Kiki’s Delivery Service and Sakurajima in Kagoshima Prefecture: A Deep Connection | Thorough Explanation of Sacred Sites and the Charm of the Work
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 the children’s literature work by Eiko Kadono. The image of the protagonist Kiki, who leaves home at age 13 and becomes independent as a witch in the seaside town of Koriko, continues to touch the hearts of people across generations.
Did you know that this work actually has an intriguing connection with Sakurajima in Kagoshima Prefecture? This article will thoroughly explain the connection between Kiki’s Delivery Service and Sakurajima, the charm of the work, and sacred pilgrimage sites 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. It tells the story of a 13-year-old witch girl named Kiki who, following an old custom, leaves home for training and begins living in an unfamiliar city.
The animated film produced by Studio Ghibli, released on July 29, 1989, was directed by Hayao Miyazaki, who also wrote the screenplay. It was a massive hit, recording box office revenue of 2.15 billion yen and distribution revenue of 4.3 billion yen in Japan. This work continues to be beloved worldwide and still achieves high viewership ratings whenever it airs on television.
Plot Summary
Kiki, a 13-year-old girl with witch blood, leaves home on a full moon night with her black cat Jiji, following an old custom. Arriving at the beautiful seaside town of Koriko, Kiki meets a kind woman named Osono at a bakery called “Goochoki Pan Store” and comes to stay with her.
Kiki starts a delivery business called “Kiki’s Delivery Service” by using her only magic ability, “the ability to fly.” 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, through warm interactions with the people of the town and meeting a girl painter named Ursula, Kiki grows as a person. In the end, she regains her true self and is able to fly again—a story of growth and independence.
Main Characters
Kiki: The 13-year-old protagonist and apprentice witch. She has a bright and positive personality but harbors worries typical of adolescence. Her only magic ability is flying on a broom.
Jiji: Kiki’s companion, a black cat. He can speak human language and is Kiki’s trusted confidant.
Osono: The female owner of the Goochoki Pan Store. She warmly accepts Kiki and watches over her like a mother.
Tombo (Copoli): A boy fascinated by flying machines. He shows interest in Kiki and tries to become her friend.
Ursula: A free-spirited female painter who paints in a cabin in the forest. She gives Kiki important advice when she 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 “Koriko,” the 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, among fans, it has long been said that some of the landscapes depicted in the work resemble Sakurajima in Kagoshima Prefecture.
What particularly draws attention is the landscape of 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 center, its majestic figure can be seen across the sea. Some point out that this geographical feature is similar to the landscape appearing in Kiki’s Delivery Service.
Director Hayao Miyazaki’s Connection to Kagoshima
Director Hayao Miyazaki is known for having conducted fieldwork in various towns around the world during the production of his works. He has also visited various locations throughout Japan, and there is a theory that Kagoshima Prefecture was one of his research sites.
Sakurajima is one of Japan’s most representative active volcanoes, and its unique landscape has inspired many artists. It is entirely conceivable that Director Miyazaki, in constructing the world of Kiki’s Delivery Service, drew inspiration from Sakurajima’s magnificent natural scenery and the landscape where sea and mountains harmonize.
The Landscape of Volcano and Sea
The town of Koriko, which appears in Kiki’s Delivery Service, is depicted as a port town where a beautiful sea and mountains in the background make a strong impression. Sakurajima is likewise an active volcano surrounded by sea, creating a unique landscape.
In particular, the view of Sakurajima from the Isomigishi coast of Kagoshima city or the Shiroyama observation platform is a landscape like a painting, where the calm surface of Kinko Bay and the powerful presence of the volcano are in harmony. Such a landscape of “coexistence of sea and mountain (volcano)” can be said to be an element common to the world 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, Ontake, standing at 1,117 meters above sea level. It continues to be volcanically active and frequently emits volcanic smoke that can be observed.
Due to the Great Taisho Eruption of 1914, Sakurajima, which had previously been an island, became connected to the Osumi Peninsula by land. It is now only about 15 minutes away by ferry from Kagoshima city center, and 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 is the highest point accessible to the general public. The view of Kinko Bay and Kagoshima city center from here is spectacular.
Arimura Lava Observatory: An observation platform set up on the lava plain that flowed during the Great Taisho Eruption of 1914. There is a nature trail over the lava where visitors can feel the intensity of the volcano up close.
