Immersive Ghibli Classics! Recommended BGM for Work and Study

I stopped being alone.Yano Akiko

I’ve stopped being all alone (from “My Neighbors the Yamadas”)...

The Theme of My Neighbors the Yamadas is performed here as a lovely piano arrangement.

I’ve introduced the orchestral version once before, but when the gently drawn scenes of everyday life are rendered on piano, they pull you into a world that feels even more like a cherished memory.

Everyday life is something everyone has, each in their own way and by no one else’s standards, and yet when the everyday that surely existed for me is presented as images, a quiet feeling of “there’s something nice about this” wells up.

This piano version will strike a chord with many people and brighten the everyday lives of those who listen.

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Haru’s MemoriesYuji Nomi

영화 고양이의 보은 – Haru’s Memoriesㅣ 재패니메이션 OST 콘서트

This is “Haru’s Memories” from the film The Cat Returns.

The Cat Returns is set up as a story written by Shizuku Tsukishima from Whisper of the Heart, and the tale begins when the protagonist Haru saves a cat that is about to get into an accident.

Both The Cat Returns and Whisper of the Heart were handled by Yuji Nomi, and are characterized by their gentle, warm qualities.

In the film, the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra—well known from game and anime music concerts—performed the score, and the soundtrack also includes a bonus track featuring a performance by the Czech Philharmonic, resulting in a work of high caliber even as a listening experience.

In the video, a Korean orchestra performs it in concert, showing its popularity overseas as well.

The flute, harp, and tender strings are so soothing.

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My Neighbors the Yamadas Theme – Orchestral VersionYano Akiko

My Neighbors the Yamadas Theme – Orchestra Version(이웃집 야마다군 오케스트라버전 OST)

The original song “Hitoribocchi wa Yameta” was written, composed, and sung by Akiko Yano, depicting everyday warmth with a pop sound.

In the orchestral version, the refreshing sound remains, while the texture of the live performance comes through directly.

A trumpet solo and mellow strings join as backing, bringing out the charms of the orchestra as well.

The live-performance version of “Hitoribocchi wa Yameta” is wonderful, too! The performance is by the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra and is included on “Czech Phil Plays Studio Ghibli Symphonic Collection.”

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Aerial strollNEW!Hisaishi Joe

Stroll Through The Sky

The famous piece “A Walk in the Skies,” well known as part of the score for the film Howl’s Moving Castle.

Included on the soundtrack released in November 2004, this work renders a waltz on a grand scale—graceful yet driving.

It evokes the aerial scene where Howl and Sophie first truly connect.

Its soothing sense of immersion makes it perfect BGM for studying or working, so be sure to give it a listen.

Name of Life from Spirited AwayHisaishi Joe

Name of Life (from “Spirited Away”)

Many people must have been captivated by the crystalline piano tones and the somehow nostalgic melody! The theme song of Studio Ghibli’s masterpiece Spirited Away evokes a bittersweet yet warm story of searching for lost memories and one’s true self.

Its message—like finding a place to belong—comes through with quiet emotion.

Released in July 2001 as a single sung by Yumi Kimura, the song deepened the film’s emotional impact.

The piece originally began as an instrumental track on the soundtrack.

Its calm, dreamlike strains are perfect for focusing on work or study.

If you let yourself drift on its gentle waves of sound, your heart may settle and your thoughts may become clear.

Princess MononokeNEW!Mera Yoshikazu

Princess Mononoke

A masterpiece whose clear, prayerful melody seems to drift from the depths of a dense forest.

Released in June 1997, it became a massive hit alongside the film released the following July and continues to be loved by many.

The words that distill the film’s worldview intertwine with the voice of Yoshikazu Mera, a countertenor with a singular timbre, creating an overwhelming sense of immersion.

Perfect for when you want to focus on work or study.

Love is a flower, you are its seed.NEW!Miyako Harumi

Only Yesterday – Love is a flower, you are the seed

A warm, heartfelt number: a Japanese cover of the classic “The Rose,” written by Amanda McBroom.

Its profound lyrics treat love as something to be carefully nurtured, beautifully intertwining with Harumi Miyako’s rich, expressive, and lustrous vocals to evoke a quiet sense of awe.

Released as a single in July 1991, the song colored the lingering resonance of Studio Ghibli’s animated film Only Yesterday as its theme song.

The Japanese lyrics were written by Isao Takahata, and the track was later included on albums such as Harumi Miyako Complete Collection 2025.

With its gentle tempo and beautiful balladry, it’s a reassuring companion for moments when you want to lose yourself in your own world.