Lovely anime song

Songs of Studio Ghibli: List of Theme Songs, Insert Songs, and BGM from Ghibli Music

Songs of Studio Ghibli: List of Theme Songs, Insert Songs, and BGM from Ghibli Music

Last updated:2025/9/11

DancerFukkun:)Tatsuki Fukuda
Primarily active in Tokyo, I have experience as a backup dancer for artists, a music video dancer, and a commercial dancer. I continue to work as a dancer while also engaging in article production. After discovering Michael Jackson in junior high school, I began dancing in my second year of high school. Since starting dance, in addition to the J-Pop and Japanese rock I had been listening to, I began exploring Western R&B, rap, alternative music, and other tracks commonly used for dance. In elementary school, I spent three years in a choir, and because I love singing, I often go to karaoke for fun. These days, I enjoy a wide range of music, from Japanese rock and rap to K-pop.
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICSasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!

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!

Spirited Away (1–10)

The number one film in the Studio Ghibli General Election!

First up are songs from Spirited Away, which received the most requests of “I want to see it again!” and proudly ranks No. 1 in Japan’s all-time box office. Beyond the film’s brilliance, its music is also hugely popular. We’ll showcase a wide range—from the main theme to beloved insert songs! Related article:Songs from Spirited Away: theme song and insert songs

To That SummerJoe Hisaishi

Joe Hisaishi Piano Live Performance – One Summer’s Day (Spirited Away)

Joe Hisaishi – To That Summer

An insert song from Spirited Away.

A track that makes you want to listen in summer.

The piano’s tone and the somewhat wistful melody gradually draw you in, and before you know it, you’re completely absorbed.

It’s a song that brings back faint memories of that summer in my youth, moistens my eyes, and makes my chest tighten.

Raise the rankinglower

Dragon BoyJoe Hisaishi

Spirited Away: “The Dragon Boy” (by ear transcription)

Joe Hisaishi, the Dragon Boy

Until then, Haku had sometimes seemed cold, but he had always protected me.

Now that same Haku, in his dragon form, is rampaging, covered in wounds.

It’s a dramatic piece that marks the sudden turning point in the story of Spirited Away.

Raise the rankinglower

Name of LifeJoe Hisaishi

Joe Hisaishi & Ayaka Hirahara – Inochi no Namae & Futatabi (Reprise) from “Spirited Away” (Audio HQ)

Name of Life Joe Hisaishi

A particularly beloved scene shows Chihiro receiving a rice ball from Haku, where the tension finally snaps and she bursts into tears.

It’s renowned as a hidden masterpiece even within Spirited Away.

It evokes the image of Sen’s long-held loneliness being released through kindness.

Raise the rankinglower

Always With MeJoe Hisaishi

Yumi Kimura - "Always With Me"

Always With Me Joe Hisaishi

This is the song that became the theme song for Spirited Away.

The film’s worldview is reflected in the music, and it truly feels worthy of being the main theme.

The tones are all quite calming as well, so it might be nice to listen to when you want to relax.

Raise the rankinglower

The River of That DayJoe Hisaishi

"That Day's River" from "Spirited Away" played by ocha

Joe Hisaishi on That Day

A piece that plays in Spirited Away.

The title, which hints at Haku’s true identity, is particularly striking.

After Chihiro returned to her original world, did the two of them ever meet again? According to one theory, the story is said to be something she experienced during the Obon season.

Raise the rankinglower

White DragonRIKKI

Spirited Away ED White Dragon (RIKKI)

White Dragon RIKKI

When it comes to the “white dragon,” we can’t help but think of Haku, an indispensable presence in this story.

This grand theme song captures his beauty and nobility.

It vividly conveys the atmosphere of the work, evoking scenes from the film.

Remarkably, it’s a piece created by Studio Ghibli’s golden duo: lyrics by Hayao Miyazaki and music by Joe Hisaishi.

Raise the rankinglower

againAyaka Hirahara

Again – Ayaka Hirahara

Once again, Ayaka Hirahara

The image song for Spirited Away.

And of course, the composer is Joe Hisaishi.

You can’t talk about Ghibli music without him.

Ayaka Hirahara’s voice seems to stretch on endlessly, making it a perfect match for this song.

Let’s listen to lots of Ghibli music that evokes so many feelings—nostalgia, warmth, and bittersweetness.

Raise the rankinglower