is based on an ancient witch custom requiring thirteen-year-olds to spend a full year living independently in an unfamiliar town.