Kiki’s Delivery Service: Sakurajima (Kagoshima Prefecture)
Introduction
“Kiki’s Delivery Service,” an animated film produced by Studio Ghibli in 1989 and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, is an immortal masterpiece based on Eiko Kadono’s children’s literature. The image of the protagonist Kiki leaving her parents at age 13 and becoming independent as a witch in the seaside town of Koriko continues to remain in the hearts of people across generations.
Did you know that there is actually an intriguing 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 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 a young witch named Kiki who turns 13 and, following ancient custom, leaves home for training, beginning her life in an unfamiliar town.
The animated film produced by Studio Ghibli, which premiered on July 29, 1989, was written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki and achieved major success with domestic box office revenue of 2.15 billion yen and distribution revenue of 4.3 billion yen. The work continues to be loved worldwide, and even now achieves high viewership ratings whenever it is broadcast on television.
Plot Summary
Kiki, a 13-year-old girl with witch blood, leaves home on a full moon night accompanied by her black cat Jiji, following an ancient custom. Arriving at the beautiful seaside town of Koriko, Kiki meets a kind woman named Osono and moves into the bakery “Goocho Kipo Pan Shop,” where she becomes a lodger.
Kiki takes advantage of her only magical ability—the power to fly—and starts her own delivery business called “Kiki’s Delivery Service.” At first, her new life seems to go smoothly, but she experiences troubles and setbacks typical of adolescence, and one day suddenly loses her magical powers.
While facing difficulties, Kiki grows through warm interactions with people in the town and her encounter with Ursula, a girl painter. In the end, she recovers her sense of self and becomes able to fly again—a story of growth and independence.
Main Characters
Kiki: The 13-year-old protagonist and witch apprentice. She has a bright and positive personality but harbors worries typical of adolescence. Her only magical ability is flying on a broom.
Jiji: Kiki’s companion, a black cat. He can speak human language and is Kiki’s good confidant.
Osono: The female owner of Goocho Kipo Pan Shop. She warmly welcomes Kiki and watches over her like a mother.
Tombo (Copoli): A young boy fascinated by flying machines. He takes an interest in Kiki and tries to become her friend.
Ursula: A free-spirited female painter who draws in a small cottage in the forest. She gives Kiki important advice when she falls into a creative slump.
The Relationship Between Kiki’s Delivery Service and Sakurajima, Kagoshima Prefecture
The Possibility That Sakurajima Served as a Model
The town of Koriko, setting of 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 depicted in the work are said to resemble Sakurajima in Kagoshima Prefecture, a topic long discussed among fans.
What is particularly notable is the view of the sea and mountains visible from the town of Koriko. Sakurajima is an active volcano floating in Kinko Bay in Kagoshima, and its magnificent form can be seen from across the bay from Kagoshima’s city center. Some point out that this geographic characteristic is similar to the landscapes appearing in Kiki’s Delivery Service.
Director Hayao Miyazaki’s Connection to Kagoshima
Director Hayao Miyazaki is known to have researched various towns throughout the world during the creation of his works. He visited many places throughout Japan, and there is a theory that Kagoshima Prefecture was also one of his research locations.
Sakurajima is a representative active volcano of Japan, and its unique landscape has provided inspiration to many artists. It is entirely plausible that when Director Miyazaki constructed the worldview of Kiki’s Delivery Service, he referenced the majestic nature of Sakurajima and the scenery where sea and mountains harmonize.
The Landscape of Volcano and Sea
The town of Koriko appearing in Kiki’s Delivery Service is depicted as a port town where beautiful sea and mountains in the background make an impression. Sakurajima, too, while being an active volcano, is surrounded by sea and creates a unique landscape.
In particular, the view of Sakurajima from the Iso Coast of Kagoshima City or the Shiroyama Observatory presents a landscape that harmonizes the calm surface of Kinko Bay with the powerful presence of a volcano—literally a painterly scene. Such a landscape of “coexistence of sea and mountain (volcano)” can be said to be an element shared with the worldview 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 Mount Mikaodake as its main peak at 1,117 meters above sea level. It continues to be an active volcano, frequently rising smoke plumes.
Due to the Great Taisho Eruption of 1914, Sakurajima, which had previously been an island, became connected to the Osumi Peninsula. Now just a 15-minute ferry ride from Kagoshima’s city center, it attracts many tourists throughout the year.
Major Tourist Spots on Sakurajima
Yunohira Observatory: Located at the 4th station of Sakurajima at 373 meters above sea level, this observatory is the highest point accessible to the general public. The view of Kinko Bay and Kagoshima’s city center from here is spectacular.
Arimura Lava Observatory: An observatory set up on the lava plain that flowed out during the Great Taisho Eruption of 1914. There is a walking path over the lava where you can feel the power of the volcano up close.
