Kiki's Delivery Service author Eiko Kadono announces new sequel novel
Eiko Kadono will release 'Kiki and the New Magic,' a sequel to her original novel 'Kiki's Delivery Service.' The new book continues the literary story that inspired the classic 1989 Studio Ghibli film.
A new chapter for Kiki
Author Eiko Kadono will continue the story of her most famous character with a new book, 'Kiki and the New Magic,' scheduled for release later this year. The book is a sequel to her celebrated 1985 novel, 'Kiki’s Delivery Service,' which provided the source material for the globally recognized animated film.
The announcement confirms a new literary entry into the saga of the young witch and her cat, Jiji. Kadono’s original novel spawned a series of books chronicling Kiki's adventures, and 'Kiki and the New Magic' will serve as the next installment in that collection. Details regarding the plot and an exact publication date have not yet been disclosed.
Legacy of the original
The story is best known through its cinematic adaptation, the 1989 Studio Ghibli film 'Kiki’s Delivery Service,' directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki. The film was a critical and commercial success, winning the Japan Academy Prize for Popularity and introducing the character to a worldwide audience. It remains a cornerstone of the Studio Ghibli catalog, praised for its themes of independence, creativity, and overcoming burnout.
While the film adapted the first novel, Kadono continued to write Kiki’s story across several more volumes, exploring her life well beyond the events depicted in the movie. The release of 'Kiki and the New Magic' continues this literary tradition, offering fans a return to Kadono's original vision of the character, distinct from the narrative of the standalone film.