![[For Beginners] Recommended Ghibli Masterpieces You’ll Want to Play on the Piano](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/LkU9_DJyJX4/maxresdefault.webp)
[For Beginners] Recommended Ghibli Masterpieces You’ll Want to Play on the Piano
Studio Ghibli has produced numerous animated films that represent Japan.
Alongside their moving stories, many unforgettable songs have been born.
Not only the theme and insert songs, but also the background music that plays throughout the films is memorable, and many people may find themselves recalling the music together with iconic scenes—and perhaps wanting to try playing it on the piano at least once.
Many pieces from Studio Ghibli’s works are perfectly suited to the piano.
In this article, we introduce Ghibli pieces recommended for piano beginners.
Start your piano journey with your favorite song!
[For Beginners] Recommended Ghibli Masterpieces to Play on Piano (1–10)
Carrying YouInoue Azumi / Hisaishi Joe
This is the theme song from the film Castle in the Sky, which enjoys great popularity among adult beginners who are taking on the piano, thanks to its bittersweet, romantic atmosphere.
The melody line is exceptionally beautiful, so even a simple accompaniment is enough to convey the moving world of the original.
Since the left hand doesn’t cover a very wide range, it’s easy to focus on the flow of the right hand, making it recommended for beginners.
Start by mastering an arrangement where both hands play single notes, then gradually challenge yourself with scores that add richness—such as chordal accompaniments—to build a fuller sound.
On a sunny dayHisaishi Joe
This buoyant waltz colors the scene in Kiki’s Delivery Service where the protagonist sets off with hope in her heart.
The melody, brimming with exotic flair from the accordion and mandolin, seems to capture the anticipation of entering a new world.
Although it was reportedly composed at a rapid pace to coincide with the film’s July 1989 release, the piece’s expansive, joy-filled lines betray none of that rush and are truly captivating.
Its steady, easy-to-grasp triple meter makes it a great recommendation for piano learners.
Start by playing the beautiful right-hand melody as if singing it, then add the simple accompaniment; you’ll find it leads smoothly to playing with both hands.
Always With MeKimura Yumi
The warm singing voice and nostalgic melody of the theme song from Studio Ghibli’s feature-length animated film Spirited Away gently soothe the heart.
Many of you may remember Yumi Kimura performing it while lightly strumming chords on a lyre.
With a simple chord progression over which a calm, flowing melody moves horizontally, it requires minimal hand position changes and is easy to play on the piano.
Please give it a try.
Name of LifeHisaishi Joe
Composed by Joe Hisaishi, this piece is a gem created for the film Spirited Away.
The beautiful melody woven by piano and strings resonates deeply with listeners.
Its delicate lines skillfully portray anxiety and hope, a sense of loss and rediscovery, perfectly expressing the film’s worldview.
For the left hand, it’s fine to start with single notes; once you get the hang of it, try capturing the harmonies with chords.
With its relaxed tempo, this is a recommended piece for beginners who want to play something wistful and gentle.
The Path of the WindInoue Azumi / Hisaishi Joe
This work, which poetically depicts the relationship between nature and humans, is a piece composed by Joe Hisaishi.
It was included in the soundtrack for the 1988 film My Neighbor Totoro, and with its serene, transparent melody, it expresses the beauty of nature like a breeze passing through.
Centered on piano and orchestra, the quiet tone evokes elements of classical and minimal music.
With a relaxed tempo and no complex rhythms, it’s perfect for beginners on the piano! Try playing it while imagining a forest.
Merry-Go-Round of LifeHisaishi Joe
It’s the theme song from the film Howl’s Moving Castle, featuring a simple yet mysterious melody that evokes nostalgia and poignancy.
Because both the rhythm and melodic movement are straightforward, it’s a piece that beginners can master by playing it at a relaxed pace.
Since there are many repeated phrases and just stringing the notes together can make the performance feel monotonous, once your fingering becomes reasonably smooth, try building volume toward the chorus or adding slight tempo variations to bring the piece to life.
againHisaishi Joe
It’s a grand and beautiful piece that plays during the climactic, dreamlike flying scene in the film Spirited Away.
Beginning with a quiet melody and gradually building in emotion, it evokes the hope that lies beyond hardship and the strong bonds with those we hold dear.
A later version with lyrics also exists, expressing a bittersweet yet warm longing for reunion.
This piece was included on the album Spirited Away Soundtrack, released in July 2001.
It’s a perfect choice for those who want to bring this sweeping world to life with their own hands.
As you recall the story’s moving moments, aim for a performance that richly shapes dynamics and stirs the hearts of listeners.