Sakurajima Visitor Center: A facility where you can learn about Sakurajima’s nature, history, and volcanic activity. You can gain a deeper understanding of Sakurajima through video displays and dioramas.
Kurokami Buried Torii: A torii gate buried in volcanic ash during the Great Taisho Eruption. With only about 1 meter of the 3-meter-tall torii remaining above ground, it testifies to the ferocity of the eruption.
Sakurajima Lava Nagisa Park Foot Bath: Japan’s largest foot bath facility. While soaking in the approximately 100-meter-long foot bath, you can view Kinko Bay and Kagoshima’s city center.
Experiencing Kiki’s Delivery Service at Sakurajima
When visiting Sakurajima, you can enjoy sightseeing while feeling the worldview of Kiki’s Delivery Service.
Seaside Strolls: Walking around Sakurajima Port or the Lava Nagisa Promenade allows you to experience the seaside landscape that Kiki must have flown over on her broom. Especially at dusk, the sea is dyed gold, and the area is wrapped in a fantastical atmosphere.
Ferry Rides: The ferry connecting Kagoshima’s city center and Sakurajima operates 24 hours and allows you to experience the feeling of Kiki flying over the sea on her broom. Going out on deck, you can enjoy feeling the sea breeze as you approach Sakurajima.
Views from High Points: The landscape seen from Yunohira Observatory or Shiroyama Observatory is like the viewpoint of a witch looking down at the town from the sky. A beautiful panorama reminiscent of the town of Koriko spreads out.
Kiki’s Delivery Service Pilgrimage Spots in Japan
Kagawa Prefecture: Shodoshima Olive Park
The Shodoshima Olive Park in Kagawa Prefecture is famous as a filming location for the live-action film “Kiki’s Delivery Service” directed by Takashi Shimizu, released in 2014.
Goocho Kipo Pan Shop Set: The set of the Goocho Kipo Pan Shop used during filming was relocated to the Olive Park after production and now operates as a miscellaneous goods store called “Koriko.” You can purchase Kiki’s Delivery Service-related merchandise in the shop.
Magic Broom Rental: Shodoshima Olive Park offers free “magic broom” rentals, allowing you to take photos around the Greek windmill while roleplaying as Kiki. This service is particularly popular with young women and is known as an Instagram-worthy spot.
Greek Windmill: The park’s symbol, a white windmill, evokes a Mediterranean atmosphere and perfectly fits the worldview of Kiki’s Delivery Service. If you photograph yourself straddling a broom with the blue sky as a backdrop, you can capture a photo that looks as if you’re actually flying.
Other Live-Action Filming Locations: Filming took place at various locations throughout the island, including the former Tosaka Elementary School, Sakate Port, Kankyakei Gorge, and Mejima. Tours visiting these filming locations are also popular.
Other Domestic Pilgrimage Sites
Yokohama: The live-action film also used Yokohama’s Yamate district and Motomachi Shopping Street for filming. The Western-style buildings lining Yamate’s streets convey the atmosphere of the town of Koriko.
Kobe: The Kitano District, with its row of foreign residences, has a European atmosphere and overlaps with the worldview of Kiki’s Delivery Service.
Kiki’s Delivery Service Model Locations Around the World
Sweden: Stockholm
The Swedish capital of Stockholm, 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 seaside location are reflected in the work.
Sweden: Visby, Gotland Island
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 red-roofed houses lined up is the very world of Kiki’s Delivery Service.
Croatia: Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik, called the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” is also a candidate for the model of Koriko. The contrast between the old town with beautiful orange-tiled roofs and the blue sea closely resembles the landscapes in the work.
Diverse Developments of Kiki’s Delivery Service
Original Novel Series
The original novels by Eiko Kadono comprise a long series from Volume 1 in 1985 to Volume 6 in 2009, depicting Kiki’s life from age 13 to 35. The animated film is based on the first half of Volume 1, but the original work also describes marriage, childbirth, and child-rearing.
Music of the Animated Film
The music composed by Joe Hisaishi greatly enhanced the charm of the work. The theme songs “Rouge’s Message” (Yumi Arai) and “Wrapped in Kindness” (Yumi Arai) continue to be loved as pieces that epitomize the film.
Live-Action Film Version
The live-action film produced in 2014, directed by Takashi Shimizu and starring Fuuka Koshiba, is a work that expresses the worldview of the original novel using Japanese scenery. Filmed primarily on Shodoshima, it is evaluated as a work with different charm from the animated version.
Stage and Musicals
Kiki’s Delivery Service has also been performed as a stage production and musical. In 2016, a stage performance was held in Japan, and in 2024, the musical was also adapted in Britain, demonstrating how the work is enjoyed in various forms worldwide.
