Immersive Ghibli Classics! Recommended BGM for Work and Study

Ashitaka SeikINEW!Hisaishi Joe

The Legend of Ashitaka (Symphonic Suite “Princess Mononoke” / Live)

An orchestral, predominantly instrumental piece by Joe Hisaishi that carries both resolve and poignancy within its quietude.

It is part of the score for the film Princess Mononoke and was included as the opening track on the album Princess Mononoke: Original Soundtrack, released in July 1997 prior to the film’s premiere.

The melody line is exquisitely beautiful, allowing you to fully savor the film’s grand worldview through sound alone.

With a deep, prayer-like resonance, this piece is highly recommended for those who want to immerse themselves in work or study in a quiet environment.

Que Sera, Sera (Whatever will be, will be)NEW!Yamada-ke no Hitobito & Fujiwara-sensei to Kurasumeeto

Film 'My Neighbors the Yamadas' - End Title 'Que Sera, Sera' - Song by The Yamada Family & Ms. Fujiwara and Classmates

A classic that soothes the heart.

This piece is one of the songs that colored Studio Ghibli’s film “My Neighbors the Yamadas,” released in July 1999.

It was included on the album “My Neighbors the Yamadas: Original Full Soundtrack,” released in the same month that year.

Director Isao Takahata added Japanese lyrics to a world-renowned standard, creating a warmth that gently embraces family and school relationships.

It’s perfect for times when you want to relax your shoulders and focus on work or study.

Try playing it as background music.

The revolving seasonsInoue Azumi

Kiki's Delivery Service / The Turning Seasons

This is an insert song from Kiki’s Delivery Service.

It’s a track that conjures up an image of Kiki flying energetically through the sky.

Everything—the house Kiki lives in, the food she eats, and Jiji’s movements—is just so cute, isn’t it?

globeYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Spinning Globe

A song crafted by Kenshi Yonezu as the theme for director Hayao Miyazaki’s film “The Boy and the Heron,” which delicately portrays the journey from the birth of life to growth and parting.

Released in July 2023, the film is marked by a warm musical tone that gently watches over the growth of a human being born with infinite possibilities.

After receiving direct guidance from Director Miyazaki and working from five volumes’ worth of storyboards, Yonezu created a painstaking, heartfelt piece whose panoramic perspective on the world and profound lyrics questioning the meaning of life harmonize beautifully with the film’s themes.

It is recommended for those standing at a crossroads in life or wishing to reflect on their own way of living.

Take Me Home, Country RoadsNEW!John Denver

John Denver – Take Me Home, Country Roads (Official Audio)

This is a song that became widely known in Japan after being covered in Japanese as the theme song for the film “Whisper of the Heart.” The original was released in April 1971 and was later included on the classic album “Poems, Prayers and Promises.” Its warm acoustic guitar tones and clear, translucent vocals are major attractions.

It unfolds a world that evokes a strong yearning to return home and conjures images of beautiful natural scenery.

Give it a listen when you want to calm your mind.

Ponyo on the CliffNEW!Ōhashi Nozomi

Ponyo: Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea

This is a vibrant work where a melody that evokes the dynamism of the sea and life overlaps with an innocent, charming singing voice.

Released as a single in December 2007, before the film’s premiere, it features an unusual pairing: Fujioka Fujimaki and Nozomi Ohashi.

The familiar, repetitive phrases are pleasing to the ear, and before you know it, you’ll want to sing along yourself.

It’s recommended for those who want to sit at their desk with a calm mind.

Try incorporating it into your daily routine.

Become the windNEW!tsuji ayano

Ayano Tsuji / Become the Wind [VIDEO MUSIC AYA~NO 2009]

This is one of Ayano Tsuji’s signature songs, well known as the ending theme of the film The Cat Returns.

The ukulele’s lively strumming and her gently enveloping voice are wonderful, aren’t they? Its theme of transforming personal sadness into forward-looking hope soothes the listener’s heart.

With a comfortable tempo and minimal ornamentation, it’s highly recommended as a companion for work or study.

Give it a try if you want to boost your concentration with a refreshing feeling.