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!

Playlist

Spirited Away
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	To That SummerJoe Hisaishi		Insert song from Spirited Away. Makes me want to listen in the summer…
2	Dragon BoyJoe Hisaishi		Until then, there were times when they were cold to me now and then, but…
3	Name of LifeJoe Hisaishi		Chihiro gets a rice ball from Haku, and the tension she's been holding in...
4	Always With MeJoe Hisaishi		The song that became the theme song for Spirited Away...
5	The River of That DayJoe Hisaishi		The song that plays in Spirited Away. Haku’s...
6	White DragonRIKKI		Speaking of the “white dragon,” in this story it’s absolutely…
7	againAyaka Hirahara		Image song for Spirited Away. Composed by …
8	godsJoe Hisaishi		In Spirited Away, there’s quite a variety...
9	boiler bugJoe Hisaishi		In Spirited Away, the boiler man Kamaji’s boile…
10	Dear godsShizuru Otaka		This Japanese-style melody reminds me of Spirited Away…
My Neighbor Totoro
11	Path of the WindJoe Hisaishi		In My Neighbor Totoro, Mei and Satsuki pull out...
12	My Neighbor TotoroAzumi Inoue		As you can tell from the title, “My Neighbor Totoro”...
13	Soot SpritesJoe Hisaishi		Satsuki and Mei call them “soot sprites,” and...
14	Village in MayJoe Hisaishi		I can imagine Satsuki and Mei enjoying life in the village...
15	Dondoko FestivalAzumi Inoue		Secretly watching a ghost floating in the twilight dance...
16	Twilight BreezeJoe Hisaishi		Among the songs featured in My Neighbor Totoro, the most impressi…
17	CatbusTaku Kitahara		Also hugely popular as character goods, the cat-inspired...
18	Mysterious Shiritori SongKumiko Mori		An image from the animated film My Neighbor Totoro…
19	strollJoe Hisaishi		It’s even become a classic song for performances at places like kindergartens...
20	lost childAzumi Inoue		In the story, Mei gets lost, right? So, um…
Castle in the Sky
21	Carrying YouAzumi Inoue		This is the theme song from 'Castle in the Sky (Laputa)'. Studio…
22	The Pigeon and the BoyJoe Hisaishi		The factory town where the boy Pazu lives. Unaware of that morning…
23	Sheeta’s ResolveJoe Hisaishi		In “Castle in the Sky,” shaped by a strange twist of fate...
24	Aboard the Tiger MothJoe Hisaishi		Pazu and Sheeta end up boarding the sky pirates’ ship…
25	Playful quarrel (chase)Joe Hisaishi		The scene where they’re fleeing from the men in black and the sky pirates…
26	Paradise LostJoe Hisaishi		Imagine the moment when paradise disappears...
27	The girl who fell from the skyJoe Hisaishi		This is a piece of music used in “Castle in the Sky” (Laputa).
28	Morning in the Slug GorgeJoe Hisaishi		Everyone, what comes to mind when you hear the word 'gorge'?
29	Robot Soldiers (Revival ~ Rescue)Joe Hisaishi		Among the works of Castle in the Sky (Laputa), it is a very important ki...
30	large treeJoe Hisaishi		A majestic tree that lets you feel the breath of nature...
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
31	Legend of the WindJoe Hisaishi		It’s a piece of music used in “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind”…
32	The Princess Who Loves InsectsJoe Hisaishi		A somewhat poignant, lonely piano sound that leaves a strong impression...
33	Nausicaä of the Valley of the WindNarumi Yasuda		The true theme song of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. The true ma...
34	Interaction with the OhmuJoe Hisaishi		The most striking part in the film Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind…
35	Nausicaä RequiemJoe Hisaishi		Within the context of this piece, it can feel somewhat eerie…
36	“Bird People” ~Ending~Joe Hisaishi		The hidden main theme of 'Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind'...
