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魔女の宅急便 [Majo no Takkyūbin] #1
Kiki's Delivery Service, Volume 1
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.
152 pages, Paperback
First published April 11, 2006
12 people are currently reading
983 people want to read
About the author
Hayao Miyazaki
366 books3,497 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
April 2, 2019
I absolutely adore Kiki's Delivery Service - the film moved me to tears numerous times and even though it's been years after I've watched I can still recall the feelings that it made me feel.
This manga adaptation is very atmospherical. There isn't much dialog at all (by manga standards) but the scenes are very transportive - you feel as if you're in the story yourself. Granted, me watching the film previously probably contributed to it.
The art is absolutely beautiful and identical to the film. Te colors are soft, the landscapes are mesmerizing, and watch out for Jiji's facial expressions - he's so funny!
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This manga adaptation is very atmospherical. There isn't much dialog at all (by manga standards) but the scenes are very transportive - you feel as if you're in the story yourself. Granted, me watching the film previously probably contributed to it.
The art is absolutely beautiful and identical to the film. Te colors are soft, the landscapes are mesmerizing, and watch out for Jiji's facial expressions - he's so funny!
My WEBSITE
My INSTAGRAM
My WORDPRESS BLOG
January 14, 2019
::Kiki's Delivery Service's Characters::
Kiki
The main and title character of the film. She aspires to become a good witch like her mother, and for this reason, she had to leave home at the age of 13 for one year in order to complete her witches' training. However, Kiki does not know many spells or posses talents in a great assortment of witchcrafts. Some witches know how to make potions, there are those who know to tell fortune, but all Kiki knows is how to fly on her broom stick (and she has difficulty in doing that most of the time!) Neverthless, Kiki is not afraid of going off by herself with only her flying skills. She has a great enthusiasim for life and takes her optimisim with her everywhere. She is a kind and warm-hearted person and is always willing to help out others before helping herself.
***
Jiji
Kiki's cute and quirky talking cat. He is completely in black expect for his big white eyes. Jiji is a very interesting character and it is hard to give him a specific personality. He cares for Kiki a great deal as shown when he even pretended to be a doll under the abuse of a very very bad child just so that he could help Kiki (You need to see the movie to understand the situation better ^_^;; ) Later in the movie however, he stopped talking to Kiki because she grew up and therefore her special childhood connection to her cat changed. Jiji got married to the sophisicated cat next door and the pair started their own cat family.
Kiki
The main and title character of the film. She aspires to become a good witch like her mother, and for this reason, she had to leave home at the age of 13 for one year in order to complete her witches' training. However, Kiki does not know many spells or posses talents in a great assortment of witchcrafts. Some witches know how to make potions, there are those who know to tell fortune, but all Kiki knows is how to fly on her broom stick (and she has difficulty in doing that most of the time!) Neverthless, Kiki is not afraid of going off by herself with only her flying skills. She has a great enthusiasim for life and takes her optimisim with her everywhere. She is a kind and warm-hearted person and is always willing to help out others before helping herself.
***
Jiji
Kiki's cute and quirky talking cat. He is completely in black expect for his big white eyes. Jiji is a very interesting character and it is hard to give him a specific personality. He cares for Kiki a great deal as shown when he even pretended to be a doll under the abuse of a very very bad child just so that he could help Kiki (You need to see the movie to understand the situation better ^_^;; ) Later in the movie however, he stopped talking to Kiki because she grew up and therefore her special childhood connection to her cat changed. Jiji got married to the sophisicated cat next door and the pair started their own cat family.
June 17, 2019
I love this movie! so of course I enjoyed revisiting the characters & storyline. I was hoping that there might be some extra scenes - sadly there weren't, but it's still an enjoyable read.
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January 23, 2020i don’t rate graphic novels or manga’s but this is 5 stars!$
November 6, 2019
I freaking love this.
The graphic novels are exactly like the movie and it just take you back to that feeling of seeing Kiki’s Delivery Service. The art work is amazing and the characters are so sweet and cute.
The graphic novels are exactly like the movie and it just take you back to that feeling of seeing Kiki’s Delivery Service. The art work is amazing and the characters are so sweet and cute.
August 15, 2017
Soooooo cuuuuute!!!!! Now I really want to read the others and see the movie!!!
July 23, 2019
This is so adorable story. Kiki is super cute and when I see her, I want to cheer her up. Actually she is witch and training in the beautiful city. I love this manga’s art. Lines are soft and they are so sensitive. It used a lot of color so I can read really smoothly. Also I love kiki’s fashion. Ribbon is so cute. When I was young, I always imitate her style. It’s so memorable for me. I want to go to this city because there is so beautiful. It’s my goal I definitely go there!!
