I was obsessed with Kiki's delivery service as a kid.
I've always appreciated how Japan culturally treats the idea of magick and entities.
They don't have the same history as the western world with the idea of satanism - their "devils" are not evil, they are just hostile/dangerous. And magick isn't evil to them - never has been. So they write stories with different undertones to them. Studio Ghibli I think is a very safe and healthy introduction simply to the idea that magic can imply wonder instead of demonic evil.

I think this idea of demonic evil and the extremist attitude that comes with it...is not dissimilar to the way the entire country right now is being pitted against each other. One side is good, one side is evil. There is no grey. It is the inheritance of a highly Manichean, dualistic, extremist world.

Of course - Japan DEFINATELY has its own issues. The youth suicide rates are the highest in the world. But, as far as their problems go...spirituality and witch burning isn't one of them.

Your first boba tea and mochi! Did you enjoy it? I absolutely love boba. Mochi, is my favorite when frozen, with a bit of ice cream. Really a treat