Collaboration with Anime Commercials
Cup Noodles ‘HUNGRY DAYS’: In the Nissin Foods Cup Noodles CM series, Kiki and Tombo, depicted as modern high school students, appeared and became a major topic of discussion.
McDonald’s “Witch’s Delivery: European Burgers”: In 2023, a collaboration with McDonald’s was launched, featuring a campaign themed around Kiki’s Delivery Service.
The Message of Kiki’s Delivery Service
A Story of Independence and Growth
The core of Kiki’s Delivery Service is a coming-of-age story depicting a 13-year-old girl’s process of becoming independent after leaving her parents. Despite possessing magical powers that are special, Kiki worries, fails, and overcomes these challenges just like an ordinary girl.
Slump and Rebirth
In the middle of the work, Kiki loses her magical powers. This symbolizes the identity crisis typical of adolescence. When confronted with fundamental questions about who she is and why she uses her magic, Kiki, through dialogue with Ursula, recovers her sense of self.
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 engagement with them, Kiki finds her place and grows. This work quietly yet powerfully conveys the importance of human connection.
Trivia for Enjoying Kiki’s Delivery Service
About the Name “Takukyubin”
“Takukyubin” is actually a registered trademark of Yamato Transport. Studio Ghibli obtained official permission to use it in the work’s title, and Yamato Transport has supported the work through collaboration.
Kiki’s Age Setting
In the original novel, it is customary for witches to leave home for training at age 13. The number 13 symbolizes the transition from childhood to adulthood in many cultures and is an important setting that expresses the work’s theme of “independence.”
Why Jiji Stops Speaking
In the latter half of the film, Jiji’s words become inaudible to Kiki. Director Hayao Miyazaki explained this by saying “because Kiki has grown.” The ability to speak with animals, which seemed possible in childhood, is lost with growth. This represents both the loneliness of becoming an adult and growth to a new stage.
Planning a Journey Around Kiki’s Delivery Service and Sakurajima
Kagoshima and Sakurajima: 2-Day Model Course
Day 1
- Morning: Arrive at Kagoshima Airport, move to the city
- Noon: View Sakurajima from Shiroyama Observatory
- Afternoon: Cross to Sakurajima by ferry, sightsee at Yunohira Observatory and Arimura Lava Observatory
- Evening: Relax in the foot bath at Lava Nagisa Park while viewing the sunset
- Night: Enjoy local cuisine such as Kuro-buta shabu-shabu in Kagoshima’s city center
Day 2
- Morning: Visit Sakurajima Visitor Center and Kurokami Buried Torii
- Noon: Enjoy “Yabu-kin Udon” in Sakurajima Ferry
- Afternoon: Sightsee in Kagoshima’s city center (Sengan-en, Ishin Furusato-kan, etc.)
- Evening: Shopping and dining at Tenmonkan
Shodoshima Pilgrimage Plan
Access to Shodoshima is available by ferry from Takamatsu Port or Hinase Port in Okayama Prefecture. Transportation around the island is convenient by car, but rental bicycles and bus tours are also available.
Recommended 1-Day Course
- Morning: Experience the magic broom at Olive Park, visit Goocho Kipo Pan Shop (Koriko)
- Noon: Enjoy local specialties such as “hishio-don” and “olive noodles”
- Afternoon: Visit sightseeing spots such as Angel Road and Kankyakei Gorge
- Evening: Take commemorative photos at spots with beautiful sunsets
To Deeply Enjoy 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 unfolds—Kiki’s subsequent life, marriage, child-rearing, and even the stories of her daughters.
Listen to the Soundtrack
The beautiful music by Joe Hisaishi helps in gaining a deeper understanding of the work’s worldview. Listening to pieces such as “The Town with a View of the Sea” and “On a Clear Day…” conjures the landscapes of the town of Koriko.
Related Books and Materials
Reading the storyboard collection and production materials issued by Studio Ghibli helps you understand more deeply the intentions Director Miyazaki had when creating the work.
Conclusion
More than 35 years after its 1989 release, Kiki’s Delivery Service remains an immortal masterpiece loved across generations. While the connection between Kagoshima Prefecture’s Sakurajima and the work cannot be definitively proven, the unique landscape where sea and volcano harmonize shares elements with the work’s worldview.
When visiting Sakurajima, try enjoying the sightseeing while imagining the seaside landscapes over which Kiki must have flown on her broom. Moreover, visiting domestic pilgrimage spots such as Shodoshima and model locations overseas will deepen your understanding of and affection for the work even further.
The messages that Kiki’s Delivery Service conveys—”independence,” “growth,” and “the importance of community”—hold universal value transcending time and place. Through the work, you will gain an opportunity to reflect on your own life and growth.
The adventure journey of Kiki and Jiji overlaps with the journey of each of our lives. Even if you cannot fly, you will be able to fly again. With that message of hope in your heart, continue your own journey.