Sakurajima Visitor Center: A facility where visitors can learn about Sakurajima’s nature, history, and volcanic activity. Video displays and dioramas allow for a deeper understanding of Sakurajima.
Kurokami Buried Torii Gate: A torii gate that was buried in volcanic ash during the Great Taisho Eruption. With only the top 1 meter of a 3-meter-tall torii gate remaining above ground, it tells of the severity of the eruption.
Sakurajima Lava Nagisa Park Foot Bath: Japan’s largest foot bath facility. Visitors can soak in a foot bath stretching approximately 100 meters while viewing Kinko Bay and Kagoshima city center.
Experiencing Kiki’s Delivery Service on Sakurajima
When visiting Sakurajima, it’s possible to enjoy sightseeing while appreciating the world of Kiki’s Delivery Service.
Seaside Walks: Walking around Sakurajima port and the lava Nagisa promenade allows you to experience the seaside scenery where Kiki must have flown on her broom. Especially at sunset, the sea turns golden, enveloping the area in a fantastical atmosphere.
Ferry Travel: The ferry connecting Kagoshima city center and Sakurajima operates 24 hours a day, allowing you to experience the feeling of Kiki traveling across the sea on her broom. Going out on deck lets you enjoy the salty sea breeze as you approach Sakurajima.
Views from High Ground: The views from Yunohira Observatory and Shiroyama Observatory are exactly like the perspective of a witch looking down at the city from the sky. A beautiful panorama reminiscent of the town of Koriko spreads out before you.
Sacred Pilgrimage Sites for Kiki’s Delivery Service in Japan
Shodoshima Olive Park, Kagawa Prefecture
Famous as a filming location for the live-action film “Kiki’s Delivery Service” directed by Takashi Shimizu and released in 2014 is Shodoshima Olive Park in Kagawa Prefecture.
Goochoki Pan Store Set: The Goochoki Pan Store set used for the film shooting was relocated to Olive Park after filming and currently operates as a souvenir shop called “Koriko.” Visitors can purchase Kiki’s Delivery Service-related merchandise here.
Magic Broom Rental: Olive Park offers free rentals of “magic brooms,” allowing visitors to dress up as Kiki and take photos around the Greek windmill. This service is particularly popular with young women and is known as a social media-worthy spot.
Greek Windmill: The park’s symbol, a white windmill, evokes a Mediterranean atmosphere and is perfect for the world of Kiki’s Delivery Service. Posing on the broom against a blue sky backdrop creates photos that look like you’re flying.
Other Live-Action Filming Locations: Filming on Shodoshima took place at various locations around the island, including the former Togata Elementary School, Sakate Port, Sanka Valley, and Mejima. Tours of these filming locations are also popular.
Other Domestic Sacred Sites
Yokohama: The live-action film also used Yokohama’s Yamote district and Motomachi shopping street as filming locations. The Western-style buildings lining Yamote’s streets create an atmosphere reminiscent of Koriko.
Kobe: The Kitano district, where foreign mansions stand in a row, has a European atmosphere that overlaps with the world of Kiki’s Delivery Service.
Model Locations Around the World 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 its position facing the sea are reflected in the work.
Visby, Gotland Island, Sweden
Visby, the central city of Gotland Island in the Baltic Sea, is also famous as a model for Koriko. The old town surrounded by medieval city walls is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the landscape of houses with red roofs lined up is like the world of Kiki’s Delivery Service itself.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik, known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” is also one of the model candidates for Koriko. The contrast between the old town with its beautiful orange roofs and the blue sea is strikingly similar to landscapes in the film.
Diverse Developments of Kiki’s Delivery Service
Original Novel Series
The original novel series by Eiko Kadono runs from the first volume in 1985 to the sixth volume in 2009, depicting Kiki’s life from age 13 to 35. The animated film is based on the first half of the first volume, but the original work describes marriage, childbirth, and childcare.
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” (Yumi Arai) and “Yasashisa ni Tsutsuma Retanara” (Yumi Arai) continue to be beloved as songs emblematic of the film.
Live-Action Film Version
The 2014 live-action film directed by Takashi Shimizu and starring Fuka Koshiba expresses the world of the original novel through Japanese scenery. Shot primarily on Shodoshima, it is evaluated as a work with different charm from the animated version.
Stage and Musical Productions
Kiki’s Delivery Service has also been performed as stage productions and musicals. A stage performance was held in Japan in 2016, and in 2024, a musical adaptation was created in the UK, with the work being enjoyed in various forms around the world.