July 21, 2020
So cute!
February 9, 2022
This was a cute basic outlining of the movie. I really like the movie. I think they did a good job of trying to get it onto paper.
June 14, 2025
4⭐️
It was good. Kinda soft and soothing at the same time. Am in love with Gigi🤭
It was good. Kinda soft and soothing at the same time. Am in love with Gigi🤭
April 13, 2021
This is my comfort movie
Definitely one of Studio Ghibli’s best films! It’s story is pretty simple; a teenage witch leaves home with her cat to start her training, and find her place in the world
Definitely one of Studio Ghibli’s best films! It’s story is pretty simple; a teenage witch leaves home with her cat to start her training, and find her place in the world
October 9, 2017
Just like the movie. Wonder why they didn't combine all 4 into 1 volume.
October 24, 2020
I’ve always heard about this story/movie but had never watched or read it! I loved how cute it was and cannot wait to read the other ones. This is the tale of a young (13 year old) witch who is going on her year-long trip to learn to live on her own. This book just briefly begins telling the story of her delivery service and I’m looking forward to the rest of that storyline.
This book is formatted in the Japanese style, reading right to left. I have never read a book in this style before and it completely added to the experience! It took me a little bit to remember in what order to read the panels, but once I got into it, I loved it!
This book is formatted in the Japanese style, reading right to left. I have never read a book in this style before and it completely added to the experience! It took me a little bit to remember in what order to read the panels, but once I got into it, I loved it!
November 20, 2025
i was'nt aware that it was LITERALLY the film in a manga. like, it even had the credits at the end. but it was pretty good! some of my more favrite details were left out though. and i would have liked her to have returned home, but maybe that's in the next book. the thing is, if you had'nt watched the movie, i don't think i would have enojoyed it as much.
i read the english translation, all-in-one edition
i read the english translation, all-in-one edition
October 12, 2019
I haven’t heard anyone talk about this one, but I saw that @bookswithchloe read this series and really liked it. I decided to give it a go and even though it’s really short, it’s absolutely adorable. I love Kiki and Jiji.
The artwork in this is amazing as well. The day I finished it, I ordered the next in the series. This is a really quick read, took me maybe 10 minutes.
The artwork in this is amazing as well. The day I finished it, I ordered the next in the series. This is a really quick read, took me maybe 10 minutes.
February 24, 2020
The best thing about this book is honestly the texture of how smooth the pages are between your fingers. But also this reminds me of the movie which I haven't seen in years and yet comes back rushing to me as I read these pages. The art is fantastic and I'll for sure be catching the next volume soon.
March 19, 2024
This was such a cute story, and I loved watching Kiki figure things out. I’m not sure this is the medium to get this story, so the rating definitely suffered because of that. There were panels that showed credits like in a movie, so I’m thinking they literally took stills from the movie and made a book. But, I’m definitely going to continue with it.
March 16, 2018
This is a really enjoyable, quick read. If you love the film, you may like this film comic on Kiki’s delivery service. I’m definitely gonna read the other books because it looks like it’ll get a lot better from here. I can’t wait to continue this series.
February 5, 2019
Loved it. Such amazing graphics and love each character. Hayayo Miyazaki just gives you that childhood warm fuzzy feeling. Instantly cheers you up. Looking to purchase the others in this series and other stories
February 15, 2019
This was a super cute story I picked it up on a whim! And I really enjoyed it! Kiki is a witch and when you turn 13 you have to leave home and go train for a year! Her and her talking cat JiJi! Set out! If you like lighthearted graphic novel pick this up!
April 30, 2021
I'd heard of this but hadn't read or watched it. The manga wasn't bad, but there were a few parts that felt like they lacked dialogue. It was cute though. That said, I want to watch the movie instead. 3.5 stars.
June 3, 2022
pretty good but nothing special. i’ve already read the book and this is just like 1/4 of the book or something like that. it’s pretty similar to the book too. idk not much to say it was good nothing special though. the manga style was a bit like new so it was a bit confusing but that’s fine.
October 29, 2017
This was cute!
But there didn’t happen much, I do think I will continue this series :)
But there didn’t happen much, I do think I will continue this series :)
May 27, 2018
4 stars
This was sooo cute. Made my heart melt.
This was sooo cute. Made my heart melt.
May 31, 2018
just like the movie. I love it, it's so adorable ❤
July 10, 2018
ordered from amazon and received yesterday...sat down and read in about 15 mins and thought it was super cute...now i need the next three !!!
August 6, 2018
immediately following reading Ponyo I HAD to read this. and I watched the movie the day before so this satisfied my "read and watch a book to movie adapation" for booktubeathon 2018!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews