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

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.

DepartureHisaishi Joe

"Departure" from "Kiki's Delivery Service" played by ocha

A heartwarming piece by Joe Hisaishi, known as an insert song from the Studio Ghibli film Kiki’s Delivery Service.

The gentle piano melody that colors the scene of the protagonist Kiki setting off on her journey is particularly memorable.

Recorded between June and July 1989, this work beautifully captures the delicate emotions woven from Kiki’s anxiety and hope.

It’s perfect for creating a warm atmosphere at life’s new beginnings, such as weddings or graduations.

While it was released on CD as part of the film’s soundtrack, piano sheet music is also available, so it’s highly recommended to enjoy playing it yourself.

Mother of the SeaHisaishi Joe

Hayashi Masako – Mother of the sea

From Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea.

This piece became a theme song alongside Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea.

Director Hayao Miyazaki wanted to create a “new kind of sea song” unlike any before, and the lyrics were written with inspiration drawn from poet Wakako Kaku’s collection, with whom he co-wrote the words.

Masako Hayashi is a soprano singer.

She has performed as a soloist in symphonies and requiems with the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, the Japan Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, and others.

Her skill has garnered international attention, and her piercingly beautiful high notes are breathtaking.

The song is filled with vocals and sound that evoke the grandeur of the sea.