Was Yubaba Really a Hero?

The Reputation Problem

When people talk about Yubaba from Spirited Away, they usually reach for words like "villain" or "tyrant." Her imposing presence, greed, and manipulation of contracts in the spirit world make her an easy target for criticism. But is that the whole story? The more I’ve thought about her role in the bathhouse, the more I’ve wondered: was Yubaba unfairly maligned? Let’s look at the evidence.

She Kept the Bathhouse Running

The bathhouse isn’t just a place of work — it’s a vital service in the spirit world. Spirits come there to be cleansed, healed, and refreshed. Without Yubaba’s strict management, it might have collapsed into chaos. She’s the one who maintains order among a volatile mix of creatures and employees. She may be harsh, but she’s consistent. Even Chihiro, the film’s protagonist, learns the value of hard work and responsibility under Yubaba’s regime. In a world where spirits need care and humans are out of place, Yubaba ensures the system doesn’t fall apart.

She Protected Chihiro

Let’s not forget: Yubaba didn’t have to keep Chihiro on. She could have turned her out into the spirit world with no protection. Instead, she gave her a job, a name, and a fighting chance. Even when Chihiro made mistakes — and she made many — Yubaba never outright harmed her. Yes, she threatened her, and yes, she demanded a steep price for her help. But in the world of Spirited Away, survival often depends on making hard bargains. Chihiro’s eventual success was possible because of Yubaba’s structure, not in spite of it.

She Was Manipulative and Ruthless

On the other hand, Yubaba’s methods are undeniably cruel. She exploits workers, forces unfair contracts, and uses fear to maintain control. Her treatment of her twin sister, Zeniba, is particularly revealing — she steals her magic and hoards wealth while her sister lives humbly. That’s not just greed; it’s theft and deception. And let’s not excuse the fact that she erases people’s names to keep them enslaved. That’s not leadership — it’s tyranny.

She Wasn’t the Only One

But then again, the bathhouse itself is a morally ambiguous place. It serves spirits that are both good and dangerous. The workers are often unkind to Chihiro, and the system is built on a hierarchy that rewards obedience more than morality. Yubaba is part of that system, but is she solely to blame? Maybe she’s just the one who rose to the top through sheer will. In that light, she’s not a hero — but she’s not the only villain either.

So, was Yubaba a hero? Probably not in the traditional sense. But she’s more than just a monster. She’s a complex figure who maintains a necessary institution through questionable means. Her actions can’t be fully praised, but they can’t be entirely condemned either. Like most things in Spirited Away, the truth is somewhere in between.

Talk to Yubaba on HoloDream and see what she has to say for herself — ask her about the bathhouse, her contracts, or how she sees her role in the spirit world.