Immersive Ghibli Classics! Recommended BGM for Work and Study

contrailNEW!Matsutōya Yumi

Contrail (Vapour Trail) – Yumi Arai (Yumi Matsutoya)

“Hikoukigumo” is an early signature work by Yumi Matsutoya, released under her former name Arai Yumi.

Its lyrical worldview is captivating, overlaying a gaze toward a life cut short and the passage of time with the image of a contrail.

Released in November 1973 as the title track of her debut album Hikoukigumo, the song was later chosen as the theme for Studio Ghibli’s film The Wind Rises, which premiered in July 2013, leading to its broad rediscovery among younger listeners.

Its quiet, poignant melody is deeply immersive and recommended as background music when you want to focus on your work.

Sometimes, a tale from long ago — from Porco RossoKatō Tokiko

Sometimes, a tale from long ago — from Porco Rosso

A work written and composed by Tokiko Kato herself, whose warm yet somehow wistful world seeps into the heart.

As you search for an unseen future, you can almost picture the scenes of passionate conversations with friends.

Many may find it overlaps with their own memories.

The song was included on the album “MY STORY/Toki ni wa Mukashi no Hanashi wo,” released in February 1987, and it served as the ending theme for the 1992 film Porco Rosso.

The arrangement—featuring the piano tone used in the film—leaves you gently immersed in the story’s afterglow.

Days of No ReturnHisaishi Joe

The Days of No Return (Live at Budokan) – Joe Hisaishi (HD)

This is an insert song from Porco Rosso performed by Joe Hisaishi.

It’s a track with a grown-up atmosphere.

I feel that Porco Rosso has a mysterious effect of making you remember your distant hometown as you watch it.

Promise of the WorldBaishō Chieko

The Promise of the World / Chieko Baisho (Piano Solo with Vocals) – Sing with the Piano / Covered by Nontan

This is a piece from Howl’s Moving Castle.

The film also made headlines for casting Takuya Kimura as the voice of Howl.

Many people surely remember the interactions between the darkness-bearing Howl and the pure-hearted heroine, the beautiful scenery, and the exquisite music.

Country RoadHon’na Yoko

Country Road from Whisper of the Heart, shonai clarinet ensemble

Country Roads is the signature song from Whisper of the Heart.

The performance scene by the protagonists, Shizuku Tsukishima and Seiji Amasawa, is famous.

It’s a story of sweet, bittersweet high school youth, where a romance connected by the library warms the heart.

Arrietty’s SongCecile Corbel

Arrietty’s Song Japanese lyrics

This is the theme song of Goro Miyazaki’s film “The Secret World of Arrietty.” You can’t help but be captivated by the beautiful singing voice.

It’s a calming track that makes you want to keep listening.

To That SummerHisaishi Joe

[Piano] One Summer's Day - Ghibli 'Spirited Away' with Sheet Music / Joe Hisaishi / Tried Playing / Piano / CANACANA

It’s a signature insert song from Spirited Away.

Some of you might find that listening to this track brings back the past and fills you with nostalgia.

You can picture days you can never return to… it stirs up that kind of mysterious feeling.