Studio Ghibli's timeless classic, "Kiki's Delivery Service," is a film many fans hold dear. It tells the heartwarming and moving story of young witch Kiki as she leaves home to embark on her journey of independence and self-discovery.
The film recently aired on Japan's "Friday Roadshow" program on the 8th, and the show's official X (formerly Twitter) account dropped a bombshell: the true reason why Jiji the black cat stops talking, along with its behind-the-scenes origins. Naturally, fans went wild!
The official X account explained: "Even after Kiki regained her flying abilities, Jiji never spoke again. This isn't because Kiki's witch powers weakened; it's because Kiki took a brand new step forward, allowing Jiji to return to being 'just a regular cat.'"
They also shared producer Toshio Suzuki's past explanation on the matter:
"Jiji isn't just a pet; he's Kiki's alter ego. Kiki's conversations with Jiji are essentially her talking to herself. By the end of the story, Kiki can no longer speak with Jiji, signifying that she no longer needs that 'other self.' It symbolizes her ability to live independently and thrive in Koriko Town."
In other words, Kiki has matured into a self-reliant witch who can stand on her own two feet, without needing Jiji as a crutch.
This behind-the-scenes revelation totally blew fans away! Comments poured in like: "As a kid, that part hit me hard, but now that I'm older, I realize it means Kiki can live well on her own – that's amazing growth!" and "It's a little sad, but after hearing this explanation, it makes sense that Kiki no longer relies on Jiji. It's a sign of her growth. Even without words, they're still family and understand each other perfectly."
The official X account also dropped a cool little Easter egg from the film: that scene where Kiki almost crashes into a bus while turning a corner in Koriko Town? The bus actually says "STUDIO GHIBLI" on it! #StudioGhibli! Did you ever spot that?
But wait, there's more! They also unveiled another fascinating behind-the-scenes story about director Hayao Miyazaki.
Apparently, when Miyazaki was brainstorming ideas for the film, he met with producer Toshio Suzuki at a café and straight-up asked, "What kind of story should I make?" Suzuki's immediate reply? "Haven't you ever truly depicted adolescence?"
Miyazaki instantly got it, exclaiming, "I understand!" He then sketched a "giant ribbon" on a paper napkin, explaining, "This big ribbon is actually protecting this girl – isn't that what adolescence is all about?" This spark of inspiration solidified the thematic direction for "Kiki's Delivery Service," and production kicked off from there.
Of course, "Kiki's Delivery Service" first premiered way back in 1989 – over 37 years ago! For many, it's a quintessential Ghibli masterpiece. Yet, even after all this time, these production secrets and anecdotes continue to delight fans. It just goes to show how much thought and heart Hayao Miyazaki and Toshio Suzuki poured into these incredible works.
via： 金曜ロードショー官方X