37	Distant DaysJoe Hisaishi		Ever since she was little, Nausicaä has been a bit different from those around her...
38	Battle between a Möwe and a CorvetteJoe Hisaishi		A Möwe is the flying craft that Nausicaä rides…
39	Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind — OpeningJoe Hisaishi		The opening theme of the film Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, “Wind…”
40	To a faraway land…Joe Hisaishi		The subtitle is “Nausicaä’s Theme.” The title of this piece is sa...
Kiki's Delivery Service
41	A Town with an Ocean ViewJoe Hisaishi		An impressive insert song from Kiki's Delivery Service
42	If I’m wrapped in kindnessYumi Arai		Yumi Arai’s classic song “Wrapped in Gentleness”
43	First workday of the yearJoe Hisaishi		Representative song from Kiki's Delivery Service
44	Kiki, Busy as a BeeJoe Hisaishi		Kiki’s fun and cheerful piano piece
45	Even though I like you!Arika Takarano		An impressive ALI song from Kiki's Delivery Service
46	Magical WarmthAzumi Inoue		An uplifting insert song from Kiki's Delivery Service
47	The revolving seasonsAzumi Inoue		The Secret Behind the Memorable Songs of Kiki’s Delivery Service
48	DepartureJoe Hisaishi		The shifts in emotions embedded in Kiki’s departure
49	Wind HillJoe Hisaishi		The memorable song 'Windy Hill' from Kiki's Delivery Service is striking.
50	I Became a BirdJoe Hisaishi		I Became a Bird: Arika Takarano’s Free Song
51	Mother’s BroomJoe Hisaishi		Joe Hisaishi’s classic from Kiki’s Delivery Service resonates with the heart.
52	Message of RougeYumi Matsutoya		Yumi Matsutoya’s classic song and its nostalgic charm
Howl's Moving Castle
53	Merry-Go-Round of LifeJoe Hisaishi		Used in the Studio Ghibli film Howl’s Moving Castle…
54	Promise of the WorldChieko Baisho		This is the theme song of Howl’s Moving Castle. “Merry-Go-Round of Life”…
55	The Boy Who Drank a StarJoe Hisaishi		The scene where Sophie goes to meet Howl in the past...
56	Suleiman’s Magic Circle: Return to the CastleJoe Hisaishi		In Howl’s Moving Castle, there’s a wizard named Suliman (Sulliman)…
57	Cave of MindJoe Hisaishi		“Cave of Mind” in Japanese...
58	Sophie’s CastleJoe Hisaishi		I bet many of you have heard this before...
59	To the Lake of StarsJoe Hisaishi		Howl and the others travel through the mountains and wilderness in the moving castle...
60	Waltz of the MagicianJoe Hisaishi		As it’s a waltz, it naturally has a triple meter, and...
61	Secret GardenJoe Hisaishi		In Howl’s Moving Castle, Howl ca…
62	It’s love!Joe Hisaishi		A relaxed triple-time rhythm and a sense of lingering…
Ponyo on the Cliff
63	Ponyo on the CliffFujioaka Fujimaki & Nozomi Ohashi		The theme song of the 2008 film Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea...
64	Ponyo’s LullabyNozomi Ohashi		Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea, released in 2008 ...
65	A mother’s loveJoe Hisaishi		When I listen to this song, I can feel a gentle, motherly vibe...
66	Fujimoto’s ThemeFujioka Fujimaki		Played by George Tokoro, with a mysterious vibe...
67	Round Dance of the Sunflower HouseMai		The daycare service center where Sosuke’s mother, Lisa, works…
68	Hymn to Mother and the SeaJoe Hisaishi		This too, like 'a mother's love,' evokes a sense of maternal affection...
69	Sousuke’s TearsJoe Hisaishi		Sōsuke, the 5-year-old boy who appears in Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea, ...
