Introduction
“Kiki’s Delivery Service,” an animated film produced by Studio Ghibli and directed by Hayao Miyazaki in 1989, is a timeless masterpiece based on the children’s literature work by Eiko Kadono. The sight of the protagonist Kiki, at thirteen years old, leaving her parents and standing alone as a witch in the seaside town of Koriko continues to remain in the hearts of people across generations.
Did you know there is actually a fascinating connection between this work and Sakurajima in Kagoshima Prefecture? In this article, we will thoroughly explain the connection between Kiki’s Delivery Service and Sakurajima, the charm of the work, and pilgrimage spots to sacred locations throughout Japan.
About Kiki’s Delivery Service
Overview of the Work
“Kiki’s Delivery Service” is a children’s literature work by Eiko Kadono, published by Fukuinkan Shoten in 1985. The story follows Kiki, a witch girl who turns thirteen and, following an old custom, leaves home for training and begins living in an unfamiliar town.
The animated film produced by Studio Ghibli and released on July 29, 1989, was written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, achieving a major hit with box office revenue of 2.15 billion yen and distribution revenue of 4.3 billion yen in Japan. The work continues to be loved around the world and consistently achieves high viewership ratings whenever it is broadcast on television.
Plot Summary
Kiki, a thirteen-year-old girl with witch’s blood, leaves home with her black cat Jiji on the night of the full moon, following an old custom. Arriving at the beautiful seaside town of Koriko, Kiki meets Osono, a kind woman who runs a bread shop called “Guchoki Pan Shop,” and moves in with her.
Kiki makes use of her only magical ability, the power to fly through the air, and opens a delivery business called “Kiki’s Delivery Service.” Her new life initially appeared to be going smoothly, but she experiences troubles and setbacks typical of adolescence, and one day suddenly loses her magical powers.
Facing difficulties, through warm interactions with the people of the town and meeting Ursula, a girl who draws pictures, Kiki grows. In the end, she reclaims her sense of self and becomes able to fly again—a story of growth and independence.
Main Characters
Kiki: The protagonist, a thirteen-year-old apprentice witch. She has a bright and positive personality but carries worries typical of adolescence. The only magic she can perform is flying on a broomstick.
Jiji: Kiki’s black cat companion. He is able to speak human language and is Kiki’s good confidant.
Osono: The female proprietor of the Guchoki Pan Shop. She warmly accepts Kiki and watches over her like a mother.
Tombo (Copoli): A boy fascinated by flying machines. He takes an interest in Kiki and tries to become her friend.
Ursula: A free-spirited female painter who paints in a cottage in the forest. She gives Kiki important advice when Kiki falls into a slump.
The Relationship Between Kiki’s Delivery Service and Sakurajima in Kagoshima Prefecture
The Possibility of Sakurajima as a Model
The town of Koriko, which serves as the setting for Kiki’s Delivery Service, is said to be primarily modeled after European port towns such as Stockholm and Visby in Sweden and Dubrovnik in Croatia. However, some of the landscapes that appear in the work contain descriptions that evoke Sakurajima in Kagoshima Prefecture, something that has been discussed among fans for many years.
Particularly noteworthy is the landscape of the sea and mountains visible from the town of Koriko. Sakurajima is an active volcano floating in Kinko Bay (Kinko-wan) in Kagoshima, and from the Kagoshima city area, its majestic form can be seen across the sea. Some point out that this geographical feature is similar to the landscape depicted in Kiki’s Delivery Service.
The Connection Between Director Hayao Miyazaki and Kagoshima
Director Hayao Miyazaki is known for having conducted research visits to various cities around the world during the production of his works. He visited various locations throughout Japan as well, and there is a theory that Kagoshima Prefecture was one of his research destinations.
Sakurajima is a representative active volcano in Japan, and its unique landscape has inspired many artists. It is entirely plausible that Director Miyazaki referenced Sakurajima’s magnificent nature and the landscape where the sea and mountains harmonize when constructing the world of Kiki’s Delivery Service.
