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魔女の宅急便 [Majo no Takkyūbin] #3
Kiki's Delivery Service, Volume 3
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 September 1, 1989
1 person is currently reading
268 people want to read
About the author
Hayao Miyazaki
369 books3,516 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 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 14, 2019
::Kiki's Delivery Service's Characters::
Mrs. Osono
Mrs. Osono is Kiki's mother-figure in the new city. When Kiki first arrived in the city, she had no place to live, no job and knew no one. Mrs. Osono took Kiki in, gave her a place to live and helped Kiki start her delivery service. Mrs. Osono is a very friendly and open person and treats Kiki as her own daughter. Even though she is almost into the full term of her pregnancy, she still works very hard at her beloved bakery shop alongside her husband. Mrs. Osono encouraged Kiki to make new friends in the city and had helped progress Kiki and Tombo's friendship.
***
Mr. Osono
Mr. Osono is a very quiet man. Although he doesn't talk to Kiki much (he doesn't talk to anyone else much either) he cares for Kiki a great deal as shown by his concern whenever Kiki was late returning from her delieveries. Mr. Osono even spent a great deal of time making a special shop sign for Kiki's Delivery Service which is displayed on the window of his bakery shop.
Mrs. Osono
Mrs. Osono is Kiki's mother-figure in the new city. When Kiki first arrived in the city, she had no place to live, no job and knew no one. Mrs. Osono took Kiki in, gave her a place to live and helped Kiki start her delivery service. Mrs. Osono is a very friendly and open person and treats Kiki as her own daughter. Even though she is almost into the full term of her pregnancy, she still works very hard at her beloved bakery shop alongside her husband. Mrs. Osono encouraged Kiki to make new friends in the city and had helped progress Kiki and Tombo's friendship.
***
Mr. Osono
Mr. Osono is a very quiet man. Although he doesn't talk to Kiki much (he doesn't talk to anyone else much either) he cares for Kiki a great deal as shown by his concern whenever Kiki was late returning from her delieveries. Mr. Osono even spent a great deal of time making a special shop sign for Kiki's Delivery Service which is displayed on the window of his bakery shop.
October 25, 2019
Oh what a nice reading! I haven't watched the film yet, but I can feel that I'm going to love it!
I really liked this manga... The story, the illustrations... Kiki's adventures are the most funny things to read! Super cute! Of course, I have always loved a story about good witches, black cats and everything about this thematic since I was a child, when I read Bruxa Onilda and WITCH comics magazine. And watched Sabrina - the teenage witch on Nickelodeon :)
I really liked this manga... The story, the illustrations... Kiki's adventures are the most funny things to read! Super cute! Of course, I have always loved a story about good witches, black cats and everything about this thematic since I was a child, when I read Bruxa Onilda and WITCH comics magazine. And watched Sabrina - the teenage witch on Nickelodeon :)
February 11, 2018
A pure joy to read. Seeing the movie in this form is wonderful. All of the characters resonate so clearly. And for some reason I can't explain it but the humor and timing work even BETTER in this form.
Love this story.
Love this story.
May 15, 2019
This 4-volume series is fun for fans of the movie.
July 31, 2019
Such beautiful artwork and a gentle story line without excessive stress/danger/violence. A delightful series to get young children interested in reading!
October 19, 2019
Still a cute story. The way this volume ended, I need to know how the series itself ends. I get the last volume delivered to me on Monday and I am so ready.
June 13, 2021
Not sure why volume 3 is always sold out. Happy to have it in my collection!
Read
September 19, 2021god, that girl who doesn't want her grandma's herring pie, REALLY hurts your feelings to see it!
September 1, 2022
Can't wait to watch the movie on her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2023
berry cute, will always appreciate ghibli illustrations
June 6, 2019
More so a 3.5 rating
July 14, 2008
Oh it was good but really, #2 was better. I read it, though. And it was interesting. But I think they could have made some adjustments.
April 12, 2012
I think this was the first Studio Ghibli movie I saw :) I loved reading it <3
October 4, 2013
Love Miazaki's films! These are just fun to pick up when you don't want to watch the whole film, but remember you favorite parts.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews