The Art of Kiki's Delivery Service

by Hayao Miyazaki

A 13-year old girl sets off on a journey to become a witch. In the process, she learns how to be a woman. Based on the movie of the same name, this prestige format, lavishly illustrated hard-bound book gives fans a rare glimpse into the creative process of Academy Award-winning director Hayo Miyazaki.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Manga, Japan, Film, Anime, Reference

208 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1989

About the author

Hayao 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.

Reviews

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a treat! I had received this as a gift some time ago, and it is such an attractive, hardback book, that I didn't even feel like I should open it!
Anybody that has watched anything from Studio Ghibli will know that anything that comes from them, will be positively amazing to watch. When I first watched Kiki's delivery service, I was all but captivated by the beautiful, rich animation, not to mention the imaginative, female lead story.
The artwork in this book is truly outstanding, and it shows the painstakingly long process of designing an anime, such as this one. Seriously, some of the concept art in here I'd take, put it in a frame and hang it above my bed, it's really THAT good.
Hayao Miyazaki is such a talented being, and I now cannot wait to read "The art of spirited away"

[Gretel Hernández · Rating 5 out of 5]

No es de las mejores películas del Ghibli; pero, aún así, es un filme muy agradable; fue bueno ver su arte.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

So on to the last (well at least I think it is) of the Studio Ghibli library showcasing the artwork and creative processes that went in to the creation of this animated film - I will admit that it wasnt until I started digging in to all of this that I realised how much Disney had messed around with the original Japanese release.

Anyway the book as with all of the editions is an amazing read the only slight surprise and a little disappointment (since I am here for the art) was the amount of pages set aside for the storyboard re-telling of the film it was a good 1/4 of the book put aside when really I just wanted to learn more about the creative processes and the concept art that was applied to the film.

that said what you could see was amazing and even though this was one of the studios earlier films the amount of material and information that was preserved was amazing and is a testament to the people who where involved with in (I dread to think of the amount that is wasted or lost in other productions)

This is a beautiful book and is a real treasure for anyone who has seen these films and loves the world of studio Ghibli

[Parka · Rating 5 out of 5]

(More pictures at parkablogs.com)

The Art of Kiki's Delivery Service is a charming art book companion for the movie.

Even though Miyazaki's the director, screenwriter and producer for this film, his art is surprisingly missing in this book. This time round, the main contributing artists are Shinji Otsuka, Yoshifumi Kondo and Katsuya Kondo.

The art is still created using watercolours and they are very beautiful. The character designs by Katsuya Kondo are really cool. You can see the different variations of Kiki, her hairstyle, flying poses, expressions and the little mannerisms all captured. His lines and colours are very simple be he can create a really appealing cast of characters. Together with the two other artists Shinji Otsuka and Yoshifumi Kondo, they contribute the majority of the concept art in this book. And they all seem to draw in similar style for the storyboards.

The background paintings for Corico are also marvelous. I love the idyllic setting. Much of the designs are actually inspired from Visby, a city on the Swedish island of Gotland. Looking at the paintings instantly triggers holiday mood. Unfortunately, these unsung heroes of background art aren't credited directly to their work, although a list of names are included at the back of the book.

Most of the art have interesting comments by Miyazaki and the other artists. At the back, there's a section on basic camera techniques and how they are used in the film. And finally, there's the complete screenplay.

Highly recommended for all fans of the film and Studio Ghibli.

[Gijs Grob · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful coffee table book, rich in concept art, background art and cels from the film. The information on the production is rather meagre, but the book contains some interesting information on e.g. the original book, the cinematography and 'camera' techniques used in the film, its color schemes, and on the use of magic in the film. In the short introduction Miyazaki shares his own attitude to the book, and his views on the film. Recommended to all Ghibli studio fans.

[Lê Tuyền ICHI · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ý tưởng thú vị ghê.
Một câu chuyện dễ thương.
Cô bé phù thủy tập sự Kiki 13 tuổi, nên mình có hơi quá tuổi để bị lôi cuốn 🤭

[Matthew Schacht · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a huge fan of this movie, it was so cool to see all the concept art!

[Aiden Aprt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous. No notes.

[Pintuan · Rating 5 out of 5]

libre viewing sa fully, 2k to 0 rq

[Nidia · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️‍🔥

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book a while back as a "get well" gift. I didn't realize that I would get to read about color palettes and designing for animation. A great surprise and right up my alley! Enjoyable read!

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the best as Miyazaki art-books go, but I sure want to re-watch the movie.

[Alexander Curran · Rating 5 out of 5]

''We each need to find our own inspiration, Kiki. Sometimes it's not easy.''

A young witch, on her mandatory year of independent life, finds fitting into a new community difficult while she supports herself by running an air courier service.

