Haku exhibits a range of personalities throughout the story. At times, he comes across as kind-hearted and supportive, while at other moments, he can be strict and somewhat high-strung. His wisdom allows him to adapt his behavior to suit various situations. Haku is willing to go to great lengths for those he cares about, consistently demonstrating his commitment to Chihiro’s safety. From the beginning to the end of the narrative, he does everything he can to protect her and assist in her journey home, which helps Chihiro develop trust in him despite the mixed messages she receives from other characters in Spirited Away.

Although Haku assures Chihiro that she can rely on him, Lin expresses skepticism about his intentions, warning Chihiro not to trust him. Furthermore, Zeniba, Yubaba’s twin sister, claims that Haku is nothing more than a greedy thief who stole her golden seal. Ultimately, Chihiro decides to place her faith in Haku. It is later revealed that he is, in fact, Yubaba’s servant, controlled by a black worm embedded in his body.

Haku first makes his appearance when Chihiro is crossing the bridge leading to the Bathhouse. He urgently advises her to leave the town and return across the river before nightfall. When Chihiro panics and fails to heed his warning, she runs off in distress. Concerned for her safety, Haku sets out to find her. Upon discovering that Chihiro is becoming invisible, he provides her with food to prevent her from vanishing completely. Haku then helps free her when her legs become stuck and guides her to the Bathhouse, where he assists her in crossing the bridge. In the garden behind the Bathhouse, he informs her that she must secure a job to survive, specifically warning her about Kamajī, the boiler man.

After Chihiro successfully obtains a job, Haku introduces her to Lin, a fellow worker. The following morning, he leads her to her parents, who have been transformed into pigs. Haku warns Chihiro that if she forgets her true name—as he has forgotten his—she will be trapped in the spirit world forever. This moment solidifies Chihiro’s trust in him. Haku then departs but returns days later in his dragon form, gravely injured from an attack by paper birds, blood dripping from his body. He collapses in Yubaba’s office, bleeding and close to death, with Chihiro on his back. They fall down a shaft, landing in the boiler room where Kamajī works.

While Chihiro sets out to return a seal that Haku allegedly stole, he tells Yubaba that he will retrieve her son and flies off to visit Zeniba, Yubaba’s twin sister. Yubaba agrees to Chihiro’s plan but insists on testing her first. Zeniba reveals that only true love can break the curse. As they soar through the night with Chihiro on his back, she recounts an incident from her childhood when she fell into a river while trying to retrieve a small pink shoe. She thought she would drown, but he saved her. Chihiro then reveals that the river’s name was the Kohaku River, thus uncovering his true identity.

Upon returning to the Bathhouse, they bid farewell at the river, which has since been filled in. Haku promises Chihiro that they will meet again one day as he releases her hand and watches her depart in search of her parents.

As a river spirit, Haku possesses a variety of supernatural powers primarily linked to the element of water. Some of the notable abilities he demonstrates include:

Asian Dragon Physiology: Being a Japanese river spirit, Haku can transform into an Asian dragon, showcasing the ability to fly in this form.

Arcane Knowledge: Haku’s status as a river spirit and his role as Yubaba’s apprentice grant him extensive knowledge of magic and the spirit world. He frequently uses this knowledge to keep Chihiro safe and ultimately help her and her parents escape the spirit realm.

Flower Petal Manipulation (Possibly): While not explicitly confirmed, it is suggested that Haku may have the ability to create and manipulate flower petals. During their first meeting, he blew petals from his fingertips to distract potential threats sensing Chihiro’s presence.

Spell Casting: Haku can cast spells to alter reality in various ways. For instance, he uses a spell to help Chihiro regain mobility in her legs while she adjusts to the spirit world.

Telekinesis: Haku has the power to move objects with his mind, which he channels through hand gestures. This ability allows him to open doors from a distance while escorting Chihiro to safety.

Cloaking (Limited): Haku can conceal himself or others, preventing detection. However, this ability has its limits; when Chihiro gasps in shock upon seeing Aogaeru, Haku’s cloaking fails, allowing Aogaeru to identify her as a human by her scent.

Force-Field Imprisonment: Haku can create force fields to bind or restrain objects and individuals. For example, he uses this ability to imprison Aogaeru when he attempts to attack Chihiro after her identity as a human is revealed.

Flight: Even in his human form, Haku can defy gravity, enabling him to soar through the air at remarkable speeds and heights.

Telepathy: Haku possesses the ability to implant thoughts and memories in others’ minds through direct contact. He uses this skill to guide Chihiro to Kamaji’s boiler room and to communicate with her in her dreams, urging her to meet him at the river to see her parents.

Supernatural Cooking: Haku has a unique talent for cooking with magical properties. During their second encounter, he offers Chihiro a berry that allows her to take a corporeal form in the spirit world. Later, he provides her with rice cakes that help restore her physical and mental strength, as well as her optimism.

Chihiro hugging Haku.

Chihiro
Haku shares a deep and complex bond with Chihiro, the film’s protagonist. From their first encounter, Haku becomes a crucial ally in her journey through the spirit world. He offers her guidance and support, helping her navigate the challenges she faces. Haku’s unwavering commitment to Chihiro’s safety fosters a sense of trust between them, allowing her to rely on him despite warnings from others. Their relationship evolves throughout the story, culminating in a powerful connection that transcends their circumstances. Haku’s revelation of his true identity and past further solidifies their bond, as Chihiro’s memories help him remember his own name and origins.

Yubaba
Haku’s relationship with Yubaba is one of servitude and conflict. As Yubaba’s apprentice, Haku is bound to her, serving her interests while grappling with his own desires for freedom. Yubaba controls him through a black worm implanted in his body, which symbolizes her dominance over him. Despite this, Haku displays moments of defiance, particularly when it comes to protecting Chihiro. His complicated dynamic with Yubaba highlights his struggle between obedience and the longing for autonomy, ultimately leading to a quest for liberation from her control.

The name “Haku” translates to “white,” which reflects both the color of his dragon form and the attire he wears. His clothing includes ahakama, traditionally associated with Shinto priests. Haku’s speech is marked by politeness and nobility, traits that hint at his divine origins. Notably, he refers to himself aswatashirather thanboku, further emphasizing his refined character.

Haku’s full name is Nigihayami Kohakunushi. In the film, he often shortens it to Kohaku River. He has forgotten his true name over time due to the destruction of the Kohaku River, which was buried beneath urban development.

The name “Nigihayami” suggests a noble heritage, linked to the deity Nigihayahi no Mikoto (饒速日命), a god associated with the sun and agriculture in Japanese mythology. The term “Kohaku” means “amber,” while “Nushi” translates to “spirit.” Collectively, the name “Haku” (白) signifies “white,” and “Kohaku” (琥珀) means “amber.” His real name draws inspiration from several divine figures, including Haya-Akitsu Hiko (速秋津彦), a dragon god of rivers.