70	luminescent signalJoe Hisaishi		In this film, “Morse code” is used by Sosuke and his father…
71	FinaleJoe Hisaishi		As the title “Finale” suggests, the end…
72	Mother of the SeaMasako Hayashi		Set in a seaside town, with the desire to become human...
Princess Mononoke
73	Ashitaka SeikIJoe Hisaishi		Convey the scale of the rich natural setting that serves as the story’s stage…
74	Princess MononokeYoshikazu Mera		It's the theme song of Princess Mononoke. The person who sings this song...
75	Ashitaka and SanJoe Hisaishi		In the story’s final scene, the forest has become beautiful, and it vanishes…
76	Lady EboshiJoe Hisaishi		In Princess Mononoke, amid the somewhat brooding, oppressive atmosphere…
77	Women Treading the Tatara – Eboshi Tatara Song –Joe Hisaishi		A work song sung by the women of the tatara furnace, in rhythm with their labor.
78	Vengeful SpiritJoe Hisaishi		The scene in Princess Mononoke where the Tatarigami appeared…
79	KodamasJoe Hisaishi		At the beginning of the story, in the forest, there appears only in lush woodlands...
80	Princess Mononoke (Instrumental Version)Joe Hisaishi		As the most ... as the ending theme of Princess Mononoke...
81	The Two in the Forest of the Deer GodJoe Hisaishi		From the very beginning, those delicate piano phrases catch my ear...
82	ShuraJoe Hisaishi		The era of Princess Mononoke was a time of conflict, and people’s…
83	Ashitaka DiaryJoe Hisaishi		The epic music of Studio Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke
Whisper of the Heart
84	Country RoadYoko Honna		It is the ending theme of Whispers of the Heart and...
85	Take Me Home, Country RoadsOlivia Newton-John		“...,” released by John Denver in 1971
86	I’ve decided! I’m going to write a story.Yuji Nomi		This is used within the film Whisper of the Heart…
87	Flowing Clouds, Shining HillYuji Nomi		I’d title it “Flowing Clouds, Shining Hills,” and…
88	ReminiscenceYuji Nomi		From the film Whisper of the Heart, something called 'Reminiscence'...
89	Let’s fly! Catch the updraft!Yuji Nomi		Here we go: “Let’s fly! Catch the updraft!…”
90	The boy who makes violinsYuji Nomi		A piece that expresses the passion and artistry of Seiji Amasawa, who dreams of becoming a violin maker.
91	concrete roadLake Youth Choir		When you think of “Whisper of the Heart,” it has to be this song!...
92	Baron’s SongYuji Nomi		In “Whisper of the Heart,” the fictional ... created by Shizuku
93	Hill TownYuji Nomi		In “Whisper of the Heart,” where the protagonist Shizuku Tsukishima lives...
Porco Rosso
94	When the cherries ripenTokiko Kato		An adult ballad singing the feelings of an aviator
95	MAMMAIUTOJoe Hisaishi		The sky pirates' cheerful tune is heartwarming.
96	Days of No ReturnJoe Hisaishi		Marco’s poignant reminiscence, yearning for the past
97	Sometimes, old storiesTokiko Kato		The ending of Porco Rosso, a song that makes you feel life.
98	FriendJoe Hisaishi		The Friendship of Porco and Ferrarin in Porco Rosso
99	To the Adriatic SeaJoe Hisaishi		A lyrical piece that evokes the Adriatic Sea
100	Serbia MarchJoe Hisaishi		A lively march brimming with the atmosphere of Italy
101	Madness ~Flight~Joe Hisaishi		An evocative piece that expresses the airship and the protagonist’s tenacity
102	In search of a distant eraJoe Hisaishi		Gina’s longing for a bygone era
103	Winds of an Era — When People Could Remain Truly HumanJoe Hisaishi		The grand and striking theme song of Porco Rosso
Pom Poko
104	Someone at any timeShang Shang Typhoon		The theme song of “Pom Poko.” The arti…
105	The Twin Stars: Song of the Star Traveler		As expected, the music in this play uses flutes, drums, and the like, rather than elec...
