35 Years Later: The Enduring Message of ‘Kiki’s Delivery Service’

On a recent flight from New York to Seattle, I found myself reminiscing about childhood by rewatching Kiki’s Delivery Service. As a young viewer, it was right up there with my other beloved Studio Ghibli classic, Spirited Away.

I recall my dad borrowing the VHS—yes, it was that long ago—from Blockbuster, and he even made a copy for me. I must have watched that tape countless times throughout my youth, as it opened the door to the enchanting world of Studio Ghibli and became a significant part of my identity as I grew older.

Kiki’s Delivery Service tells the story of Kiki, a thirteen-year-old witch embarking on her independent journey. This rite of passage is vital for young witches, and Kiki eagerly looks forward to it. However, once she leaves home and begins working at a bakery, she confronts the stark realities of life, stripping away the gloss from her once-idyllic childhood.

It wasn’t until adulthood that the film’s deeper meaning struck me. At its essence, Kiki’s journey encapsulates the challenges of growing up. As she ventures out, she learns the realities of independence and the way monotony can overshadow joy. Like many of us, Kiki discovers that freedom often comes at a cost, revealing that it sometimes constrains rather than liberates.

Creativity as a Form of Identity

Kiki (voiced by Minami Takayama/Kirsten Dunst) in Kiki's Delivery Service (Studio Ghibli) — (Studio Ghibli)

Creativity has always been an integral part of my life. Its expression has changed over the years. As a kid, I viewed Kiki’s story as a classic coming-of-age film. However, I missed a crucial element. When Kiki grapples with her fading magic, it evoked a deep unease within me, the reason for which eluded me at the time. Now, I realize it symbolizes the fear of losing something fundamental to one’s identity and the uncertainty of how to reclaim it.

Like Kiki, I’ve experienced that journey. Moving far from family, facing life’s daily grind, and struggling through a creative block mirrors the challenges she faced. In childhood, it’s easy to believe you can pursue your passions without hindrance. Writing has been my passion since kindergarten; I’ve never identified myself without that title. Yet, as the joy fades, so does one’s creative spark.

In her journey, Kiki starts to lose her ability to fly and communicate with her cat, Jiji. Miyazaki notes that Jiji embodies Kiki’s immaturity and the growth she achieves once this connection fades. Stripped of communication, she sinks into loneliness and despondency.

Rewatching the film during my flight was a poignant reminder of why it resonated with me as a child and continues to hold significance today. The themes within that film have profoundly influenced who I am. Certain scenes linger in my memory, and I found myself tearing up during moments that had previously seemed insignificant, now infused with deeper context. True to all Ghibli films, Kiki’s Delivery Service is imbued with heartfelt insights that resonate more deeply as life unfolds.

Embracing Your Creative Spirit

Kiki's Delivery Service — Image via Studio Ghibli

After losing a stuffed cat she was supposed to deliver, Kiki encounters Ursula in the woods. Their friendship blossoms, and as Kiki grapples with her creative struggles, Ursula points out that Kiki’s artist’s block is hindering her magical abilities. While at Ursula’s cabin, she showcases a painting inspired by Kiki’s ability to fly.

The painting captivates me still. Its imagery, combined with the accompanying music, stirs something within me that lingers even today. That ethereal beauty stays etched in my memory. Every artist encounters creative block at some point; it’s an unavoidable aspect of the journey. The feeling of inspiring someone else and seeing the tangible outcome is unparalleled.

Later in their conversation, Kiki expresses fears about possibly never flying again. Ursula offers sage advice: “Then stop trying. Take long walks. Enjoy the scenery. Rest during the day. Don’t overthink flying. Before you know it, you’ll be soaring again.” As a child, this advice resonated, and its significance remains profound today.

This counsel speaks volumes to any artist. Once you become overly concerned about your craft—when enjoyment fades—the magic begins to diminish. Kiki started to worry about her worth and the impact of her work, while I grappled with self-doubt about my abilities. In my growth, I have faced the challenge of reclaiming my creative spark, much like Kiki.

Kiki’s increasing concern about her work led her to lose sight of her joy and focus more on outside perceptions. This is a common struggle; we all wish to feel valued, which is natural. However, when the initial love for what we do slips away, it’s crucial to reassess our path. After some time, Kiki discovered what truly mattered. She also learned that reaching out to friends in times of need is vital, even when it feels daunting. Remember, no one has to navigate their struggles alone.

Though I still face my challenges, I take pride in how far I’ve come. I’m writing about topics that ignite my passion. Importantly, I continually seek ways to sustain that joy, as nurturing one’s passion is fundamental. Kiki found a way to break free from expectations and forge her own identity, reminding me that I too possess the power to do the same.

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