Jiji

Lore & Background

Jiji is Kiki's familiar, a talking black cat who leaves with her when she sets out on her own as all young witches must do when they turn 13. He is described as a 'talking black cat' in the source material. During Kiki's first delivery, Jiji pretends to be a stuffed toy black cat that resembles him for a boy named Ket until Kiki can retrieve the real toy. Later in the film, Kiki discovers she can no longer understand Jiji after she becomes depressed and loses her flying ability. According to Miyazaki himself, Jiji is meant to represent the immature side of Kiki, and her inability to talk to Jiji represents her newfound maturity at the end of the movie.

In Their Own Story

Jiji accompanies Kiki from the moment she leaves home on her mother's old broomstick under a full moon. During her first delivery—a small stuffed toy of a black cat that resembles Jiji—Kiki loses the toy in a forest filled with crows. Jiji and Kiki come up with a plan where Jiji pretends to be the toy for Ket until Kiki can retrieve the real one. With the help of Ket's dog Jeff, Kiki successfully retrieves Jiji and replaces him with the stuffed cat. Later, when Kiki becomes depressed and discovers she can no longer understand Jiji, she has also lost her flying ability. By the film's end, after Kiki rescues Tombo from an airship accident and regains her confidence, she writes a letter home saying that she and Jiji are happy.

Reader's Guide

Jiji serves as Kiki's companion and confidant throughout her journey. He provides a voice of reason and comic relief, often grumbling about the dangers they face. His defining characteristic is his loyalty—despite complaining, he never abandons Kiki. The loss of his speech is a key turning point in the film, symbolizing Kiki's maturation. As Kiki internalizes his guidance and gains self-assurance, the need for an external voice fades. By the film's end, Jiji remains by Kiki's side, their bond intact even without magical communication.

Did You Know?

• Jiji is voiced by Rei Sakuma in the original Japanese version of Kiki's Delivery Service.
• During Kiki's first delivery, Jiji pretends to be a stuffed toy black cat that resembles him for a boy named Ket.
• According to director Hayao Miyazaki, Jiji represents the immature side of Kiki, and her inability to talk to him represents her newfound maturity.
• Jiji is described as a 'talking black cat' who serves as Kiki's familiar.
• By the end of the film, Kiki writes a letter home saying that she and Jiji are happy.