Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week: KIKI
Kiki is the titular main character of the beloved Studio Ghibli film Kiki's Delivery Service . The 1989 animated movie follows the young witch-in-training, who leaves home after her 13th birthday to practice her craft alongside her trusty black cat (and best friend), Jiji. Though flying is the only skill she's learned, she's eager to offer her services in a new place. And she does just that.
She soon arrives in the seaside town of Koriko, where the film's themes of coming of age and finding your purpose shine through. Kiki quickly learns that settling in won't be an easy task. She's turned away from a hotel, and many of the folks around town are put off by the aspiring witch, despite her good intentions. Apart from a local boy named Tombo, that is. With a passion for flying himself, he's inspired by Kiki from the moment he spots her on her broom.
RELATED: The Final Battle Begins in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle Trailer
Fortunately, a kind woman named Osono takes Kiki and Jiji in, offering them a place to stay in exchange for their service at the bakery. On Kiki's broom, the pair swiftly deliver baked goods and other gifts to customers all over town. They go above and beyond by lending a helping hand in other ways, too. The Real Deal
Kiki is the real deal. She never turns down a job and does everything in her power to see a challenge through. When she loses a gift on a delivery, she asks Jiji to stand in as the stuffed toy until she can return the lost item. In her search, Kiki befriends the artist Ursula, who found the toy among a flock of upset crows. After waiting patiently for Ursula to stitch it up, Kiki heads back and makes the switch.
She does her best to help out a customer, even when it conflicts with her invitation to join Tombo at the aviation club. She gets held up while waiting for a pie to bake and races to deliver it in the rain. Kiki arrives right on time, but the young customer isn't happy with the gift her grandmother sent along with the witch. To make matters worse, Kiki misses the club meeting and winds up with a cold.
RELATED: Here Are the Films and Dates for Studio Ghibli Fest 2025
Luckily, Osono pulls some strings to arrange for Kiki to meet with Tombo again. The two bond over their mutual love for flying. But their outing is cut short when Tombo's friends arrive, and Kiki is disappointed. Soon after, she wakes up to discover that she no longer has the ability to fly or understand Jiji. Growing Pains
Kiki's Delivery Service is all about growing up. Like any teenager, Kiki struggles with fitting in. We see this when she's feeling insecure about her traditional black dress and her worn shoes, and again when she hesitates to join Tombo's friends. She wants to be like other kids, but feels that she's just too different. These feelings lead Kiki to lose sight of the gifts that make her unique.
She confides in Ursula, who tells the witch all about a bad case of artist's block she once had. Ursula would spend all her time painting until one day, she just couldn't. She'd try, but felt that nothing she did was any good; her paintings looked like copies of other paintings she'd seen. She tells Kiki she had to figure out what and why she wanted to paint to discover her own style. That's when Kiki comes to the realization that she needs to find her own inspiration to learn to fly again.
RELATED: Anime Roundup: Everything Coming Out in June 2025 Why She Matters
Why does Kiki matter? Instead of changing herself to fit in, she carves out a place in the world to be herself and take pride in her gifts. It takes resolve, newfound inspiration and accepting the things that make her different for Kiki to find her magic again, even if it means Jiji is no longer her only friend. But that's part of growing up, and Kiki's Delivery Service speaks to young audiences who've faced the same struggles.
Ultimately, Kiki's determination and the lessons she learns on the job in a new place are what help her rediscover her ability to fly. In finding herself, she's also able to save Tombo when a blimp takes the young boy up in the air with no way to get down. At the last moment, Kiki swoops in on her broom and catches her new friend.
RELATED: Looking for another crush? Check out our Geek Girl Authority Crushes of the Week
So, be like Kiki. When a task gets tough, don't get down on yourself. Failure and moments of self-doubt are facts of life; they don't define you. Facing hardship doesn't mean you're not good enough. In looking at challenges as opportunities to get creative, find your magic and help out where you're really needed. We can always learn something new. In the end, this leads us back to ourselves and to the people who care about us.
You can stream Kiki's Delivery Service , subtitled and dubbed, on Max.
