© Studio Ghibli

Was it an animator’s prank? Surprising cameo in “Kiki’s Delivery Service”

On April 29th, 2022, Japanese Twitter was abuzz with talk of Kiki's Delivery Service. That evening, the beloved Studio Ghibli masterpiece was broadcast on the "Friday Road Show" (NTV) movie program.

As a result, talk of the movie was trending online, revealing once again how popular the film remains and the special place it has in the hearts of viewers.

In conjunction with the broadcast, the "Friday Road Show" Twitter account also revealed various behind-the-scenes stories related to the Kiki's Delivery Service.

One of the most talked-about stories was the "backstory" of a character who is glimpsed at the end of the film when Kiki rescues Tombo.

Man: "'I lent her that push-broom, you know!'
Pay attention to the man behind this bragging (street-sweeper), the one at the top right of the screen, wearing glasses... Don't you think he looks like someone?

That's right! He's a dead ringer for Hayao Miyazaki at the time of production!! The film pamphlet also says: 'Perhaps an animator pranked him without his knowledge.'"

Kiki's Delivery Service was released in 1989. You have to wonder how many people noticed the appearance of a character who looked exactly like Hayao Miyazaki at the time.

Although some diehard Ghibli fans out there—not to mention those who bought the pamphlet when the film screened in Japanese theaters—may already have known about the "cameo," it came as a surprise for many who read the Tweet, eliciting comments such as:

  • "He also looks like Shizuku's father in Whispers of the Heart."
  • "I'm sure that's Hayao Miyazaki!"
  • "I think I can enjoy the movie more when I know inside stories like this."

We concur with the final comment above. Knowing little behind-the-scenes details like this surely adds an extra "spice" that enhances your enjoyment of these classic films!

By - grape Japan editorial staff.

Tags:
/ / /