37 Years Later, Studio Ghibli Producer Resolves a Beloved Fantasy’s Biggest Mystery

Studio Ghibli is a renowned animation studio in Japan, known for its beautifully crafted animated films, rich storytelling, deep emotional impact, and more. Established in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki, the studio has created some of the most beloved animated films of all time. However, the studio didn’t gain a solid footing in Japan from the get-go, and its fame grew steadily, becoming prominent in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with My Neighbor Totoro (1988) securing the studio’s financial viability through merchandise sales. During the time when the studio was still struggling to gain its footing, Hayao Miyazaki directed Kiki’s Delivery Service in 1989, which later became loved as one of the best fantasy classics of all time.

The story is still loved by many and often gets re-released in the theaters. In March this year, the film made its IMAX debut in North America and again became a major hit. However, despite the film’s success, the reason Jiji was never able to speak again was still left unresolved. Last weekend, the official X handle of Nippon TV’s Friday Roadshow, famous for sharing movie highlights and behind-the-scenes stories, finally shared the answer with fans. 

Kiki’s Delivery Service Always Had a Meaningful Reason Behind Jiji’s Inability to Speak

The account shared a previous quote by Ghibli co-founder and Producer, Suzuki, “Jiji is not just a pet—he’s another version of myself. So talking to Jiji is like having a dialogue with oneself. The fact that she can no longer talk to Jiji at the end means that she no longer needs that alter ego; it signifies that she’s now able to make it on her own in the town of Koriko.”

It’s a previous clarification from Suzuki, which was recently shared by Nippon TV’s Friday Roadshow. Jiji wasn’t only Kiki’s familiar but also a reliable friend who lost his ability to speak when Kiki’s powers were weakened due to her lack of confidence. Even though she became an exceptional witch in the end, she was never able to communicate with Jiji again.

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The account also clarified that while many believed Jiji was unable to speak because Kiki was still weak, the truth was actually the opposite. She has grown now and gained more than enough confidence to make decisions on her own and live in a new town without relying on Jiji. Jiji continued to stay with her and even fell in love with a beautiful cat and started his own family.

Studio Ghibli Doesn’t Have a New Theatrical Film Planned As of Yet

Although Miyazaki began working on a new film after The Boy and the Heron was released, the studio has yet to share any details on the upcoming project. The director was supposed to retire after his 2023 film, but he keeps working despite his age and health issues. Additionally, the studio has also prepared a short anime film by Goro Miyazaki and Akihiko Yamashita for the Ghibli Park, set to screen at the Orion theater in the park’s Ghibli Grand Warehouse starting July 8.

Apart from the short anime film, the studio hasn’t confirmed any other anime for 2026. However, fans can still look forward to the annual Studio Ghibli Fest in North America, which will commence in July and continue until October.

Following the success of the IMAX release of Princess Mononoke in March last year, IMAX and GKIDS are all set to continue their collaboration and release more Ghibli titles in the format, even after re-releasing Kiki’s Delivery Service. The IMAX versions of the films will be overseen by Ghibli animator Atsushi Okui. For several decades, Okui has been involved in several classic Ghibli films as a cinematographer and director of photography, including Howl’s Moving Castle, The Boy and the Heron, and many more.

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