[Ghibli] Popular BGM. Enjoy the world of Ghibli through music!

Promise of the WorldHisaishi Joe

Howl’s Moving Castle – Promise of the World (piano cover)

From Howl’s Moving Castle.

This song by Chieko Baisho, who also voiced the heroine, was used as the theme song.

It was originally composed by Yumi Kimura for her own album, with lyrics commissioned from Shuntaro Tanikawa, but director Hayao Miyazaki selected it as the film’s theme song.

The arrangement is by Joe Hisaishi.

The lyrics embody the lyricist’s wish to embrace hope for the future, and the song wraps the listener in a gentle vocal tone.

“Merry-Go-Round of Life,” used in both the opening and ending, is also performed by Chieko Baisho.

Symphonic Suite “Princess Mononoke”Hisaishi Joe

Joe Hisaishi in Concert 2022 – Princess Mononoke full suite

I think this film made me feel that we need to cherish and take better care of nature.

The music fits the film very well, and I feel it layers beautifully over the quiet atmosphere of the forest.

The piece is truly lovely.

The oboe is wonderful.

Symphonic Suite “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind”Hisaishi Joe

Joe Hisaishi – Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind

This Nausicaä piece is full of impact, and I absolutely love the music right from the beginning.

I really think this track is perfect for classical arrangements.

Along with the film, the music deserves much more recognition.

Its unique atmosphere is what keeps you completely captivated.

Merry-Go-Round of LifeHisaishi Joe

Joe Hisaishi – Merry-Go-Round of Life (from “Howl’s Moving Castle”)

From Howl’s Moving Castle.

Joe Hisaishi, who composed this piece, has said he expressed the protagonist’s subtle emotional changes—her ups and downs as she goes from age 18 to 90—through a merry-go-round (in the form of a waltz).

Hisaishi is active in many fields as a composer, arranger, conductor, and pianist.

Focusing mainly on film music, he has scored every Studio Ghibli film from Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind to The Tale of The Princess Kaguya.

The elegant waltz melody creates a mysterious world.

From the very moment the piano solo begins, an otherworldly atmosphere permeates the piece—quintessentially Ghibli.

Spirited Away Wind OrchestraHisaishi Joe

Spirited Away Wind Orchestra Arrangement

I’ve loved this opening from Spirited Away for so long, and no matter how many times I listen to it, it brings the scenes from the film right back to me.

I love the movie so much I’ve watched it many times, and I think the music is wonderful, too.

The performance has atmosphere and is incredibly powerful.

Carrying YouHisaishi Joe

Joe Hisaishi Budokan Concert – Castle in the Sky: Carrying You (HD)

From Castle in the Sky.

This is a song by Azumi Inoue, who debuted as an idol singer in 1983.

Thanks to the acclaim this song received, she also performed the theme song “My Neighbor Totoro” and the opening theme “Stroll” for the Studio Ghibli film My Neighbor Totoro.

In addition, she contributed two insert songs—“The Passing Seasons” and “Warmth of Magic”—for Kiki’s Delivery Service, among many other Ghibli works.

The lyrics, which synchronize with the film’s story, instantly draw you into the world of the movie.

Ponyo on the CliffHisaishi Joe

Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea (Ponyo on the Cliff) Nozomi Ohashi 2008

Nozomi Ohashi is such a wonderful girl, singing unfazed with all these adults behind her.

Hearing it in a classical arrangement makes it truly grand and beautiful.

Even now, it feels as if the music is alive, and it’s really overwhelming.

It makes you want to listen to it again and again.