“I don’t think Chihiro saved her parents”: Hayao Miyazaki Doesn’t Believe That ‘Spirited Away’ Had a Happy Ending to Show the Dark Side of Japan

SUMMARY

• Hayao Miyazaki refused to see Chihiro’s “saving” her parents as a happy ending.
• He claims that her parents didn’t go through the transformation Chihiro did, thus, their personality actually remained the same.
• This statement reflects the real issues associated with Japanese society, masked under an idealized image.

Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away is often celebrated as a masterpiece of animated storytelling, capturing the imagination of viewers with its enchanting visuals and timeless narrative. On the surface, the story appears to have a pleasant conclusion: Chihiro escapes the surreal world of spirits; reclaiming her human form and leaving behind the magical bathhouse with her parents who turned into pigs.

Chihiro had one of the biggest transformation in Spirited Away | Credit: Studio Ghibli

However, Hayao Miyazaki himself once revealed a strikingly different interpretation of the ending of the story of Spirited Away. His perspective challenged the widely held notion of a happy ending, emphasizing the darker undertones of the film and its reflection on modern Japan. So, does Spirited Away not have a happy ending? Let’s dive into the details!

Chihiro: An unlikely heroine in a cynical world

Released in 2001, Spirited Away follows the journey of Chihiro; a ten-year-old girl thrust into a fantastical spirit world after her parents are transformed into pigs due to gobbling foods meant for the spirits. In order to save them and return home, Chihiro must navigate this surreal realm, working in a mystical bathhouse run by the enigmatic Yubaba. The film’s critical and commercial success is undeniable, however, Hayao Miyazaki’s narrative is far from a simple tale of victory and innocence.

Chihiro’s parents eating the spirits’ food | Credit: Studio Ghibli

While many viewers interpret the film’s ending as hopeful, Miyazaki’s interview offers a stark counterpoint. In an interview published in the French film magazine POSITIF (April 2002 issue), which was later uploaded on FRENCH BLOOM NET, Miyazaki shared the deeper meaning behind the film’s narrative. When asked whether he believes that children have the power to save or change adults, Miyazaki explicitly stated,

This statement sheds light on Spirited Away‘s ambiguous ending, where Chihiro’s parents’ lack of awareness and accountability remains unresolved. Their transformation back to human form does not signify personal growth or redemption but highlights the stagnation of adult attitudes.

Miyazaki believes that children have the mindset and time to fail and start over, however, that can’t be said for adults due to having lost their innocence. On the other end, Miyazaki also claimed that Chihiro isn’t particularly very innocent or cute either, yet, she developed into a better person due to her extraordinary experience. 

A dark reflection of modern Japan through Spirited Away

Hayao Miyazaki‘s observation extends beyond the narrative of Spirited Away, critiquing the complacency and self-indulgence he perceives in contemporary Japanese society. He referred many parents to the metaphorical “pigs” in the story; consumed by materialism and detached from the values of humility and responsibility.

Chihiro’s encounter with Kaonashi in the bathhouse | Credit: Studio Ghibli

Thus, his reluctance to portray Spirited Away as a straightforward story stems from his broader disillusionment with modern Japan. When asked if Japan is “nothing more than an illusion“, Miyazaki responded with a critique of cultural and social stagnation. He avoided romanticizing or idealizing the “real” Japan; opting instead to convey the existential struggles faced by its people.

Hayao Miyazaki’s candid reflections on Spirited Away challenge us to reconsider its seemingly happy ending. By rejecting the idea that Chihiro’s adventure ended up in a definitive victory, Miyazaki invited viewers to delve deep into the film’s deeper implications. Chihiro’s journey may not have “saved” her parents, but demonstrated the courage required to confront an imperfect world and the possibility of starting anew. 

Spirited Away is currently available to watch on Netflix.

Written by Moumita Chakraborty

Articles Published: 417

Moumita Chakraborty is an experienced content writer with a deep love for the colorful world of the Japanese anime industry. With an attention to detail and a solid understanding of anime culture, Moumita creates engaging articles, and analyses that hold readers' attention. Her writing explores the complex plots and character arcs that represent the genre in addition to highlighting the most recent releases and trends. Moumita hopes to foster ties with other anime lovers and add to the growing fandom through her work.