Why Hayao Miyazaki Still Feels Regret Over Kiki’s Delivery Service
Hayao Miyazaki’s beloved 1989 film Kiki’s Delivery Service is widely celebrated, but the director himself has admitted to feeling a personal sense of regret about the movie, reflecting on its energy and the era in which it was made.
Regret is something every artist faces, and for those in the public eye, it can be even more intense. When you pour your heart into a creative project, it’s easy to fixate on the details that didn’t turn out exactly as you hoped. For filmmakers, whose work is constantly under the microscope, these feelings can linger long after the credits roll. Hayao Miyazaki, one of animation ’s most respected directors, knows this all too well. Despite the widespread praise for his 1989 animated feature, he’s spoken openly about his own lingering dissatisfaction with the film.
Making a movie is a deeply personal journey. Every decision, from the script to the final cut, is scrutinized by audiences and critics alike. In today’s world, where everyone can share their opinions online, the pressure is even greater. Miyazaki’s experience with Kiki’s Delivery Service is a perfect example of how even a celebrated success can leave its creator with mixed feelings.
Behind the Scenes of a Studio Ghibli Classic
After the release of his iconic fantasy My Neighbor Totoro, Miyazaki quickly moved on to his next project. Kiki’s Delivery Service tells the story of a 13-year-old witch named Kiki, who leaves home with her cat, Jiji, to start a new life in a bustling town. She launches her own delivery business and faces the ups and downs of growing up along the way. The film became a hit, inspiring a musical and earning both critical and commercial acclaim.
Interestingly, Miyazaki never planned to direct Kiki’s Delivery Service. He originally signed on as a producer, but as he became more involved in the early stages—writing the screenplay and developing the concept art—he realized he needed to take the helm. Despite the film’s success, he later admitted that he couldn’t help but look back with a critical eye.
Miyazaki’s Reflections on the Film’s Energy
In a 1997 interview, Miyazaki shared his thoughts on what he felt was missing from the movie.
Kiki’s Delivery Service shows another side of the ’80s, that of Japanese economic prosperity. Even back then, I realized that just like the ’80s, Kiki was sincere but somewhat lacking energy. For various reasons, it was a movie I had to make. Commercially, it was a success, but it left me with a personal sense of regret.
He suggested that the film’s tone and spirit were shaped by the era in which it was made. The late 1980s in Japan were marked by economic growth and optimism, and Miyazaki saw those qualities reflected in Kiki’s story. Yet, he also felt that something was missing—an energy or spark that he wished he could have captured.
The Weight of Creative Expectations
One possible reason for Miyazaki’s feelings could be the rapid pace at which he moved from one project to the next. Jumping straight into Kiki’s Delivery Service after My Neighbor Totoro may have left him with little time to recharge or reflect. Still, many fans and critics see plenty of vitality in Kiki’s journey. The young witch faces her challenges head-on and never gives in to despair, a quality that resonates with audiences to this day.
While Miyazaki may be his own toughest critic, his work continues to inspire and delight viewers around the world. Even if he wishes he’d done things differently, Kiki’s Delivery Service remains a beloved part of his legacy.