Who Is No-Face in Spirited Away? Director Hayao Miyazaki Reveals the Deeper Meaning
Introduction
On January 2, 2026, Studio Ghibli's masterpiece "Spirited Away" was broadcast on Nippon TV's "Friday Road Show" program. During the broadcast, the official X (formerly Twitter) account shared comments from director Hayao Miyazaki that sparked tremendous reactions online. For years, fans have wondered about the true identity of No-Face (Kaonashi in Japanese), and now the creator himself has provided a definitive answer.
Miyazaki's Revelation About No-Face
The Friday Road Show official X account shared the following comment from director Hayao Miyazaki during the broadcast:
"There are many No-Faces around us. People who want to latch onto others but don't have a sense of self—I think they're everywhere."
This statement reveals that No-Face is not simply a monster or villain, but rather "a being without a sense of self that changes depending on who or what it encounters." The character symbolizes people who desperately want to connect with and be accepted by others, yet lack a solid sense of their own identity.
The Origin of No-Face
Interestingly, No-Face was never planned to be a central character in the story. According to production materials and Wikipedia, No-Face was originally "just standing there with no particular purpose."
However, when the footage was reviewed, the character had a peculiarly compelling presence that caught Miyazaki's attention. When the production team needed to revise the story midway through, Miyazaki improvised an episode where No-Face would go on a rampage at the bathhouse. This led to a major shift in the narrative—the originally planned storyline of defeating the witch Yubaba was abandoned, and the relationship between Chihiro and No-Face became a focal point instead.
No-Face's Role in the Story
Throughout the film, No-Face undergoes a remarkable transformation:
- Initially appears as a silent, semi-transparent presence, only able to say "Ah... Ah..."
- After entering the bathhouse, attempts to buy affection by offering gold to the workers
- Influenced by the greed around him, grows enormous and becomes gluttonous
- After being rejected by Chihiro and consuming the River Spirit's dumpling, is freed from his monstrous state
- Finally finds peace living with the kindly witch Zeniba
This progression symbolizes people who are shaped and changed by their environment and the people around them. No-Face can only connect with others through material means, failing to find true happiness and spiraling out of control. It's only when he finds a role "helping with housework" at Zeniba's home that he finally discovers his place in the world.
No-Face's Theme Resonates in the Social Media Era
While Miyazaki's explanation has been known since the film's 2001 release, it has gained renewed significance in the current social media age. Japanese viewers responded with comments such as:
"I see," "That's deep," "I feel like there's a No-Face inside me too," "This probably hits hard for a lot of people," and "I think about 70% of Japanese people are made up of No-Face."
In an era where people are easily swayed by others' values and the atmosphere of social media, No-Face is being reevaluated not just as a "scary character" or "funny character," but as a figure that encourages self-reflection about one's own identity.
Global Recognition of Spirited Away
Released in the summer of 2001, Spirited Away achieved a phenomenal box office record of 31.68 billion yen (approximately $316 million). At the 75th Academy Awards, it became the first Japanese film to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. It also received the Golden Bear, the top prize at the Berlin International Film Festival.
In 2022, the film was adapted into a stage production for the first time, starring Kanna Hashimoto and Mone Kamishiraishi. In 2024, a revival production featuring Rina Kawaei and Momoko Fukuchi toured five major Japanese cities and made its international debut in London, attracting approximately 300,000 attendees. Following a successful Shanghai production in 2025, the stage show will open in Korea in January 2026.
Conclusion
No-Face embodies the universal human vulnerability of wanting to cling to others without having a sense of self. However, his eventual peace at Zeniba's home, where he finds a role and purpose, also offers hope for finding one's place and identity.
In Japan, this interpretation of No-Face has resonated strongly as a reflection of identity issues in the social media age. What do you think about people like No-Face—those who "want to latch onto others but have no sense of self"—in your country? Have you encountered such people in your own life? We'd love to hear your thoughts!
References
Reactions in Japan
After hearing the truth about No-Face, it really makes sense. I feel like there's a No-Face inside me too. Sometimes I want to be accepted by others, but I don't really know who I truly am.
Director Miyazaki's interpretation is so deep. Especially now in the social media era, so many people measure their worth by likes and follower counts. They're exactly like No-Face.
I think about 70% of Japanese people are made up of No-Face. There are so many people around me who read the atmosphere too much and can't express their own opinions.
Just like No-Face found his place with Zeniba in the end, I think people can change if they find somewhere they're needed. It's actually a hopeful story.
When I was a kid, No-Face scared me, but as an adult, I find myself relating to him instead. Did I grow up, or did I become No-Face...?
The scene where No-Face tries to buy people's affection with gold seems like a critique of modern society. There are people who think money can get them anything.
The phrase 'having no sense of self' really hit me. It reminded me of when I couldn't answer 'What are your strengths?' during job hunting.
This film never gets old no matter how many times I watch it. Hearing about No-Face along with the train scene explanation made for the perfect New Year's viewing.
Isn't this interpretation of No-Face a bit exaggerated? I think it's fine to just see him as a yokai. Maybe we shouldn't overanalyze too much.
I heard that even Miyazaki himself was described as No-Face's alter ego by his producer. Creators really do project their inner selves into their characters.
No-Face could only be genuine with Chihiro because she was kind to him first. It really is human kindness that changes people.
Hearing that Spirited Away has the message 'to live is to work,' I thought that's such a Japanese value. I wonder how people overseas feel about it.
I saw the stage version too, and the portrayal of No-Face was amazing. It was interesting to see a different interpretation from the film. I hope the Korea production is successful.
There are No-Face-like people at work too. People who only watch their boss's expressions and never voice their own opinions. But they must be suffering inside.
I have No-Face merchandise, but I didn't know there was such deep meaning behind the character. Now I like him even more.
Even though this film is over 20 years old, I still discover new things every time I watch it. That's the magic of Ghibli films.
Hearing this interpretation of No-Face gave me chills. It feels like a warning about modern people being controlled by the need for validation on social media. Miyazaki foresaw this over 20 years ago.
There are plenty of No-Face-like people in America too. People who want to be influencers, those who measure their worth by follower count. They all 'have no sense of self.'
France is said to be individualistic, but in reality, many people care about what others think. I believe No-Face's message is universal.
Spirited Away is a film that changed my life. Just like No-Face found his place with Zeniba, I was able to find my own place in the world.
The interpretation of No-Face is so profound. But it's a bit sad. In modern society, maybe everyone has to become 'No-Face' to some extent.
I'm excited for the stage version starting in Korea. Watching it with this interpretation of No-Face in mind will bring a whole new level of emotion.
This movie is hugely popular in Russia too. I think No-Face is a universal character that people from any culture can find within themselves.
Reading Miyazaki's explanation made me understand that No-Face isn't just a scary character. He's a part of all of us. This is a work of genius.
In Brazil, connections with family and friends are very important. Seeking connection like No-Face is natural. The problem is losing yourself in the process.
This movie is also popular among young people in China. It teaches us the importance of maintaining our identity in a competitive society.
In India, many people lose themselves trying to meet family and societal expectations. No-Face's story teaches us to value our authentic selves.
In Scandinavia, individual independence is valued, but many people struggle with loneliness. I understand No-Face's desire to 'latch onto someone.'
I've known about Miyazaki's interpretation before, but hearing it again really resonates. The relationship between Chihiro and No-Face teaches us what true friendship is.
No-Face's transformation shows how environment shapes a person. In a good environment, one can become a good person. I love this hopeful message.
Honestly, some parts of the interpretation are too deep for me to fully understand. But that's the charm of Ghibli films. There's always something new to discover.