Collaboration with Anime Commercials
Nissin Cup Noodles “HUNGRY DAYS”: In Nissin’s Cup Noodles CM series, Kiki and Tombo, depicted as modern-day high school students, appeared and became a major topic of conversation.
McDonald’s “Majo no Otodoke Mono Europe Burgers”: In 2023, a campaign themed around Kiki’s Delivery Service was launched in 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 of a 13-year-old girl becoming independent away from her parents. While Kiki possesses a special magical power, she worries, fails, and overcomes those failures just like any ordinary girl.
Slump and Rebirth
Midway through the film, Kiki loses her magical powers. This symbolizes an identity crisis typical of adolescence. Confronted with fundamental questions—who is she, and why does she use 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 townspeople—through her relationships with them, Kiki finds her place and grows as a person. This work quietly yet powerfully conveys the importance of human connection.
Trivia for Enjoying Kiki’s Delivery Service
About the Name “Delivery Service”
“Delivery Service” (Takukyubin) 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 collaborated in a supportive manner.
Kiki’s Age Setting
In the original novel, it is a witch’s custom to leave home for training at age 13. The number 13 symbolizes the transitional period from childhood to adulthood in many cultures, and it is an important setting expressing the work’s theme of “independence.”
Why Jiji Stops Speaking
Later in the film, Kiki can no longer hear Jiji’s words. Director Hayao Miyazaki explained this by saying “because Kiki has grown up.” The sense of being able to talk to animals in childhood is also lost with growth. This represents both the sadness of becoming an adult and growth to a new stage.
Planning a Trip Around Kiki’s Delivery Service and Sakurajima
Kagoshima and Sakurajima 2-Day Model Course
Day 1
- Morning: Arrive at Kagoshima Airport, transfer to the city
- Midday: View Sakurajima from Shiroyama Observatory
- Afternoon: Cross to Sakurajima by ferry, tour 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 Kagoshima black pork shabu-shabu in the city center
Day 2
- Morning: Visit the Sakurajima Visitor Center and Kurokami Buried Torii Gate
- Midday: Try “Yabu Kin Udon” on the Sakurajima ferry
- Afternoon: Tour Kagoshima city (Sengan-en, Ishin Furusato-kan, etc.)
- Evening: Shopping and dining in Tenmonkan
Shodoshima Sacred Pilgrimage Plan
Access to Shodoshima is available by ferry from Takamatsu Port or Hinase Port in Okayama Prefecture. Vehicle travel is convenient on the island, though rental bicycles and bus tours are also available.
Recommended All-Day Course
- Morning: Magical broom experience at Olive Park, visit Goochoki Pan Store (Koriko)
- Midday: Try island specialties such as “Hishio Don” or “Olive Somen”
- Afternoon: Tour attractions like Angel Road and Sanka Valley
- Evening: Take commemorative photos at a scenic sunset spot
To Deeply Appreciate Kiki’s Delivery Service
Read the Original Novel
After watching the animated film, be sure to read the original novel. Beyond what is depicted in the film lies a rich world describing Kiki’s later life, marriage, childcare, and even the stories of her daughters.
Listen to the Soundtrack
Joe Hisaishi’s beautiful music helps deepen understanding of the work’s world. Listening to pieces such as “Town Visible from the Sea” and “On a Clear Day…” will bring the landscape of Koriko to mind.
Related Books and Materials
Reading the storyboard collection and production materials published by Studio Ghibli allows for a deeper understanding of Director Miyazaki’s intentions in creating the work.
Conclusion
Kiki’s Delivery Service remains an immortal masterpiece loved across generations more than 35 years after its 1989 release. While the connection between the work and Sakurajima in Kagoshima Prefecture has not been definitively proven, the unique landscape where sea and volcano harmonize shares aspects common to the work’s world.
When visiting Sakurajima, try enjoying the sightseeing while imagining the seaside landscapes where Kiki flew on her broom. Additionally, by visiting domestic sacred pilgrimage sites such as Shodoshima and model locations overseas, your understanding and affection for the work will deepen further.
The message conveyed by Kiki’s Delivery Service—”independence,” “growth,” and “the importance of community”—holds universal value that transcends time and place. Through the work, you should gain an opportunity to reflect on your own life and growth.
The journey of adventure of Kiki and Jiji overlaps with the life journey of each of us. Even when we cannot fly, we can fly again. With that hopeful message in our hearts, let us continue on our own journeys.