Majo no takkyûbin(1989) known as Kiki's Delivery Service features such a character in Kiki, a thirteen year old witch whom is made to leave home and find a new city in which to hone her skills.

The trials and liberations of independence await Kiki in the town she chooses to live. But for the most part Kiki seems to be able to find a generous benefactor to help her overcome obstacles without resorting to her natural powers. Her helpfulness earns her a lodging at a bakery where Kiki quickly resolves to start a delivery service. When she almost botches her first errand she relies on the kindness of a cabin dwelling artist who has found the toy black cat Kiki had dropped. And later a sleepy eyed St Bernard helps her exchange it with her black cat Jiji, who had been pretending to be a toy in the recipient's house. Because Kiki meets with friendliness from everyone; the film avoids confronting the lurking menace the big town would normally pose for a thirteen year old girl. Rather, the unimaginative conclusion of the film seems to be that friendliness always benefits it's patrons.
After Kiki promises a boy she meets to attend a party with him, she spends her entire day helping an old woman prepare a herring pie for her granddaughter and misses the appointment. This is around the time Kiki begins to lose her magical powers. But this is a rare reminder that Kiki is supposed to be a training witch, and the film never explains how Kiki loses her magical powers and how she subsequently regains them at a conveniently helpful interval in the story.

Due to Hayao Miyazaki's spirited direction the film/story rarely loses its magical spark. Nonetheless; also the writer of the film, Miyazaki takes many thoughtful detours from the fundamental themes underlying the story. After seeing this film, a viewer may still wonder why those people seemed to be so undisturbed by the sight of an adolescent witch zooming across their town on a broomstick. One may also ask why Kiki decides to start a delivery service instead of sticking to her avowed mission to train to be a witch. Unfortunately, Kiki's Delivery Service leaves these and many more questions unanswered. Fortunately we can fill in the blanks with our imaginations.
What sets Kiki's Delivery Service apart from many of Miyazaki's other works is the personal, rather than epic, nature of the story. It wonderfully captures the daily life of an aspiring 13-year-old girl moving into the life of a bustling town. While there is plenty to please the thrill-seeking adventurous spirit, the film's real beauty lies in its ability to portray the more introverted aspects of life. Most Western animated cinema centers around loud, pop-influenced music and a bad-guy-fighting action-oriented plot, but Kiki's Delivery Service has a charming and understated musical score, and lacks a traditional antagonist. Life isn't all excitement and fighting bad guys; something that this film seems to get across more so than any Disney, Pixar, Fox, or other Western animated film I've ever seen. In fact, the doldrums of life are what form the heart of this film.

Majo no takkyûbin is a masterpiece, and Kiki's search for the heart within herself is a tale that adults may appreciate more than their children. Indeed, Kiki is one of the most appealing characters that Miyazaki ever brought to life, which is certainly saying something. One of Miyazaki's great talents is in never be belittling his audience, and with this fantastic story he proves this point once again.

''Well, well, well... hello kitty.''

[Thia Reads A Lot · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0

"Leaving home can't really be considered a rite of passage these days. You only need a nearby convenience store to live in a world of strangers. The issues of independence girls have to confront now are in some ways more difficult since they must discover, develop, and then actualize their talents." - Hayao Miyazaki (The Hopes and Hearts of Today's Girls)

4 Parts:
* Part One In The Beginning (source material, how Miyazaki went on to be the screenwriter, director and producer, then a long and technical bit about color design also addressing how it was done in Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, My Neighbor Totoro and Grave of the Fireflies)
* Part Two Art of the Animated Film (art arranged according to the timeline of the film (starting with Kiki in her home village, her parents, Jiji, Kiki flying, Corico, Tombo, Osono and her husband, the bakery, the attic, Ursula, the old lady's home, the old lady and her maid, the dirigible), ends with the Japanese theatrical release poster. Less concept art towards the end of this section, since we revisit some locations and characters.
* Part Three Animation Technique (two main sections, the first about Camera Movements, the second about Transparency, Expressing Light and Shadow)
* Part Four The Complete Script of the Film (exactly what it sounds like, different type of paper with black and white film images next to the script)

- This movie is referenced as a "movie for girls" a few times, which grates on me ever so slightly

[Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I continue to be amazed by these art books, which not only contain numerous illustrations from every stage of the design process, including rough sketches and concept art from Miyazaki himself, but they also have so much additional information about the narrative and the film's origins. I loved learning all of the behind-the-scenes information and the ways that Miyazaki came to write the screenplay for and direct this adaptation of Eiko Kadono's novel (which happens to be a favorite of mine). I also appreciated the strong feminist message of Kiki's Delivery Service that was delved into in this art book, opening with Miyazaki's letter titled "The Hopes and Hearts of Today's Girls." It is also worthy of note that the book the film is based on, which was published in 1985, was written by a female author and illustrated by a female artist and that both women held college degrees. Reading this art book strengthened my love for the film and the novel, and I am so happy to have been able to have this experience.

