What do you think?
Rate this book
魔女の宅急便 [Majo no Takkyūbin] #2
魔女の宅急便 2
Kiki, a young witch-in-training, has reached the age of 13. According to tradition, all witches of that age must leave home for one year, so that they can learn how to live on their own. Kiki, along with her talking cat Jiji, fly away to live in the seaside town of Korico. After starting her own delivery service (using her broom as the delivery vehicle), Kiki must learn how to deal with her new life, especially after she loses the power to fly.
144 pages, Paperback
First published May 9, 2006
2 people are currently reading
308 people want to read
About the author
Hayao Miyazaki
367 books3,509 followersHayao Miyazaki (Japanese: 宮崎 駿) is a celebrated Japanese animator, filmmaker, screenwriter, and manga artist, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of animation. He is the co-founder of Studio Ghibli, the animation studio responsible for producing many of Japan’s most beloved and internationally acclaimed animated films. Over the course of a career spanning decades, Miyazaki has developed a reputation for creating visually rich, emotionally resonant stories that often explore themes such as nature, pacifism, flight, childhood, and the human condition.
Miyazaki was born in Tokyo and developed an early interest in drawing and animation. His father’s work in the aviation industry had a significant influence on him, particularly in fostering his fascination with aircraft and flight, motifs that would become prominent throughout his later works. After studying political science and economics at university, Miyazaki began his professional career in animation when he joined Toei Animation. There, he worked under the mentorship of directors like Isao Takahata, with whom he would later form a lifelong creative partnership.
In his early years at Toei and other studios, Miyazaki contributed to several television series and animated films. He worked as a key animator and storyboard artist, gradually gaining recognition for his storytelling abilities and attention to detail. Among his early projects were contributions to series such as Heidi, Girl of the Alps and Future Boy Conan. His directorial debut in feature films came with The Castle of Cagliostro, a film adaptation of the Lupin III manga series, which already showed signs of his distinctive style and sensibilities.
Miyazaki's breakthrough came with the film Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, based on his own manga. The success of that film prompted the establishment of Studio Ghibli, which he co-founded with Takahata and producer Toshio Suzuki. From that point forward, Miyazaki directed and wrote many of Ghibli’s most iconic works, including My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Porco Rosso, Princess Mononoke, and Howl’s Moving Castle. His films are known for their hand-drawn animation, strong character development, and philosophical underpinnings.
In 2001, Miyazaki directed Spirited Away, which became one of the most critically and commercially successful animated films of all time. The film received numerous awards and international recognition, including an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. It also became the highest-grossing film in Japanese history at the time of its release. The film’s success further solidified Miyazaki’s reputation as a master storyteller and a visionary in global cinema.
Despite announcing his retirement several times, Miyazaki repeatedly returned to filmmaking. His later works, such as Ponyo and The Wind Rises, continued to showcase his evolving themes and storytelling maturity. His most recent project, The Boy and the Heron, marked a highly anticipated return to the director’s chair and once again captivated audiences with its dreamlike visuals and emotional depth.
Miyazaki’s films are often distinguished by their complex female protagonists, environmental messages, and moral ambiguity. Rather than presenting clear-cut villains and heroes, his stories explore the nuances of human behavior and often focus on characters finding their place in the world. Throughout his career, he has received numerous accolades and honors for his contributions to the arts, including lifetime achievement awards recognizing his impact on both Japanese and international cinema.
His legacy continues to influence generations of animators and filmmakers worldwide, and Studio Ghibli remains one of the most respected names in animation.
Miyazaki was born in Tokyo and developed an early interest in drawing and animation. His father’s work in the aviation industry had a significant influence on him, particularly in fostering his fascination with aircraft and flight, motifs that would become prominent throughout his later works. After studying political science and economics at university, Miyazaki began his professional career in animation when he joined Toei Animation. There, he worked under the mentorship of directors like Isao Takahata, with whom he would later form a lifelong creative partnership.
In his early years at Toei and other studios, Miyazaki contributed to several television series and animated films. He worked as a key animator and storyboard artist, gradually gaining recognition for his storytelling abilities and attention to detail. Among his early projects were contributions to series such as Heidi, Girl of the Alps and Future Boy Conan. His directorial debut in feature films came with The Castle of Cagliostro, a film adaptation of the Lupin III manga series, which already showed signs of his distinctive style and sensibilities.
Miyazaki's breakthrough came with the film Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, based on his own manga. The success of that film prompted the establishment of Studio Ghibli, which he co-founded with Takahata and producer Toshio Suzuki. From that point forward, Miyazaki directed and wrote many of Ghibli’s most iconic works, including My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Porco Rosso, Princess Mononoke, and Howl’s Moving Castle. His films are known for their hand-drawn animation, strong character development, and philosophical underpinnings.
In 2001, Miyazaki directed Spirited Away, which became one of the most critically and commercially successful animated films of all time. The film received numerous awards and international recognition, including an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. It also became the highest-grossing film in Japanese history at the time of its release. The film’s success further solidified Miyazaki’s reputation as a master storyteller and a visionary in global cinema.