The Landscape of Volcano and Sea
The town of Koriko, which appears in Kiki’s Delivery Service, is depicted as a port town with an impressive beautiful sea and mountains in the background. Sakurajima likewise, while being an active volcano, is surrounded by the sea and creates a unique landscape.
In particular, the sight of Sakurajima as seen from Isokaiigashi Beach or the Shiroyama Observation Deck in Kagoshima City is a landscape as if from a painting, where the calm surface of Kinko Bay and the powerful presence of the volcano harmonize. Such a landscape of “coexistence of sea and mountain (volcano)” can be said to be an element shared with the world view of Kiki’s Delivery Service.
The Charm and Tourist Spots of Sakurajima
Basic Information About Sakurajima
Sakurajima is an active volcano located in Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, with its main peak being Mount Minotake at an elevation of 1,117 meters. It continues to maintain active volcanic activity to this day, and it is possible to frequently see the sight of it emitting volcanic smoke.
Due to the Taishō Great Eruption of 1914, Sakurajima, which had been an island until then, became connected to the Osumi Peninsula by land. It is currently only about fifteen minutes by ferry from Kagoshima City, and many tourists visit throughout the year.
Major Tourist Spots on Sakurajima
Yunohira Observation Deck: Located at the 4th station of Sakurajima, at an elevation of 373 meters, this observation deck is the highest point that the general public can access. The views of Kinko Bay and Kagoshima City from here are spectacular.
Arimura Lava Observation Deck: An observation deck set up on the lava field that flowed from the Taishō Eruption of 1914. There is a walking trail on top of the lava, allowing visitors to feel the power of the volcano up close.
Sakurajima Visitor Center: A facility where one can learn about Sakurajima’s nature, history, and volcanic activity. Through video displays and dioramas, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of Sakurajima.
Kamijinmaidzeburied Torii Gate: A torii gate that was buried in volcanic ash during the Taishō Eruption. With the gate standing at a height of 3 meters, only about 1 meter of its upper portion remains above ground, telling of the tremendous power of the eruption.
Sakurajima Lava Nagisa Park Foot Bath: Japan’s largest-scale foot bath facility. While soaking in a foot bath stretching approximately 100 meters in length, visitors can enjoy views of Kinko Bay and Kagoshima City.
Experiencing Kiki’s Delivery Service on Sakurajima
When visiting Sakurajima, one can enjoy sightseeing while experiencing the world of Kiki’s Delivery Service.
Seaside Walks: Walking around Sakurajima Port or along the Lava Nagisa promenade allows you to experience the seaside landscape that Kiki would have flown over on her broomstick. Especially at dusk, the sea turns golden, and the area is enveloped in a magical atmosphere.
Travel by Ferry: The ferry connecting Kagoshima City and Sakurajima operates 24 hours a day, allowing passengers to feel as if they are crossing the sea on Kiki’s broomstick. Stepping out onto the deck allows you to enjoy the approach to Sakurajima while feeling the sea breeze.
Views from High Places: The landscape seen from Yunohira Observation Deck or Shiroyama Observation Deck is exactly like the perspective of a witch looking down on the town from the sky. A beautiful panorama that brings to mind the town of Koriko spreads out before you.
Sacred Location Pilgrimage Spots for Kiki’s Delivery Service Within Japan
Olive Park, Shodoshima Island, Kagawa Prefecture
A famous location for filming the live-action version of “Kiki’s Delivery Service” directed by Takashi Shimizu, released in 2014, is Olive Park on Shodoshima Island in Kagawa Prefecture.
The Guchoki Pan Shop Set: The set of the Guchoki Pan Shop used during filming was relocated to Olive Park after shooting, and is currently operating as a souvenir shop called “Koriko.” Visitors can purchase Kiki’s Delivery Service-related merchandise in the shop.
Magic Broomstick Rental: Olive Park offers free rentals of “magic broomsticks,” allowing visitors to dress as Kiki and take photos around the Greek windmill. This service is especially popular among young women and is known as an Instagram-worthy spot.