GGA's Favorite Fandom Cookbooks Gift Guide Olivia Rolls (she/her) is a weekly contributor at GGA, specializing in cozy games, anime and all things horror. Her byline has appeared at publications like The Mary Sue, The Escapist, GameSkinny and more. When she's not writing deep dives on her favorite games, shows, movies or characters, she's probably yapping about the latest pop culture trends or catching up on another Pokémon playthrough.
E-mail professional inquiries to [email protected]. You can also find Olivia on Bluesky and LinkedIn.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Newsweek
Mom Made One Change to Screen Time—and It Transformed Her Kids' Behavior
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. When her young children began acting out after screen time, mother and content creator Nika Diwa started to wonder whether what they were watching might be playing a role. She decided to try something different—an approach that's since gone viral and sparked a wider conversation among parents online. "I realized modern shows were becoming too overstimulating because my kids would act out in tantrums after watching, or they would have trouble transitioning to another activity after the show," Diwa told Newsweek. "My husband had the idea to try out older, classic shows." On December 5, 2024, Diwa shared a video to her Instagram account, @ showing her seated on a couch with her young daughter as they quietly watched an old anime film together. An overlaid text on the clip read: "Watching classic Japanese anime to help regulate my toddler because modern kids' shows are overstimulating." The post quickly went viral, receiving more than 475,000 likes and widespread agreement from fellow parents in the comments. Diwa said she does not know any other parents personally who have made the same switch, but she encourages others to try. "We have seen such a positive difference in our kids and bonus: it has been so fun to relive our favorite beloved classics," she said. Older Japanese anime, such as the works of Studio Ghibli, is often characterized by slower pacing, subdued music and gentle storytelling—a marked contrast to the bright visuals, rapid scene cuts and frenetic energy found in much of today's children's programming and online content designed for children. Similar parents commenting on Diwa's post said the switch made a noticeable difference in their own homes, with several sharing anecdotes of improved moods and calmer transitions to offscreen activities. Are modern cartoons overstimulating your child? Some parents think so—and they're switching things up. Are modern cartoons overstimulating your child? Some parents think so—and they're switching things up. Peter Byrne/PA Wire URN:17423429 Press Association via AP Images One viewer commented: "It does! It works! My kid sits in one place and watches the entire movie, instead of hopping and jumping around and getting overstimulated." "I'm convinced that shows airing from 1990-2010 had this effect on 2000s kids that's quite unexplainable but made us normal," another added. In the video, Diwa and her daughter were watching Kiki's Delivery Service, a 1989 Studio Ghibli film. The genre as a whole is widely celebrated for its age-appropriate narratives and emotional depth, and the film has long been praised for its thoughtful portrayal of childhood and growing up. More-recent viewers of the film, like those in Diwa's comments, have praised it for its lack of sensory overload. As more parents seek alternatives to the high-octane programming that dominates children's entertainment, Diwa's decision to revisit the gentler aesthetics of vintage anime appears to have offered not only a nostalgic reprieve for adults, but also a regulatory tool for young viewers. Dr. Mary Beth DeWitt, chief of child psychology at Dayton Children's Hospital in Ohio, told Newsweek that an overconsumption of not just modern media, but any media, may be harmful to young children. "Toddlers, by nature, are learning self-regulatory skills, and may vary in the temperamental characteristics that contribute to overstimulation," DeWitt said. "In general, parents should create a calm yet stimulating environment, establish routines and try to limit screen time. "Toddlers do best with a predictable routine, which may include calming activities," DeWitt added. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that screen time should be limited to one hour per day of quality programming. DeWitt said that this time should be spent with an adult who can help make sense of what they are seeing. "However, kids in general spend about seven hours a day on media, and are often exposed to a variety of messages," DeWitt added. "But a family media plan can help families make wise media choices. "The AAP recommends that parents and caregivers develop a plan that takes into account the health, education and entertainment needs of each individual child as well as the whole family; and then follow the family media plan together, revising it when necessary." If you have a parenting dilemma, let us know via life@ We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
USA Today
5 days ago
- USA Today
Need a book that feels like a hug? 8 comfort reads for when life gets hard.
