Studio Ghibli has many popular works, such as My Neighbor Totoro, Castle in the Sky, and Spirited Away.
And just as popular as the films themselves is the background music that plays throughout them! Ghibli’s music is famously composed by Joe Hisaishi, and every piece is truly wonderful.
Many of the tracks are so memorable that some people can tell exactly which scene from which film it is just by hearing the BGM.
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of Ghibli’s most beloved BGMs all at once! Please enjoy the world of Ghibli.
[Ghibli] Popular BGM: Enjoy the world of Ghibli through music! (1–10)
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.
[Healing Effect] Ghibli Music Box: Pom Poko — In This Asian Town (BGM for Work and Sleep)
Doesn’t just hearing the melody make you feel nostalgic? Released as a single in July 1994, it was tied in as the theme song for Isao Takahata’s film Pom Poko.
It’s included on albums such as Kaze no Matsuri ~CARNAVAL~.
This track is packed with a multilayered charm, where the bustling, exotic atmosphere of the city intersects with reflections on the nature we’re losing.
Its rich, eclectic rhythms and gentle vocals seem to naturally slip into your heart.
When you’re stuck with work or studying, listening to it can give you a refreshing reset!
Distant Days (from “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind”) (Piano Ver.)
A deeply resonant melody gently evokes distant memories and a nostalgic longing.
It is an instrumental piece cherished as an important work that colors the world of the Studio Ghibli film Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, released in March 1984.
Included on the album “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind: Image Album Bird Person…”.
The piece’s maternal warmth and gentle tempo make it ideal background music when you want to relax while focusing on something.
In Search of Distant Days (from “Porco Rosso”) (Piano Ver.)
A beautiful instrumental number by Joe Hisaishi, well-known as a piece from the Studio Ghibli film “Porco Rosso.” Its friendly melody evokes skies crisscrossed by seaplanes, the blue sea, and a quiet nostalgia for bygone youth.
Included on the album “Porco Rosso (Original Soundtrack),” released in July 1992.
It conveys a gentle longing, as if reaching out to distant memories.
The lovely tune is perfect for settling into a calm mood at your desk.
Castle in the Sky | Sheeta’s Resolve [Piano] Tried Playing | Takushi | Castle in the Sky | Sheeta’s Decision [Piano]
This piece is known as part of the score for Castle in the Sky.
Amid the grand swashbuckling adventure, it delicately portrays a girl’s quiet resolve and solitude as she faces her destiny, through a beautiful piano melody.
It has a clear, translucent quality tinged with nostalgia, and there’s a charm to it that feels like it gently stays by your side.
Included on the album Castle in the Sky: Soundtrack—The Mystery of the Levistone, released in August 1986.
Recommended for those who want to calm their minds.
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.
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