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With its release in 2001, Spirited Away quickly became one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most iconic films due to its stunning animation and imaginative world-building. Centered on a 10-year-old girl named Chihiro who got lost in a Kami spirit world, this film became one of the highest-grossing films in Japanese history with a total of $305 million in revenue.
Chihiro Ogino from Spirited Away | Credit: Studio Ghibli However, many initially interpreted Spirited Away as a biting satire, particularly due to the portrayal of Chihiro’s parents and their transformation into pigs after gorging on food meant for the spirits. But according to the legendary director, Hayao Miyazaki, the film was meant to deliver a genuine message for young girls on the verge of adolescence, which is, not at all humorous.
Hayao Miyazaki’s Message of Empowerment Through Spirited Away
In an interview with Animage magazine in May 2001, Hayao Miyazaki addressed the misconception regarding the film’s meaning and clarified the true purpose behind his beloved creation. While Shojo manga such as Nakayoshi and Ribon offered stories filled with romance and crushes, Miyazaki believed this wasn’t what truly mattered to the 10-year-old girls on the brink of adolescence.
Chihiro and Kaonashi | Credit: Studio GhibliThe then 13-year-old voice actress of Chihiro, Rumi Hiiragi was also present at that particular press conference. Using her as an example, Miyazaki stated that he wanted to make a film that girls of her age could relate to on a deeper level, a film that reflected their inner struggles and personal growth. In his own words,
The movie appears to be satire, but that isn’t my purpose. I have five young female friends who are about the same age as Hiiragi-san, and I spend every summer with them at my mountain cabin. I wanted to make a movie they could enjoy. That is why I started this film, and that is my true purpose.
This resulted in the creation of Chihiro, an ordinary girl who encounters a strange situation and uses her inner power to overcome obstacles. Chihiro isn’t an idealized or extraordinary character like a lot of Miyazaki’s earlier heroines were. Despite her awkwardness, hesitation, and fear, she gains the courage to carry on through her adventure. The transformation of her parents into pigs served merely as a catalyst for Chihiro’s journey, pushing her to take action.
One of the key elements that set Spirited Away apart from traditional coming-of-age stories is that Chihiro’s journey is not about changing or growing into someone new. Instead, it is about realizing and utilizing the strength and resilience that already lie within her. The aim was to create a heroine who could be truly relatable for young girls.
Hayao Miyazaki’s Early Inspirations for Spirited Away
Hayao Miyazaki also shared in the interview that Spirited Away‘s concept had been in the works for a long time. Before starting production on Mononoke Hime, Miyazaki considered adapting a children’s book titled A Mysterious Town Over the Mist by Sachiko Kashiwaba; however, the project proposal was ultimately turned down.
Chihiro and Haku | Credit: Studio GhibliMiyazaki still kept exploring concepts that would appeal to young girls and eventually penned a proposal named Rin and the Chimney Painter, but this project was turned down as well. Interestingly, he noted that all three of his concepts featured bathhouses, which was a recurring theme in his creative process. These early ideas eventually came together to form Spirited Away’s final vision.
Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away remains a timeless masterpiece for its core theme: finding strength in ordinary moments and ordinary people. Through this film, Miyazaki has given us all a reminder that we don’t need to change who we are to be strong — we just need to recognize the strength that’s already within us.
Spirited Away is currently available to watch on Netflix.
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