We all need a little bit of comfort these days. In a fast-paced and interconnected world, many of us are feeling overwhelmed by our phones and social media, climate change and politics. Reading is one way to quiet the noise. Turning to a good book can be an act of self-care and even promote healing – like 'bibliotherapy,' a practice some therapists use to help clients work through issues using literature as the tool. Though what's comforting can look different person to person, here are eight books we recommend turning to when you need to feel a little lighter, a bit better and a hint more hopeful. 'Anxious People' by Fredrik Backman I'd nominate any Backman book for this list, especially 'Anxious People.' Backman has a particular talent for writing about hard topics in a way that still makes you cozy, even telling USA TODAY in May that he aims to make readers 'close the book at the final page and feel like it's OK.' The book starts with a failed bank robber taking a group of strangers hostage in an apartment open house. Though that may sound like a blood-pressure-raising plot, 'Anxious People' is less of a crime caper than it is a big-hearted study of humanity with soulful characters. 'We'll Prescribe You a Cat' by Syou Ishida 'We'll Prescribe You a Cat' falls into the new-yet-already-beloved genre of 'healing fiction' – feel-good stories, often with magical realism elements and usually translated from Japanese or Korean. This 2024 novel follows the mysterious Kokoro Clinic for the Soul in Kyoto, which can only be found by those truly struggling. The medication it offers is unorthodox, but transformative. This hopeful and cozy novel is a tribute to the human-animal bond. 'Howl's Moving Castle' by Diana Wynne Jones It doesn't get much more nostalgic than a good Studio Ghibli film – why not check out the source material behind one of Hayao Miyazaki's greatest? This '80s fantasy classic follows eldest daughter Sophie as she tries to break a spell that's transformed her into an old lady. To return to her true state, she must enter an enchanted mobile castle and win the help of the heartless wizard Howl, who is hiding secrets of his own. 'Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting' by Clare Pooley This charming novel follows an unlikely community formed among a group of commuters. Eclectic magazine columnist Iona is the catalyst, bringing together the strangers after one of them nearly dies choking on a grape on the train. 'Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting' is a sweet story packed with love, family drama, midlife crises and lessons learned from the kindness of strangers. 'All Creatures Great and Small' by James Herriot Nonfiction fans and animal lovers alike should check out the classic memoir series 'All Creatures Great and Small' by James Herriot, the beloved Scottish veterinarian. With both difficult cases and lighthearted ones, 'All Creatures Great and Small' is an inspiring must-add to your comfort reads. 'The House in the Cerulean Sea' by T.J. Klune This blurb from fantasy author V.E. Schwab says it all: 'It is like being wrapped up in a big gay blanket.' Witty and heart-warming, 'The House in the Cerulean Sea' follows Linus, a case worker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, who is charged with visiting a remote orphanage to decide just how dangerous its magical occupants are. This fantastical love story is filled with memorable found family characters and will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy. 'Remarkably Bright Creatures' by Shelby Van Pelt 'Remarkably Bright Creatures' is about a widow with a profound connection to a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium where she works. There's an element of mystery as well, as Marcellus (the octopus) decides it's up to him to uncover a 30-year-old mystery – the disappearance of Tova's (the widow) teenage son. It's a great book club pick. 'Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches' by Sangu Mandanna This sweet, uplifting fantasy novel follows a lonesome, orphaned witch as she gains an unexpected community teaching young witches how to control their magic. As one of the few witches in Britain, Mika Moon has to hide her magic from the public eye, finding solace in posting videos online where she 'pretends' to be a witch. But when others see through her facade, she gets a shot at real belonging for the first time. Clare Mulroy is USA TODAY's Books Reporter, where she covers buzzy releases, chats with authors and dives into the culture of reading. Find her on Instagram, subscribe to our weekly Books newsletter or tell her what you're reading at cmulroy@
Geek Girl Authority
6 days ago
- Geek Girl Authority
Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week: KIKI