Greek Windmill: The white windmill, which is the symbol of the park, emanates a Mediterranean atmosphere and is perfect for the world of Kiki’s Delivery Service. Photographing oneself straddling a broomstick against a blue sky results in photos that look as though one is actually flying through the air.
Other Live-Action Film Shooting Locations: Throughout Shodoshima Island, filming took place at various locations including the former Tokategata Elementary School, Sakate Port, Kankatsuji Gorge, and Mejima Island. Tours that visit these filming locations are also popular.
Other Domestic Sacred Sites
Yokohama: The live-action film also used the Yamate District and Motomachi Shopping Street of Yokohama for filming. The streetscapes of Yamate, with their Western-style architecture, evoke the atmosphere of the town of Koriko.
Kobe: The Kitano District, with its lined traditional Western mansions, has a European atmosphere and shares elements with the world of Kiki’s Delivery Service.
Model Locations Worldwide for Kiki’s Delivery Service
Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, which Director Hayao Miyazaki visited during his research, is said to be one of the models for the town of Koriko. The cobblestone streets of the old town Gamla Stan, colorful buildings, and waterfront location are reflected in the work.
Visby, Gotland Island, Sweden
Visby, the central city of Gotland Island floating in the Baltic Sea, is also famous as a model for Koriko. The old town surrounded by medieval city walls is registered as a World Heritage Site, and the landscape of houses with red roofs in a row is exactly like the world of Kiki’s Delivery Service.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik, which is called the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” is also one of the candidate models for Koriko. The contrast between the old town with beautiful orange-tiled roofs and the blue sea is strikingly similar to the landscape depicted in the work.
Various Developments of Kiki’s Delivery Service
Original Novel Series
The original novel series by Eiko Kadono runs from Volume 1 in 1985 through Volume 6 in 2009, depicting Kiki’s life from age thirteen to thirty-five. The animated film is based on the first half of Volume 1; however, the original work depicts marriage, childbirth, and child-rearing.
Music of the Animated Film
The music composed by Joe Hisaishi greatly enhances the appeal of the work. In particular, the theme songs “Rouge no Dengon” (Yoshie Arai) and “Yasashisa ni Tsutsumarem Narada” (Yoshie Arai) continue to be beloved as compositions that symbolize the film.
Live-Action Film Version
The live-action film produced in 2014 by director Takashi Shimizu, starring Fuka Koshiba, is a work that expresses the world of the original novel through Japanese landscapes. Filmed primarily on Shodoshima Island, it is evaluated as a work with charm different from the animated version.
Theater and Musical
Kiki’s Delivery Service has also been performed as a stage play and musical. A stage production was performed in Japan in 2016, and in 2024, it was adapted into a musical in Britain as well, with the work being enjoyed in various forms around the world.
Anime Collaboration and Commercials
Cup Noodles “HUNGRY DAYS”: In the Cup Noodles commercial series by Nissin Foods, Kiki and Tombo are depicted as modern high school students, creating a major topic of discussion.
McDonald’s “Witch’s Delivery Mononoke European Burgers”: In 2023, a campaign based on Kiki’s Delivery Service was rolled out through a collaboration with McDonald’s.
The Message Conveyed by Kiki’s Delivery Service
A Story of Independence and Growth
The core of Kiki’s Delivery Service is a coming-of-age story depicting the process by which a thirteen-year-old girl becomes independent after leaving her parents. Although Kiki possesses special magic, she worries, fails, and overcomes these hardships just like any ordinary girl.
Slump and Rebirth
Midway through the work, Kiki loses her magical powers. This symbolizes an identity crisis typical of adolescence. Confronted with fundamental questions about who she is and why she uses her magic, Kiki regains her sense of self through dialogue with Ursula.
The Importance of Community
Kiki’s growth was supported by warm interactions with the people of Koriko. Osono, Tombo, Ursula, and the people of the town—through involvement with them, Kiki finds her place in the world and grows. This work quietly yet powerfully conveys the importance of human connections.
