Discover the Cast of The Secret World of Arrietty—Their Voices Propelled This Timeless Fantasy!

In 2010, Studio Ghibli delivered a magical gem in The Secret World of Arrietty, an enchanting adaptation of The Borrowers by Mary Norton. While visually stunning and emotionally resonant, the film’s enduring charm owes much to its exceptional voice cast—particularly the talented actors who brought the tiny, imaginative characters to life. From the gentle tones of Arrietty herself to the warm presence of Shō, the human boy who befriends her, the voice performances breathe life, vulnerability, and wonder into this delicate fantasy tale.

The Voice Actors Behind the Magic

Understanding the Context

Though The Secret World of Arrietty is a Japanese production, the voice cast—largely Japanese—delivered a deeply authentic and touching interpretation of the story. While full voice cast information isn’t always publicly available in English, the familiar cadence and expressive delivery of the Arrietty characters highlight the actors’ masterful work in conveying innocence, courage, and connection.

Arrietty—the heart of the story—is portrayed with quiet strength and emotional depth. The actress responsible, though rarely spotlighted in international media, captured the essence of a creature who sees the human world with both wonder and caution. Her voice, layered with childlike curiosity and courage, enabled audiences to connect deeply with her plight. Similarly, the human child protagonist, Shō, is voiced with warmth and sincerity, embodying a child’s wonder and growing empathy without overwhelming the delicate tone of the film.

The supporting voice actors play crucial supporting roles—each carefully chosen to enhance the film’s intimate, quiet atmosphere. From rhythm and subtle expressions to emotional nuance, the ensemble ensures the film resonates with authenticity.

Why Their Voices Matter in The Secret World of Arrietty

Key Insights

Voice acting in animation is far more than just reading lines—it’s about shaping characters, defining their emotions, and guiding audience empathy. In The Secret World of Arrietty, the balance between silence and voice becomes a storytelling tool: much of the communication between Arrietty and Shō happens through expressions and whispered dialogue, yet the voice performances amplify intimacy and tension. The subtlety of these performances allows the film’s themes—smallness, belonging, and the beauty of hidden worlds—to resonate powerfully.

Moreover, the Ghibli tradition places immense value on vocal nuance. Unlike louder or more theatrical styles, Ghibli’s voice artists deliver performances that blend realism with fantasy, grounding magical elements in relatable human emotion. The voice cast helps anchor the surreal setting in emotional truth.

Honoring the Legacy

While The Secret World of Arrietty may not be the most widely discussed Ghibli film outside fan circles, its legacy endures through the enduring quality of its voice performance. The cast’s delicate, nuanced work ensures that Arrietty’s quiet world feels alive—not just on screen, but in the hearts of viewers.

Whether you’re revisiting this timeless fantasy or discovering it for the first time, the voice actors’ contributions remind us how storytelling thrives on more than visuals. It’s the voice behind the character—the timbre of emotion and authenticity—tying The Secret World of Arrietty to its place in animation history.

Final Thoughts


Explore the enchanting voice casting behind The Secret World of Arrietty and appreciate how each performance carved magic into animation.
For fans and new viewers alike, the film’s soul lives in its voices—tiny, brave, and unmistakably human.

Keywords: The Secret World of Arrietty, voice cast, women voice actors, Studio Ghibli, Arrietty, Shō, animation voice acting, Japanese voice performers, timeless fantasy, mythical animation, Ghibli magic