Spirited Away is one of the most beautiful anime films of all time. Written and directed by living legend Hayao Miyazaki, at its core, it’s a story of the strength of self and the power of real love. Not only is the film a visual masterpiece, but it’s also a box office success and has even spawned a popular stage play. 

Now, thanks to US publisher VIZ Media, LLC, you can relive the story of the film through the written word with Miyazaki’s Spirited Away Picture Book. 

Chihiro’s family has moved to a new city, so she’ll be attending a new school with new friends and a whole new world she’s not sure she’s ready for. After taking a wrong turn, her father discovers what they think is an abandoned village, but in reality, it’s the entrance to an enchanted realm that caters to the different spirits of the earth.

After her parents are turned into pigs, Chihiro is whisked into a fantastic adventure of magic and mystery in a world ruled by the cruel witch Yubaba. Put to work in a magical bathhouse for spirits and demons, Chihiro is given the name of Sen. If she hopes to survive, she must use all her cunning and wit to defeat the witch and free her parents so they can return to the mortal world.

Amidst the shadows, Chihiro finds solace in unexpected friendships. Haku, a river spirit and Yubaba’s errand boy; Lin, a fellow worker in the bathhouse; and Kamaji, the boiler man, all rally around Chihiro, ensuring her safety and aiding her in her quest to overcome Yubaba.

Miyazaki based the character of Chihiro on the ten-year-old daughter oh his friend and the film’s associate producer, Seiji Okuda, who would visit him every summer.

The 170 pages hardback novel (written for ages 8-12) not only tells the story of the film, it is also brimming with the art of the film adds a whole new dimension to the imaginative world of the story. An easy read, it’s the perfect length for a quick escape from the trials and tribulations of the real world, or to share with your children before bed – if you want to ensure they behave themselves.

Spirited Away The Picture Book can be purchased through online retailers like Amazon. Viz Media is the number one destination for manga and anime in the United States (and has been for most of its 30-year history); the company reaches one in four millennials and half of all GenZ manga readers. VIZ Media continues to be at the forefront of America’s Japanese pop-culture phenomenon, which today dominates multiple industries from publishing and animation to film and gaming.

There will be more Studio Ghibli / VIZ Media soon so…

Stay Tuned!