18 Times Jiji From Kiki’s Delivery Service Put On So Many Personalities Including Witch’s Familiar And Black Cat
Jiji is actually quite different depending on which version you watch.
Jiji, a popular anime cat that has been around since 1989, also happens to be Kiki's familiar. And Kiki, as we all know, is a witch in training. We do like the cliché that "the black cat is the witch’s pet."
You might be surprised to learn that Jiji is actually quite different depending on whether you watch Kiki’s Delivery Service in Japanese or American English. In American culture, cats’ voices are more gender-specific, whereas in Japanese culture, cats are frequently portrayed with feminine voices.
There are several lines in the original where Jiji simply says nothing. Jiji's personality is notably different between the two versions, showing a more cautious and conscientious attitude in the original Japanese version, as opposed to the cynical and sarcastic demeanor in the Disney English version.
Another difference between the two Jijis is that in the Japanese version, Kiki loses her ability to talk to him. However, in the American version, she regains that ability.
Hayao Miyazaki explained that the cat symbolizes innocence and childhood, and Kiki's loss of the ability to talk to him represents growing up. Miyazaki has stated that Jiji embodies Kiki's immature side, implying that by the end of the original Japanese version, Kiki has matured beyond talking to her cat.
Below are various animations showcasing Jiji in many different personalities, so keep scrolling and check them all out.
1. It's my milk and I'll lick it however I deem fit
DJMccreeUwU2. What is that? Okay, I'll go into hiding
DJMccreeUwU3. It's the eye gesture for me
Look!! It's me!!This sweet moment is revisited as Kiki drinks from the Jiji mug that she buys in this scene throughout the film.
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4. It's time to have a good meal
What would a witch be without her trusty familiar by her side? Jiji supports Kiki throughout her most formative years. He is reliable, kind, trustworthy, and everything a girl could want in a familiar and more.
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5. All of a sudden, the cat looks pretty disappointed
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6. Two different reactions to seeing the same thing
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7. The little kitty is pretty invested in chasing a butterfly
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8. Here we go...
9. Look at the time, human; don't you think you're forgetting something???
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10. Let your guard down and just let nature do its thing
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11. Someone seems to be pretty excited
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12. The tail, the facial expressions, and the face turn... Hmm
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13. Open this window or I'll scratch it open
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14. This is the best meal I've had in a long time
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Well, this is truly wonderful. Jiji happens to be Kiki's friend throughout her formative years of training to be a witch. However, when examining loneliness, Jiji represents more than just Kiki's innocent side.
He serves as a reminder of her early years, the connections she had with her family, and a source of comfort she can always turn to in trying times.