Despite announcing his retirement several times, Miyazaki repeatedly returned to filmmaking. His later works, such as Ponyo and The Wind Rises, continued to showcase his evolving themes and storytelling maturity. His most recent project, The Boy and the Heron, marked a highly anticipated return to the director’s chair and once again captivated audiences with its dreamlike visuals and emotional depth.
Miyazaki’s films are often distinguished by their complex female protagonists, environmental messages, and moral ambiguity. Rather than presenting clear-cut villains and heroes, his stories explore the nuances of human behavior and often focus on characters finding their place in the world. Throughout his career, he has received numerous accolades and honors for his contributions to the arts, including lifetime achievement awards recognizing his impact on both Japanese and international cinema.
His legacy continues to influence generations of animators and filmmakers worldwide, and Studio Ghibli remains one of the most respected names in animation.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 6, 2019
Jiji has the best facial expressions.
I absolutely loved when the baker's husband made a bread figurine for Kiki, he's a silent man with a big, big heart.
<3
My WEBSITE
My INSTAGRAM
My WORDPRESS BLOG
I absolutely loved when the baker's husband made a bread figurine for Kiki, he's a silent man with a big, big heart.
<3
My WEBSITE
My INSTAGRAM
My WORDPRESS BLOG
January 14, 2019
::Kiki's Delivery Service's Characters::
Tombo
Tombo was one of Kiki's first friend in the new city. He met her the first day she arrived and helped Kiki escape from the traffic police officer (her broom went out of control and caused quite a commotion) by yelling "Thief, thief!" to distract the officer. However, Kiki did not like him at first and was actually very snobbish towards Tombo. Nevertheless, Tombo would not give up. He was fascinated by Kiki and her flying abilities and was willing to do anything to be her friend. Tombo dreamed of flying and spent a great deal of effort and time building his "bicyle-airplane". Tombo is a very likeable boy and his persistence in winning Kiki's friendship as well as achieving his dream of flying deserves to be be admired.
***
Ursula
Ursula first met Kiki when Kiki came to her little cottage in the forest in order to retrieve a cat doll (the Jiji look-alike) that she lost. The two girls became fast friends, even though their personalities seem to differ in many places. At the age of 18 years old, Ursula is five years older than Kiki. She lives by herself in her summer cottage and spend her days painting. She is an extremely talented artist and draws both life-objects as well as fantasy. Urusla is very outgoing and even tomboyish. She likes Kiki a great deal and feels inspired by Kiki for one of her paintings.
Tombo
Tombo was one of Kiki's first friend in the new city. He met her the first day she arrived and helped Kiki escape from the traffic police officer (her broom went out of control and caused quite a commotion) by yelling "Thief, thief!" to distract the officer. However, Kiki did not like him at first and was actually very snobbish towards Tombo. Nevertheless, Tombo would not give up. He was fascinated by Kiki and her flying abilities and was willing to do anything to be her friend. Tombo dreamed of flying and spent a great deal of effort and time building his "bicyle-airplane". Tombo is a very likeable boy and his persistence in winning Kiki's friendship as well as achieving his dream of flying deserves to be be admired.
***
Ursula
Ursula first met Kiki when Kiki came to her little cottage in the forest in order to retrieve a cat doll (the Jiji look-alike) that she lost. The two girls became fast friends, even though their personalities seem to differ in many places. At the age of 18 years old, Ursula is five years older than Kiki. She lives by herself in her summer cottage and spend her days painting. She is an extremely talented artist and draws both life-objects as well as fantasy. Urusla is very outgoing and even tomboyish. She likes Kiki a great deal and feels inspired by Kiki for one of her paintings.
September 27, 2020
Again, such a heartwarming story 😍
June 8, 2018
This manga has a special place in my heart ❤
January 20, 2018
So enchanting, so amazing, so gorgeous. One of the cutest and best Miyazaki tales about a young witch setting off on her own and finding her way in the world. This particular section of the movie shows Kiki finding a place to live in the town and starting out her new delivery business. And Jiji the cat is just hysterical. The way he looks and stares just cracks me up every time. This static version of the story with just the pictures really punctuates that staring. So funny.
January 16, 2019
So good.
October 13, 2019
A cute continuation.
February 22, 2020
It’s just like the movie, I love it!!!!! Although, I wish it was just all one volume.
June 12, 2021
Love Osona and Ursula!
January 9, 2022
I need all 4 volumes to be able to watch the movie! Such a cute story!
January 24, 2022
One of my favourite book and movie. ❤
September 1, 2022
Love it.
June 6, 2019
More so a 3.5 rating
March 7, 2021
Love that Kiki tries to explain herself, tells the truth, and is such a sweetheart.
July 14, 2008
The best one of the two I've read. The storyline was well set. I will probably read this again.
August 30, 2015
I will read the rest of the series
December 8, 2025
se vi è piaciuto il primo, il seguito è piacevole.
April 18, 2020
2nd read April 2020 5*
1st read June 2019 5*
1st read June 2019 5*
March 19, 2019
Super cute book!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews