Overview Characters Weapons & Gear Media Collectibles Places & Experiences

Spirited Away

This IP is strongly associated with traditional Japanese towns and bathhouses, inspired by real-world locations across Japan, including historic onsen towns.

Spirited Away tells the story of Chihiro Ogino, a ten-year-old girl who, while moving to a new neighborhood, enters the world of Kami (spirits) of Japanese Shinto folklore.

Official Website Pilgrimage Guide

Jump to:Story·Impact·Characters·Pilgrimage·FAQ

IP Overview & Key Facts

IP Key Facts

Essential information and quick stats.

Full Name

Spirited Away

Also Known As

Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi, 千と千尋の神隠し

Format

anime

Release Year

2001

Current Status

Completed

Country of Origin

Japan

Region

Japan

Creator

Hayao Miyazaki

Publisher

Studio Ghibli

Original Work

Original Screenplay by Hayao Miyazaki

Genre

Fantasy, Adventure, Family, Supernatural

Where to Start & Recommended Order

A beginner-friendly guide for starting Spirited Away without spoilers.

Best starting point

Start with the earliest core Original Screenplay by Hayao Miyazaki (around 2001), then expand to other official releases as needed.

Recommended order

If multiple formats exist (anime, manga, films, games), follow the official release order within each format to avoid spoilers and missing context.

Fast-track option

To catch up faster, focus on the main canon storyline first, then return to side content later.

Story, World & Core Themes

Explore the narrative, setting, and ideas that shape Spirited Away.

Story

High-level synopsis and narrative focus.

Ten-year-old Chihiro Ogino is sullen and resentful about moving to a new town with her parents. During the drive, they take a wrong turn and stumble upon what appears to be an abandoned amusement park...

World

Setting, cultures, and distinctive elements.

A liminal dimension that exists alongside the human world, accessible through gateways like the tunnel Chihiro's family finds. It is a place of magic, ancient gods, and spirits, where human logic does...

Themes

Core ideas and recurring motifs.

The central theme is the importance of one's name and identity. Yubaba controls people by stealing their names (Chihiro becomes Sen). Reclaiming her name is synonymous with reclaiming her freedom and...

Cultural Impact Timeline

High-level milestones showing Spirited Away's global influence.

2001

Theatrical release in Japan on July 20, 2001

2002

Won Academy Award for Best Animated Feature

2003

International distribution and global recognition

2004

Became highest-grossing film in Japanese cinema history

2016

15th anniversary celebrations and re-releases

2021

20th anniversary commemorative events

Sales

Highest-grossing film in Japanese cinema history

Revenue

$395+ million total box office

Awards

Academy Award for Best Animated Feature (2003), Golden Bear at Berlin International Film Festival

Key Characters

Meet representative characters from Spirited Away.

Chihiro Ogino

“I finally get it. I'm gonna take the train.”

A 10-year-old girl who becomes trapped in the spirit world and must work at Yubaba's bathhouse to save her parents and return to the human world.View Profile

Haku

“You have to hold your breath while you cross the bridge.”

A river spirit who appears as a young man and serves as Yubaba's assistant.View Profile

Explore all Spirited Away characters

Real-World Inspirations & Pilgrimage

⭐ Exclusive Guide

Discover real-world locations and cultural references connected to this IP.

View Full Pilgrimage Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the title 'Spirited Away' mean?▼

The Japanese title 'Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi' roughly translates to 'Sen and Chihiro's Spiriting Away.' 'Kamikakushi' refers to the folklore concept of 'hidden by gods,' describing the mysterious disappearance of a person, believed to be taken by spirits.

Why did Chihiro's parents turn into pigs?▼

They ate the food meant for the spirits without permission. Their transformation symbolizes the greed and gluttony of modern consumerism, reducing them to mindless consumers.

Who is No-Face and what does he represent?▼

No-Face (Kaonashi) is a lonely spirit who lacks his own personality. He reflects the desires and emotions of those around him. He represents the emptiness of identity and the corrupting influence of greed when he tries to buy affection with gold.

Is Haku a dragon?▼

Yes, Haku is actually the spirit of the Kohaku River. He takes the form of a white dragon. He lost his home when the river was filled in for construction, which is why he came to Yubaba to learn magic.

What is the significance of the train scene?▼

The train ride represents a transition and a moment of reflection. It is a one-way journey that signifies Chihiro's growth and her leaving behind the chaotic environment of the bathhouse to face the unknown with maturity.

Why does Yubaba steal names?▼

In the world of the film, names hold power over a person's identity. By taking their name, Yubaba strips them of their past and binds them to her service, making them forget who they are so they can never leave.

Who is Zeniba?▼

Zeniba is Yubaba's twin sister. Unlike the greedy and business-minded Yubaba, Zeniba is kind, humble, and lives a simple life. She acts as a foil to her sister and helps Chihiro find peace.

Is there a sequel to Spirited Away?▼

No, there is no official sequel. Hayao Miyazaki prefers to leave his stories complete. However, the world and characters remain beloved and have appeared in other media and merchandise.

What is the Stink Spirit?▼

The Stink Spirit is actually a noble River Spirit that has been severely polluted by human waste and debris. Chihiro's help in cleaning him reveals his true form and earns her a magical herbal cake.

Did Chihiro remember her adventure at the end?▼

The ending is ambiguous. While she may not consciously remember every detail immediately, the glittering hairband Zeniba gave her suggests that the memories and the growth she experienced remain with her.