[Sofia · Rating 5 out of 5]

It arrived in the mail today—a gift from my aunt—and I read it shortly after. I like that it primarily features concept sketches, although the cel images & film stills are still present and add to the aesthetic of the book. It's a wonderful way to remember such a lovely classic, and allows insight into the process with which the film came into existence.
This is the second "The Art of ---" by Miyazaki I've read—the first being "Spirited Away"—and both are perfectly balanced with illustrations and the occasional explanation from one of the staff—the script is also quite interesting to read.
The only minor quibble I have is that they seem to have misspelled H.C. Andersen's last name, trading the last "e" for an "o", but at first I didn't notice it, so it really doesn't influence the overall magnificence of the book.

[Mathou · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little witch looking for a new life

All Ghibli fans know the story of Kiki.

A young witch, she has just reached the age when she must leave home to settle in a new city on her own and find an activity that will allow her to make a living.

This book is full of previously unseen sketches, preparatory drawings, and comments used by the team to make the film.

It also contains many remarks from the staff, service sheets, as well as notes from Miyazaki himself.

It’s an original dive into a world we think we already know, but that continues to reveal some of its secrets.

It’s a real pleasure to keep learning more, to discover production anecdotes, and to better understand the studio’s philosophy.

I particularly enjoyed the final section, which highlights the various innovative drawing and camera techniques that the team invented for this production.

[Michael David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the depth of information provided in this art book. Compared to the Ghibli art book of Princess Mononoke (which is currently the only other Ghibli art book that I own), Kiki’s Delivery Service is further fleshed out through in-depth interviews, analysis and even the full script of the film for the final chapter of the book.

I loved the comparatives between the sketches and the finished product, as well as all the discussions around the original intentions to differentiate the film from the source material, and ideas they ended up changing as the film developed.

If you’re a fan of Ghibli, art, or in general pouring over beautiful animation stills that look like all the best aspects of Europe combined, then this book is most definitely for you.

[Helder Oliveira · Rating 5 out of 5]

“My concept of ‘magic’ in this film departed from the traditional approach to magic stories. I only wanted it to be a limited talent. So at times, she won’t be able to fly. It would’ve been pointless to explain, for example, how she couldn’t fly because of her fight with Tombo. I thought that girls watching this would understand the film on its own terms. We sometimes aren’t able to draw something that once came so easily. We might even forget how we learned to draw it in the first place. I really don’t know how this happens." (Hayao Miyazaki)

Ganhei um ano de vida com esse livro!

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ /5

This gorgeous full color, coffee-table book sized art book dives into the details and the artistic process of Kiki's Delivery Service. This is one of my favorite films and having some of the stunning backgrounds and visuals, along with character development and sketches, is just a beautiful way to re-connect with the film. I highly recommend this or a similar one for your favorite Ghibli movie to really dive into the art that makes these films so special.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating concept art, especially the character designs and gestures. I felt so inspired flipping through the pages and I studied the way the characters were drawn. I loved the small quotes by Miyazaki and the other artists on the team. The book was filled with insight into the making of the movie. At the end, there were technical explanations for how they turned traditional hand-drawn frames into an animated movie. So inspiring!

[Gurpreet · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who has had a film class learning about the process that goes on in animation production is incredibly fun and fascinating. I absolutely love extending more knowledge on these things. It’s definitely only a bonus that it’s studio ghibili and I’m learning about something that shaped my childhood.

[Michael Reilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although mainly a picture book, The Art of Kiki’s Delivery Service also contains some interesting notes about the film’s development, colour assignment, and animation techniques. Together with all of the fantastic rough sketches and character designs, and the detailed concept, background and cel art, this book is a visual treat for Miyazaki/Studio Ghibli fans.

[Isaac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un libro muy bonito sobre el proceso visual y la investigación detrás de esta película.

Me gusta mucho el filme y es lindo ver cómo se fue haciendo la historia

Tengo ganas de hacer fan art de los conceptos que nunca se llevaron a la gran pantalla

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful artbook with a wide variety of art, whether background and layout is your thing, or characters...this book has it. The charm of the movie shines bright here, making this book a visual treat.

[Lena Greenbriar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love studio ghibli movies, so ,naturally, I love reading about them. Kiki's delivery service is one of my favorited. The Art of ... books give you insights on the characters and of the making of the movie.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

absolutely delightful look into the process and art making that went into a beloved children’s film. really enjoyed all the technical information provided, as well!

[Quan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sách khổ to, nặng, nhiều hình, thích hợp mua tặng bạn.

[han · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations of one of my favourite films of all time. A perfect 22nd birthday gift from a good friend 💕

[Aaron Badgley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A work of art