Welcome to this week's installment of Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week, wherein we spotlight strong women and non-binary folks who inspire us. These characters are prime examples of empowerment and how crucial it is for youth to have said examples to follow. Kiki Fast Facts Kiki is the titular main character of the beloved Studio Ghibli film Kiki's Delivery Service . The 1989 animated movie follows the young witch-in-training, who leaves home after her 13th birthday to practice her craft alongside her trusty black cat (and best friend), Jiji. Though flying is the only skill she's learned, she's eager to offer her services in a new place. And she does just that. She soon arrives in the seaside town of Koriko, where the film's themes of coming of age and finding your purpose shine through. Kiki quickly learns that settling in won't be an easy task. She's turned away from a hotel, and many of the folks around town are put off by the aspiring witch, despite her good intentions. Apart from a local boy named Tombo, that is. With a passion for flying himself, he's inspired by Kiki from the moment he spots her on her broom. RELATED: The Final Battle Begins in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle Trailer Fortunately, a kind woman named Osono takes Kiki and Jiji in, offering them a place to stay in exchange for their service at the bakery. On Kiki's broom, the pair swiftly deliver baked goods and other gifts to customers all over town. They go above and beyond by lending a helping hand in other ways, too. The Real Deal Kiki is the real deal. She never turns down a job and does everything in her power to see a challenge through. When she loses a gift on a delivery, she asks Jiji to stand in as the stuffed toy until she can return the lost item. In her search, Kiki befriends the artist Ursula, who found the toy among a flock of upset crows. After waiting patiently for Ursula to stitch it up, Kiki heads back and makes the switch. She does her best to help out a customer, even when it conflicts with her invitation to join Tombo at the aviation club. She gets held up while waiting for a pie to bake and races to deliver it in the rain. Kiki arrives right on time, but the young customer isn't happy with the gift her grandmother sent along with the witch. To make matters worse, Kiki misses the club meeting and winds up with a cold. RELATED: Here Are the Films and Dates for Studio Ghibli Fest 2025 Luckily, Osono pulls some strings to arrange for Kiki to meet with Tombo again. The two bond over their mutual love for flying. But their outing is cut short when Tombo's friends arrive, and Kiki is disappointed. Soon after, she wakes up to discover that she no longer has the ability to fly or understand Jiji. Growing Pains Kiki's Delivery Service is all about growing up. Like any teenager, Kiki struggles with fitting in. We see this when she's feeling insecure about her traditional black dress and her worn shoes, and again when she hesitates to join Tombo's friends. She wants to be like other kids, but feels that she's just too different. These feelings lead Kiki to lose sight of the gifts that make her unique. She confides in Ursula, who tells the witch all about a bad case of artist's block she once had. Ursula would spend all her time painting until one day, she just couldn't. She'd try, but felt that nothing she did was any good; her paintings looked like copies of other paintings she'd seen. She tells Kiki she had to figure out what and why she wanted to paint to discover her own style. That's when Kiki comes to the realization that she needs to find her own inspiration to learn to fly again. RELATED: Anime Roundup: Everything Coming Out in June 2025 Why She Matters Why does Kiki matter? Instead of changing herself to fit in, she carves out a place in the world to be herself and take pride in her gifts. It takes resolve, newfound inspiration and accepting the things that make her different for Kiki to find her magic again, even if it means Jiji is no longer her only friend. But that's part of growing up, and Kiki's Delivery Service speaks to young audiences who've faced the same struggles. Ultimately, Kiki's determination and the lessons she learns on the job in a new place are what help her rediscover her ability to fly. In finding herself, she's also able to save Tombo when a blimp takes the young boy up in the air with no way to get down. At the last moment, Kiki swoops in on her broom and catches her new friend. RELATED: Looking for another crush? Check out our Geek Girl Authority Crushes of the Week So, be like Kiki. When a task gets tough, don't get down on yourself. Failure and moments of self-doubt are facts of life; they don't define you. Facing hardship doesn't mean you're not good enough. In looking at challenges as opportunities to get creative, find your magic and help out where you're really needed. We can always learn something new. In the end, this leads us back to ourselves and to the people who care about us. You can stream Kiki's Delivery Service , subtitled and dubbed, on Max. GGA's Favorite Fandom Cookbooks Gift Guide Olivia Rolls (she/her) is a weekly contributor at GGA, specializing in cozy games, anime and all things horror. Her byline has appeared at publications like The Mary Sue, The Escapist, GameSkinny and more. When she's not writing deep dives on her favorite games, shows, movies or characters, she's probably yapping about the latest pop culture trends or catching up on another Pokémon playthrough. E-mail professional inquiries to [email protected]. You can also find Olivia on Bluesky and LinkedIn.
