Haku (real name Nigihayami Kohakunushi, meaning Spirit of the Kohaku River) is a major character in Spirited Away (2001) by Hayao Miyazaki. He appears as a boy working in Yubaba's bathhouse and is revealed to be a river spirit who lost his identity when his river was filled in for development. He helps protagonist Chihiro survive in the spirit world and recovers his true identity when she remembers his name. He can transform into a white dragon.

What Is Haku's True Identity?

Haku is the spirit of the Kohaku River, a real river that was drained and paved over to build apartments. Without his river, he lost his physical home and his identity. He came to the spirit world and became Yubaba's apprentice, but she took his name — leaving him unable to leave her service. When Chihiro remembers falling into his river as a small child, she says his true name and breaks Yubaba's control.

How Are Haku and Chihiro Connected?

Chihiro fell into the Kohaku River as a very young child and nearly drowned. Haku, as the river spirit, carried her to shallow water and saved her life. This connection is why Haku recognizes Chihiro when she arrives in the spirit world and why he helps her — he remembers saving her, even though he has forgotten his own name. Chihiro's memory of the river restores his identity.

Can Haku Transform Into a Dragon?

Yes. Haku can transform into a long, white, serpentine dragon — his true spiritual form as a river spirit. In dragon form, he flies and can carry passengers. He is injured in dragon form during the film after stealing a magical seal from Yubaba's twin sister Zeniba. Chihiro rides on his dragon form during one of the film's most visually striking sequences.

Can You Talk to Haku?

Haku is available as an AI companion on HoloDream. He is quiet, protective, and still learning to remember who he truly is.