Jiji is the perfect example of Studio Ghibli's singular ability to create utterly simple characters that somehow manage to generate overwhelming emotion in their audience. The childhood familiar of witch Kiki in Kiki's Delivery Service, Jiji is a cat that is animated in the most subtle ways. Incredibly cute, but with a sharp sense of humour, Jiji's movements are elegant and simple. The intelligent animation style makes the climactic moment when Kiki has grown too old to communicate with her childhood friend all the more poignant. While the fact that Kiki no longer needs her familiar to look after her anymore, Jiji has won the hearts of the audience - breaking them when Kiki can suddenly no longer understand the cat's words.