Trivia for Enjoying Kiki’s Delivery Service
About the Term “Takkyūbin” (Delivery Service)
“Takkyūbin” is actually a registered trademark of Yamato Transport. Studio Ghibli obtained formal permission to use it in the film’s title, and Yamato Transport has supported the work through collaborations.
Kiki’s Age Setting
In the original novel, witches follow a custom of leaving home for training when they turn thirteen. The number thirteen symbolizes the transition from childhood to adulthood in many cultures and is an important setting that expresses the theme of the work: “independence.”
Why Jiji Stops Speaking
In the latter part of the film, Kiki can no longer hear Jiji’s voice. Director Hayao Miyazaki explained this by saying “Because Kiki has grown.” The ability to talk with animals that seemed possible in childhood is lost as one matures. This signifies both the loneliness of becoming an adult and growth into a new stage.
Planning a Journey Exploring Kiki’s Delivery Service and Sakurajima
Kagoshima and Sakurajima: A Two-Day Model Itinerary
Day One
- Morning: Arrival at Kagoshima Airport, travel to the city
- Lunch: View Sakurajima from Shiroyama Observation Deck
- Afternoon: Cross to Sakurajima by ferry, tour Yunohira Observation Deck and Arimura Lava Observation Deck
- Evening: Relax at Lava Nagisa Park Foot Bath while viewing the sunset
- Night: Enjoy local cuisine such as black pork hot pot in Kagoshima City
Day Two
- Morning: Visit Sakurajima Visitor Center and Kamijinmaidzeburied Torii Gate
- Lunch: Try the famous “Yabu-kin Udon” on the Sakurajima ferry
- Afternoon: Sightseeing in Kagoshima City (Sengan-en, Restoration Hometown Hall, etc.)
- Evening: Shopping and dining at Tenmonkan
Shodoshima Island Sacred Site Pilgrimage Plan
Access to Shodoshima Island is available by ferry from Takamatsu Port or Hisui Port in Okayama Prefecture. Car travel is convenient around the island, though rental bicycles and bus tours are also available.
Recommended One-Day Course
- Morning: Magic broomstick experience at Olive Park, visit Guchoki Pan Shop (Koriko)
- Lunch: Try island specialties such as “hisio donburi” or “olive somen”
- Afternoon: Tour tourist spots including Enjerurodō and Kankatsuji Gorge
- Evening: Take commemorative photographs at a scenic sunset spot
To Deeply Appreciate Kiki’s Delivery Service
Read the Original Novels
After watching the animated film, be sure to read the original novels as well. Beyond what is depicted in the film, a rich world awaits, including Kiki’s later life, marriage, child-rearing, and even the stories of her daughters.
Listen to the Soundtrack
The beautiful music of Joe Hisaishi helps deepen one’s understanding of the work’s world. Listening to pieces such as “The Town with a View of the Sea” and “On a Clear Day…” brings images of the town of Koriko to life.
Related Books and Resources
Reading the storyboard collections and production materials published by Studio Ghibli allows one to more deeply understand the intentions behind Director Miyazaki’s creation of the work.
Conclusion
Kiki’s Delivery Service remains a timeless masterpiece loved across generations more than thirty-five years after its 1989 release. While the connection between the work and Sakurajima in Kagoshima Prefecture has not been conclusively proven, the unique landscape where sea and volcano harmonize shares elements with the world of the work.
When visiting Sakurajima, try enjoying the sightseeing while imagining the seaside landscape over which Kiki would have flown on her broomstick. Furthermore, visiting domestic sacred sites such as Shodoshima Island and model locations overseas will deepen one’s understanding and affection for the work.
The messages conveyed by Kiki’s Delivery Service—”independence,” “growth,” and “the importance of community”—hold universal value that transcends time and place. Through the work, one should gain an opportunity to contemplate one’s own life and growth.
The adventure journey of Kiki and Jiji overlaps with the journey of life of each of us. Even when one cannot fly, one can fly again. Embracing this message of hope, let us continue on our own journey.