106	Mr. Raccoon Dog, won’t you play with me?		Japan’s … sung in a truly folk-song-like child’s voice.
107	Main Title		What an incredibly powerful and brief piece it is!
108	chemical reconstruction		The decidedly high-tech–sounding phrase “chemical renaissance”…
109	Pom Poko Main Theme “Genki-bushi”		Set in Japan’s mountainous regions—and what’s more, during the Heisei era…
110	Life of a tanuki		In the world of Pom Poko (Heisei Tanuki War), the raccoo…
111	The tanuki now… (Epilogue) (Pom Poko)		I was so deeply moved by the slow, gentle melody...
112	Elegy (Heisei Tanuki War Ponpoko)		Directed by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, who teamed up to create...
113	In this city in AsiaShang Shang Typhoon		Warmly portrays scenes of Asian city life and its people…
The Wind Rises
114	contrailYumi Arai		"The Wind Rises" theme song. During the film's production stage, the theme song...
115	Journey (Dream Flight)Joe Hisaishi		The strength to pursue one’s dreams, and the courage to face…
116	Only onceWerner Richard Heymann		The German film “The Congress...” released in 1931
117	JunkersJoe Hisaishi		This was used in the film The Wind Rises…
118	Nahoko (Fate)Joe Hisaishi		This was used in the film The Wind Rises…
119	peregrine falconJoe Hisaishi		When you feel a flutter, there's something a bit glamorous about it...
120	Castorp (The Magic Mountain)Joe Hisaishi		The protagonist, Jiro Horikoshi, and the German he met at the hotel…
121	Nahoko (Encounter)Joe Hisaishi		This is a piece of music called “Nahoko (Chance Encounter)”...
122	Journey (Winds of Italy)Joe Hisaishi		Do you have someone you call a benefactor?
123	The wind rises.Joe Hisaishi		The beautiful melod… used in The Wind Rises
A Wizard of Earthsea
124	Song of TimeAoi Teshima		It’s the theme song of Goro Miyazaki’s film Tales from Earthsea…
125	Teru’s SongAoi Teshima		This is a piece of music used in Tales from Earthsea. Aoi Teshima’s song…
126	rowan (tree)Aoi Teshima		When you hear rowan, does it ring a bell for you all…
127	Song of Time (songbook version)Aoi Teshima		This is the ending song of Tales from Earthsea. Hope is abou—
128	twilightAoi Teshima		A mystical singing voice that makes you want to keep listening forever…
129	JourneyTamiya Terashima		A popular, melancholic piano solo that depicts the journey of Haitaka and Allen.
130	Teru’s Song (Songbook Version)Aoi Teshima		It’s not the main theme song but rather an insert song used in the film, and it goes, “…
131	travelerAoi Teshima		Here’s a song with a traveler theme. The vast wilderness unfolds…
132	dragonAoi Teshima		There are many parts that differ from the original Earthsea, and it’s a bit...
133	town/cityTamiya Terashima		An Irish-tinged atmosphere, brimming with an exotic feel...
When Marnie Was There
134	Fine On The OutsidePriscilla Ahn		The 2014 release “When Marnie Was There” theme song…
135	Memories of the AlhambraFrancisco Tárrega		It’s an insert song from “When Marnie Was There.” The original song is s...
136	While cutting a tomatoTakatoki Muramatsu		Anna visited Kushiro, Hokkaido, for asthma treatment...
137	I Am Not AlonePriscilla Ahn		Until now, the theme songs of Studio Ghibli films in Japan have...
138	Shimecchi ManorTakatoki Muramatsu		In the story it's called the 'Shimecchi Mansion,' and no one lives there...
139	Two people on a boatTakatoki Muramatsu		When the tide comes in at the Shimetchi Residence, the path becomes the sea...
