[For Beginners] Recommended Ghibli Masterpieces You’ll Want to Play on the Piano

The Legend of AshitakaHisaishi Joe

[Beginner-Friendly] Ashitaka and San (Princess Mononoke) Easy Piano Arrangement with Do-Re-Mi Notes • Slow Tempo • One-Finger • One-Hand Only • Also for Both Hands • Sheet Music Available

Composed by Joe Hisaishi, this piece is included on the soundtrack of the film Princess Mononoke.

It serves as the main theme symbolizing the protagonist Ashitaka’s strong resolve and inner conflict, characterized by grand orchestration.

Blending elements of classical and folk music, it musically expresses the theme of the clash between nature and humanity.

Evoking the image of a forest just by listening, the piece takes on a different charm when played on the piano.

The tempo is relaxed and there are no difficult rhythms, making it a great recommendation for beginners at the piano.

Give it a try and practice it!

Promise of the WorldKimura Yumi / Tanikawa Shuntarō

[Howl’s Moving Castle] Yumi Kimura – The Promise of the World | WADIM

This piece is known as the theme song of Studio Ghibli’s masterpiece Howl’s Moving Castle.

The music was composed by Yumi Kimura, with lyrics by the poet Shuntaro Tanikawa.

Yumi Kimura is a singer and composer famed for her distinctive singing-and-playing style using the lyre, and she came into the spotlight in 2001 with Always With Me, the theme song for Spirited Away.

Centered on the theme of parting from a loved one, this work features a gentle melody and tender lyrics.

With its simple instrumentation and moving words, it has deeply touched many listeners.

It’s highly recommended for those who want to play a calm and beautiful piece.

Country RoadYoko Honna / Taffy Nivert / John Denver / Bill Danoff

[Beginner-friendly] Country Roads (Whisper of the Heart) Easy Piano Arrangement with Do-Re-Mi Notes, Slow Tempo, One-Finger, Right/Left Hand Only, or Both Hands

“Country Roads” is popular not only among pianists but also beginners of various instruments like the flute and violin.

Many of you may want to be able to play its nostalgic, soothing melody on the piano.

Since the left hand simply keeps the rhythm within a narrow range, once you master the right hand’s rhythm and leaps, coordinating both hands will progress more smoothly than you might expect.

After you get a feel for hands-together playing using sheet music with fewer left-hand notes, actively challenge yourself with arrangements that add more rhythmic elements!

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A Town with an Ocean ViewHisaishi Joe

A Town with an Ocean View - Piano, from Studio Ghibli's 'Kiki's Delivery Service'

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Joe Hisaishi’s famous piece “A Town with an Ocean View,” well known as an insert song from the Studio Ghibli film Kiki’s Delivery Service.

Its charm lies in a simple, friendly melody that instantly brings scenes from the movie to mind.

Since many piano scores have been published, beginners can easily give it a try by choosing sheet music with note names written in, or simple arrangements built from a single melody line and bass notes.

Of course, the richer the harmony, the closer you get to the feel of the original, so once you’ve gained some proficiency, try tackling intermediate or advanced arrangements as well!

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Nausicaä RequiemHisaishi Joe

[Piano for Beginners] Nausicaä Requiem Level 1 [Free Sheet Music with Do-Re-Mi Notation]

This piece, created by Joe Hisaishi, one of Japan’s leading composers, was used as an insert song in the film Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, specifically in the scene where a young Nausicaä appears.

Its distinctive melody is striking, and it is sung by Hisaishi’s daughter, Mai, whose pure voice imbues the entire film with deep emotion.

With a minimalist structure that conveys both melancholy and composure, the piece perfectly matches the film’s atmosphere.

It’s also recommended for those who want to try not only bright or beautiful piano pieces but also pieces with a slightly unique mood.

If I’m wrapped in kindnessMatsutōya Yumi

[Kiki's Delivery Service] Wrapped in Kindness / Yumi Arai (Yumi Matsutoya) With Do-Re-Mi Sheet Music and Lyrics Beginner-Friendly Slow and Easy Piano Theme Song Easy Piano Tutorial Ghibli Elementary Level

This is a song by Yumi Arai, well-known as the ending theme of the film Kiki’s Delivery Service.

Its simple, nostalgic melody makes you want to hum along—so charming, isn’t it? Because the left-hand range is narrow and it’s easy to focus on the right hand, it’s a great piece for piano beginners who aren’t yet used to playing with both hands.

Once you’ve mastered the right-hand melody, try adding just the left-hand bass notes—one note per measure—and when you’re comfortable, challenge yourself with versions that add accompaniment patterns to the left hand.

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Message of RougeMatsutōya Yumi

[Easy Piano] Message of Rouge from Kiki's Delivery Service [Slow Beginner-Friendly with Do-Re-Mi Notes]

Yumi Matsutoya, who has been active across a wide range of genres from Showa-era kayōkyoku to New Music.

One of Matsutoya’s signature songs is “Message of Rouge.” It was chosen as the opening theme for Studio Ghibli’s 1989 film Kiki’s Delivery Service and is loved by people of all ages.

The contrast between its lively doo-wop-style melody and lyrics centered on infidelity is striking.

The female protagonist deftly expresses her anger toward her lover, lingering attachment, and mischievous streak.

Since the tempo is fast, first practice playing slowly with an accurate rhythm—like in the video introduced here—then gradually increase the tempo.

Once you can play it on the piano, you’re sure to have a great time!