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From the beginning of the film, it looks that Yubaba is searching for Chihiro with the clear intention to turn her into animal.

What reasons prevent Yubaba to do so when Chihiro suddenly comes to her office? While being rude, Yubaba still talks to Chihiro and at the end offers to sign the job contract. Looks like Yubaba is restricted by some rules she must follow. Why, and what are these rules?

h22
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  • This reminds me of the theory in which the bath house workers are also "hostesses", as were traditional bath house workers at some point in the history of Japan in real life. That would explain it: Chihiro, as a young girl, had the potential to do that kind of work later, unlike her parents. The theory seemed quite well constructed and convincing (on a symbolic level, in the same way the Red Riding Hood is actually about rape) but it's not confirmed as far as I know or I would have made this an answer. – Pwassonne Apr 24 '16 at 20:16

2 Answers2

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She cannot refuse her as long as chihiro asks. Yubaba also has a rule not to turn down anyone asking for a job and therefore has to give her the job and can't be turned into a piglet as she is under her service.

Maka Albarn
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  • Yes, Yubaba says something like this after the contract is signed. I thought this is some bitter joke from her side only. – h22 Apr 27 '16 at 06:25
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It was two reasons actually: Yubaba's oath and...... Big Baby's tantrum!

In the English dub, Yubaba said: "I cant believe I took that oath. To give a job to anyone who asks. Ridiculous! I hate being so nice all the time." So yeah she can't turn down a job request but she can intimidate you to change your mind.

Yubaba was having fun intimidating Chihiro. Until Big Baby woke up. She doesn't want to deal with Big Baby's tantrum, so she gave in to Chihiro's incessant request.

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One thing I find funny during that scene is, she told Chihiro that she doesn't want her because she's a spoiled cry-baby, with no manners. Hey lady, you just described your son!

animenix
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