BBC Studios Kids & Family has announced a partnership with Japanese entertainment company Kadokawa Corporation and British production company Wheel in Motion to develop a live-action television adaptation of Kiki's Delivery Service. The project marks the first time the beloved property will be adapted as a live-action television series.
The development is based on Eiko Kadono's novel, which has previously been adapted as an animated film by Studio Ghibli in 1989. The planned series will consist of 10 half-hour episodes drawn primarily from the source material. The collaboration brings together BBC Studios' international reach in children's programming with Kadokawa's deep roots in Japanese publishing and entertainment.
The original story follows a young witch named Kiki who leaves home at age 13 to spend a year living independently, as is tradition in her community. She settles in a seaside town where she starts a delivery service using her ability to fly on a broomstick. The narrative explores themes of independence, self-reliance, and finding one's place in the world.
The project represents a significant cultural crossover, combining British television production expertise with Japanese intellectual property. Kadokawa Corporation owns the rights to the original novel and has been involved in numerous adaptations of Japanese literary works. Wheel in Motion, the British production partner, brings experience in live-action family entertainment to the collaboration.
The series is currently in development, with no announced release date or casting decisions. The partnership reflects ongoing interest in adapting Japanese cultural properties for international audiences, particularly those with existing recognition from previous film adaptations. The involvement of BBC Studios suggests the series will likely target both British and international markets when completed.