140	MarnieTakatoki Muramatsu		This piece, titled “Marnie,” is now…
141	Hisako’s Story (1)Takatoki Muramatsu		In the film “When Marnie Was There,” the street artist…
142	Hisako’s Story (2)Takatoki Muramatsu		Here, too, Hisako talks to Anna about Marnie…
143	Anna (Piano Version)Takatoki Muramatsu		Living in modern Japan, dealing with a certain problem day by day...
From Up on Poppy Hill
144	Summer of Goodbye ~From Up on Poppy Hill~Aoi Teshima		“Summer of Goodbye ~From Up on Poppy Hill~” is, …
145	A navy-blue undulationAoi Teshima		By the poet Kenji Miyazawa, “Address to Students…”
146	With love. UmiAoi Teshima		The songs included in the “From Up on Poppy Hill Song Collection” are...
147	Canal at DuskSatoshi Takebe		When you want a boost of energy first thing in the morning, I reco…
148	A heart yearning for motherSatoshi Takebe		As the sun sets, its glow reflects on the river...
149	Breakfast SongAoi Teshima		This is also an insert song from From Up on Poppy Hill.
150	EscapeAoi Teshima		From the lively piano rhythm at the beginning, it feels like a fun wa—
151	When I was in my first loveAoi Teshima		One of the insert songs in this work, “Back When I Had My First Crush.” Ha…
152	I look up as I walkKyu Sakamoto		An insert song from the Ghibli film “From Up on Poppy Hill.” “Ue…
153	signal flag(s)Satoshi Takebe		A rich, ... set in the Showa era before the Tokyo Olympics.
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya
154	nursery rhymeIsao Takahata		A song composed by the director and co-written with the screenwriter. A nostalgic piece that evokes natural landscapes.
155	parting (farewell)Joe Hisaishi		In the story, a dear friend I spent time with in childhood…
156	Music of the CelestialsJoe Hisaishi		A beautiful yet mechanical and eerie piece used during the celestial being’s entrance scene.
157	Memory of LifeKazumi Nikaido		The theme song of Isao Takahata’s film The Tale of the Princess Kaguya...
158	Song of the Celestial MaidenIsao Takahata		It appears repeatedly in the film The Tale of the Princess Kaguya…
159	bamboo shootJoe Hisaishi		Princess Kaguya, who was born from a bamboo stalk, is a child of bamboo, and…
160	slender bambooJoe Hisaishi		“Nayotake” refers to supple, flexible bamboo. Bamboo…
161	BeginningJoe Hisaishi		As everyone knows, the tale of Princess Kaguya is a bamboo...
162	Spring WaltzJoe Hisaishi		A piano piece that makes you want to dance, where springtime cheer blends with a waltz.
163	FlightJoe Hisaishi		A standout track packed with personality and playfulness...
Ho-hokekyo: My Neighbors the Yamadas
164	telephone lineAkiko Yano		Yamada-kun’s movie insert song, the protagonist’s joy
165	Shut up and follow me.The Yamada Family		Express the Showa-era vibe with an upbeat song
166	Pleasant Music I Headlong RushAkiko Yano		A light, melodic tune for a pleasant everyday mood
167	I stopped being alone.Akiko Yano		Warm, heartwarming theme song of Yamada-kun’s movie
168	An un-Cuckoo-like main titleAkiko Yano		A gentle melody colors the air of everyday life.
169	Cheerful Music V Academy is funAkiko Yano		Captivated by its picture-book-like rhythm and development
170	Cheerful Music III: I Go My Own WayAkiko Yano		Akiko Yano’s music: the harmony of her distinctive voice and piano
171	Who is Moonlight Mask?Yoshiko Kondo		The Moonlight Mask theme song makes a striking appearance with Yamada-kun.
172	Young PeopleGhibli Women’s Choir		The touching song of My Neighbors the Yamadas
173	Que Sera, Sera (Whatever will be, will be)The Yamada Family & Mr. Fujiwara and Classmates		Yamada-kun’s insert song symbolizes a carefree vibe.
174	My Neighbors the Yamadas Theme – Orchestral VersionAkiko Yano		Akiko Yano’s masterpieces colored by an orchestra
Others
175	Arrietty’s SongCécile Corbel		The Borrower Arrietty theme song, a beautiful singing voice
176	Love is a flower, and you are its seed.Harumi Miyako		The famous song sung by Harumi Miyako with lyrics translated by Isao Takahata