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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!

Ponyo on the Cliff (1–10)

FinaleHisaishi Joe

Grand Finale: Ashitaka and San
FinaleHisaishi Joe

As the title “Finale” suggests, it naturally leads into the end credits, incorporating the melody of the theme song.

Even if you haven’t seen the film, many people probably know the theme song sung by Fujioka Fujimaki and Nozomi Ohashi.

Looking across Studio Ghibli’s past works, many of them end on a bright note.

I’ll refrain from revealing this film’s ending, but this piece does convey a cheerful atmosphere!

Hymn to Mother and the SeaHisaishi Joe

Neoclassical Quintet – Hymn to Mother and the Sea
Hymn to Mother and the SeaHisaishi Joe

Like “Mother’s Love,” this piece also evokes a strong sense of maternal affection.

According to the dictionary, the “hymn” in the title is defined as “a song that expresses praise.” Both the mother and the sea are incredibly important to this film.

Even in general terms, though what they bring into being and nurture differs, both are great and profound presences.

Perhaps this song carries a message about the importance and grandeur of mothers and the sea.

Mother of the SeaHayashi Masako

Hayashi Masako – Mother of the sea
Mother of the SeaHayashi Masako

Set in a seaside town, this is the opening theme for the story of Ponyo, a fish-child who wishes to become human, and a five-year-old boy named Sosuke.

The composition and arrangement are by Joe Hisaishi, synonymous with Studio Ghibli, and the vocals are performed by Japanese opera soloist Masako Hayashi.

Princess Mononoke (11–20)

Many masterpieces that let you feel the grandeur of nature!

The music from Studio Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke, depicted on such an epic scale, is so outstanding that it makes you think, “Aren’t they all masterpieces?” From the well-known main theme to unforgettable insert songs, here are our top recommendations! Related article:Song(s) from Princess Mononoke. Theme song and insert song(s).

Princess Mononoke (1–10)

Ashitaka SeikIHisaishi Joe

The Legend of Ashitaka (Symphonic Suite “Princess Mononoke” / Live)
Ashitaka SeikIHisaishi Joe

An overwhelmingly beautiful piece that plays at key moments, conveying the vastness of the rich natural world where the story unfolds.

Princess Mononoke also portrays the coexistence of nature and humans as one of its themes.

The sheer grandeur expressed in this music is enough to leave you awestruck just by listening.

Ashitaka and SanHisaishi Joe

[Piano] Ashitaka and San ~Princess Mononoke~ (Joe Hisaishi)
Ashitaka and SanHisaishi Joe

In the story’s final scene: the forest restored to beauty, and Ashitaka’s fading scar.

This is the piece that plays in Princess Mononoke when Ashitaka and San begin to walk separate paths.

Though they cannot live together, their bond shines as they choose to live alongside one another.

Princess MononokeMera Yoshikazu

Alberto De Meis Japan Tour in Mononoke Hime con Yoshikazu Mera
Princess MononokeMera Yoshikazu

It’s the theme song of Princess Mononoke.

Through this work, it became widely known that Yoshikazu Mera, who sang this piece, is a countertenor—a male singer who sings in a high, female-like register.

It’s a very memorable song with beautifully sustained high notes.

Lady EboshiHisaishi Joe

“Eboshi Gozen” from “Princess Mononoke” played by ocha
Lady EboshiHisaishi Joe

It’s a powerful piece from Princess Mononoke that, despite its somewhat brooding tone, conveys grandeur and Eboshi’s unwavering resolve.

The music reveals different facets in each section, as if her role as a leader and her feelings as an individual are intersecting.