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The letter addressed three major questions: What caused Chihiro’s parents to transform into pigs? What was the mysterious food they consumed? And how did Chihiro manage to succeed in her final challenge?
A representative from Studio Ghibli responded, explaining that the transformation of Chihiro’s parents symbolized greed. Hayao Miyazaki drew inspiration from the greed he observed during Japan’s 1980s economic downturn. The letter elaborated that once someone turns into a pig in the film, they fully adopt the “mind and body of a pig,” reflecting how greed can permanently alter a person’s nature in both reality and fantasy.
One of the film’s most intriguing moments occurs at the climax, where Chihiro correctly identifies that none of the pigs before her are her parents. The letter reveals that she achieved this through “unique powers” she gained while navigating the spirit world.
“As a 10-year-old, Chihiro could discern the difference because she had faced challenges and developed the ‘energy to live’—a natural ability everyone possesses.”
The author notes that Chihiro’s quest to gain this ‘energy to live’ by facing her fears forms the heart of the movie.
The mystery of what food transformed Chihiro’s parents into pigs remains partially unsolved. The employee states: “The exact nature of the food isn’t specified—it’s simply described as ‘very delicious,’” suggesting the feast might have been a deliberate trap to ensnare lost humans.
While many filmmakers avoid dissecting their work post-release, Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli have been exceptionally open with fans. Earlier this year, the director validated a popular fan theory about his 1997 film, Princess Mononoke. These insights should keep fans content, just in case Miyazaki decides to retire permanently.
