Are you enchanted by the magical world of Studio Ghibli and eager to deepen your connection with Japanese culture? If you’re a fan of the heartwarming film Kiki’s Delivery Service, you’re in for a treat! Did you know the beloved movie is actually based on a captivating Japanese children’s book series? Dive into the original story of Majo no Takkyūbin (魔女の宅急便), or Kiki’s Delivery Service Japanese book, and uncover a richer narrative filled with even more adventures of the young witch, Kiki.
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For those who have watched the Studio Ghibli movie countless times, you might wonder, “Is reading the Japanese book really worth it?” The answer is a resounding yes! While the movie beautifully captures the essence of Kiki’s Delivery Service, the original Japanese books offer a more expansive exploration of Kiki’s world. You’ll discover nuances in the characters, additional storylines, and a deeper understanding of Kiki’s personal growth as she navigates independence and friendship in her new town.
Why Explore Kiki’s Delivery Service in Japanese?
Beyond simply revisiting a cherished story, reading Kiki’s Delivery Service Japanese opens up a treasure trove of content not found in the animated adaptation. The movie, while faithful, primarily draws from the first book in Eiko Kadono’s six-part series. By delving into the Japanese books, you can follow Kiki’s journey far beyond the film’s conclusion. Have you ever wondered what happens to Kiki and Tombo after the movie ends? The book series answers this question and much more, offering a prolonged and satisfying exploration of their lives and relationships.
Kiki’s Delivery Service Japanese: A Fantastic Resource for Language Learners
Thinking about learning Japanese? Kiki’s Delivery Service Japanese books are an excellent and engaging resource, especially for those who are beyond the absolute beginner stage. Written by the award-winning children’s author Eiko Kadono, the language is approachable yet beautifully descriptive. While not ideal for complete novices due to fewer visual aids than manga or picture books, learners with a basic grasp of vocabulary and grammar will find it comfortably challenging and rewarding.
Kadono’s writing style is vivid and engaging, making the reading experience enjoyable while you learn. The narrative sections are written in polite Japanese (です/ます form), which is a fundamental style for Japanese language learners to master. Familiarity with this style will give you a significant advantage in understanding the text.
Choosing Your Edition: Fukuinkan vs. Kadokawa
When seeking out Kiki’s Delivery Service Japanese books, you’ll encounter editions from two main publishers: Fukuinkan Shoten (福音館書店) and Kadokawa Bunko (角川文庫). The Fukuinkan edition is designed with younger readers in mind and includes furigana (phonetic readings for kanji) and charming illustrations, making it more accessible for learners who are still building their kanji knowledge.
On the other hand, the Kadokawa edition features minimal furigana and no illustrations, presenting a more text-focused experience. While it might seem daunting, even learners around WaniKani level 10 (a popular kanji learning platform) often find they can recognize a surprising amount of kanji within the book. For a smoother reading experience with less vocabulary lookup frustration, starting around WaniKani level 20 is often considered a sweet spot.
It’s worth noting that as the first book was published in 1985, some word choices and expressions might feel slightly dated. However, this adds to the charm and provides exposure to a broader range of Japanese, including expressions you might encounter in classic, long-loved Japanese literature.
Curious to get a taste? You can explore a sample chapter from the Kadokawa edition to see if it sparks your interest.
Insights from Fellow Japanese Learners
Don’t just take our word for it! Here’s what other Japanese learners have to say about reading Kiki’s Delivery Service Japanese:
I thought it was a very nice story about a young girl growing up and becoming independent…it is readable even for lower-level WaniKani users…The grammar is also not too hard most of the time. I think if you know N4 content, you will be fine. – NicoleRauch
I enjoyed Kiki’s Delivery immensely. I recommend it because many Japanese learners are inspired by Studio Ghibli, and it will push beginners to get through their first book. – eainge
These testimonials highlight the book’s appeal and accessibility for Japanese learners, especially those motivated by their love for Studio Ghibli films.
Embark on Your Kiki’s Delivery Service Japanese Adventure Today!
Reading Kiki’s Delivery Service Japanese books is more than just revisiting a beloved story; it’s an enriching experience for both fans of Studio Ghibli and Japanese language learners. Whether you choose the furigana-aided Fukuinkan edition or the more challenging Kadokawa version, you’ll be captivated by Kiki’s world in its original Japanese form. It’s a fantastic way to improve your Japanese reading skills while immersing yourself in a heartwarming and enduring tale. Start your Japanese reading journey with Kiki and discover the magic for yourself!
Useful Links:
Cost: Paperback (new, Fukuin edition): 770+ yen, E-book (Fukuin edition): 554 yen, Paperback (new, Kadokawa edition): $14.97+
Product Link: Amazon.co.jp (Fukuinkan edition), Amazon.com (Kadokawa edition)
