Songs of Studio Ghibli: List of Theme Songs, Insert Songs, and BGM from Ghibli Music
Studio Ghibli films, enjoyed by both adults and children, are also famous for their wonderful music.
Every work features songs that perfectly fit the story and leave an unforgettable impression after just one listen.
We’ve gathered not only the popular theme songs and insert songs from Studio Ghibli works, but also image songs that bring back memories of famous scenes and evocative moments.
If you want to listen to Ghibli’s masterpieces or hear again the song that played in that one scene, be sure to check these out!
- [Ghibli’s Famous Songs Medley] The soothing world of Studio Ghibli that resonates with the heart
- [Karaoke] Sing! A Collection of Ghibli Classics
- Songs from Kiki's Delivery Service. Anime theme and insert songs. Ghibli classics.
- [Ghibli] Popular BGM. Enjoy the world of Ghibli through music!
- Ghibli’s famous BGM. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks for work and study BGM.
- Ranking of Popular Ghibli Songs [2026]
- Songs from Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. Main theme and insert songs.
- Song(s) from Princess Mononoke. Theme song and insert song(s).
- [Ghibli × Wedding] Carefully Selected Ghibli Masterpieces to Brighten Your Wedding Ceremony and Reception
- Singable Ghibli Classics: A selection of beloved hits cherished by people of all ages
- [Disney BGM] Just listening will boost your mood! A collection of Disney classics
- [Masterpiece Classics] A special showcase of gem-like masterpieces so beautiful they’ll move you to tears
- Songs from Howl's Moving Castle: theme song and insert songs
Ponyo on the Cliff (1–10)
Ponyo on the CliffFujioka Fujimaki & Oohashi Nozomi
It’s the theme song of the 2008 film Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea.
Unusually, the theme was released in advance on December 5, 2007—more than six months before the film’s premiere.
Chance played a big role in selecting the singer: Nozomi Ohashi was invited to record a demo, and director Hayao Miyazaki was so captivated by her performance that he offered her the role.
Ponyo’s LullabyŌhashi Nozomi
It’s included on the 2008 release “Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea Image Album.” The singer is Nozomi Ohashi, who also performed the main theme and became a breakout star.
As the title suggests, it’s a gentle lullaby that naturally makes you close your eyes and listen intently.
Fujimoto’s ThemeFujioka Fujimaki
A theme song for Fujimoto, played by Tokoro George, with a mysterious vibe.
It’s a tango-style piece that feels a bit different from the overall mood of the film.
Tango is rare in Ghibli works.
That sophisticated, grown-up feel is nice.
This “Fujimoto’s Theme” is sung by Fujioka Fujimaki.
The lyrics are quite sad, but thanks to the tango, it comes across as stylish rather than simply sorrowful.
Sousuke’s TearsHisaishi Joe
This is “Sosuke’s Tears,” a piece titled after Sosuke, the five-year-old boy from Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea.
Sosuke is always cheerful and full of energy, and this piece expresses his tears through a poignant piano melody.
It’s a short composition, but it leaves a strong impression with a mood different from Sosuke’s usual brightness.
At five years old you might expect loud, wailing cries, but the sound here seems fitting for Sosuke—a dependable boy with a strong sense of justice.
luminescent signalHisaishi Joe
In this film, Morse code is used as a means of communication between Sosuke and his father.
I’m amazed that little Sosuke can use Morse code (lol).
The overall structure of the piece is very simple, expressing the straightforward feel of the signals.
However, there are key changes in the middle of the piece that add depth to the music.
Since Sosuke’s father is a sailor, those modulations might also be expressing the harshness of life at sea.
A mother’s loveHisaishi Joe
When I listen to this piece, I can feel a gentle, motherly atmosphere.
Just as the title “Mother’s Love” suggests, it’s a song filled with maternal affection, as if a mother is enveloping her child.
In the film, there are two mothers: Ponyo’s mother and Sosuke’s mother.
In Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea, the presence of mothers is a major theme.
As you listen to this track, try focusing on the mothers.
Round Dance of the Sunflower HouseMai
This is the image song for Sunflower House, the daycare service center where Sosuke’s mother, Lisa, works.
The vocalist is Mai, the daughter of Joe Hisaishi, who composed the song and is herself a singer-songwriter.
The song embodies the residents’ final wishes—things they would do if they could, hopes and desires they yearn to fulfill.
Mai’s gentle, tender voice expresses the bittersweet feeling of having so many things one wants to do, yet being unable to do them.