Kiki’s Delivery Service Finally Solves the Mystery Behind Why Jiji Suddenly Stops Talking

“Jiji is not just a pet, he’s another version of me,” Suzuki explained from Kiki’s perspective.

We have always been fans of the hidden and deeper meanings behind scenes in our favorite Ghibli movies. But sometimes, things go beyond explanation, like why Jiji stopped talking to Kiki at the end of the movie.

We all might have assumed it’s because Kiki has lost the ability to perform magic, so that might be the cause of Kiki not being able to hear Jiji’s thoughts but then why when regained her magical power she couldn’t talk to Jiji?

Well that’s the mystery that was recently unveiled by Studio Ghibli’s President explaining the real meaning behind it.

Why Kiki and Jiji’s Bond Changed at the End of Kiki’s Delivery Service:

So, recently before the movie premiered again in Japan on May 8, 2026, Suzuki discussed the film and revealed that Jiji was never meant to be just a normal pet. He said Jiji actually portrays Kiki’s inner thoughts and feelings, almost like another version of herself.

So when Kiki stops hearing Jiji talk at the end, it shows that she has grown up and become more independent as part of her coming-of-age journey. She has truly found her place to be and confident about her skills.

As it was broadcasted in Japan on May 8, 2026, during Nippon Television’s Friday Road Show program. Before the movie started, Suzuki discussed the film and shared some behind-the-scenes details with viewers and parts of that discussion were later posted on Nippon Television’s official X account.

While talking about Jiji, Suzuki explained that the funny black cat seems to be a friend of Kiki and a pet. He said Jiji represents Kiki’s inner thoughts and feelings, almost like another side of herself.

As he stated, “Jiji is not just a pet, he’s another version of me,” Suzuki explained from Kiki’s perspective.

Kiki’s Delivery Service Ending Explained: Studio Ghibli President Reveals Hidden Meaning:

As we already discussed previously about Toshio Suzuki saying that, Jiji is not only Kiki’s cat in Kiki’s Delivery Service. He is more than that.He represents Kiki’s inner thoughts and genuine feelings, almost like another side of herself.

Suzuki explained that talking to Jiji is similar to talking to yourself or inner thoughts and that is what makes the ending of the movie much more meaningful and acceptable.

In the end of the story, Kiki loses both of her abilities to fly and her ability to understand Jiji. Even though later on she regains her magic back, she never speaks with Jiji again. This portrays that Kiki has finally grown up and become more independent and has more understanding of herself.

She no longer needs Jiji as her “alter-ego” because she is now confident enough to handle life on her own in the town of Koriko.

As the story progresses further we get to witness that Kiki regain her powers during the dramatic scene where she saves her friend Tombo after he gets stuck in the air during an airship accident. This moment proves that even after struggling with self-doubt, Kiki can still find the courage and strength she needs when it matters most.

But here’s the catch: there’s another Disney’s English dub version of Kiki’s delivery service, where Jiji calls out for Kiki one last time while running through the crowd, which makes it less emotional as compared to the Japanese version of the movie.

So depending on where you reside, Kiki’s Delivery Service can be streamed on platforms like Netflix and Max. Also, in North America, fans will be able to stream the original Japanese version on Max as well.

Despite all, sadly Kiki’s Delivery Service will officially not be a part of Studio Ghibli Fest 2026, anime fans in the U.S. will still get to see classics like Ponyo, My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, Castle in the Sky, Only Yesterday, and Tales from Earthsea in theaters again this year. So, make sure you prepare to enjoy this movie in the end.

Also for more such exciting anime updates and recommendations stay tuned to our site. Happy watching!

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IMAGE SOURCE: PINTEREST