Produced by Japanese animation studio, Studio Ghibli, “Kiki’s Delivery Service” (Majo no Takkyuubin) was a fantasy anime movie that premiered in 1989. It was based on a 1985 novel of the same name by Eiko Kadono. The movie stared Kiki, a 13-year-old trainee witch, and Tombo, an aviation enthusiast who admired Kiki’s flying ability.
After 28 years since the movie’s premiere, the two characters have returned in a new animated short, a little older and a little more complicated. Now at 17 years old, the animated short shows Kiki struggling with the usual high school teenage woes, including confessing her feelings to the nerdy Tombo.
The video is actually a commercial made for Nissin’s “Hungry Days” campaign targeting the youth.
Image: Nissin Hungry Days official website
The theme song, titled “Kinen Satsuei” (Commemorative Photo), is written and performed by the band Bump of Chicken. The character designs for 17-year-old Kiki and Tombo were done by manga illustrator Eisaku Kubonouchi. Kiki was voiced by actress Minami Hamabe while actor Kaji Yuki lent his voice to Tombo.
Image: Nissin Hungry Days official website
Image: Nissin Hungry Days official website
At only 30-seconds long, the video doesn’t show what happens after Kiki bravely proclaims “Daisuki!” (I love you) to Tombo. But the short still managed to showcase the many experiences that youth brings. JB
Image: YouTube/Nissin Food Group official channel
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