[Kiki’s Delivery Service] Carefully Selected Piano Sheet Music — From the Main Theme to Hidden Gems —
Kiki’s Delivery Service, produced and released in 1989 under the direction of Hayao Miyazaki, became the film that propelled Studio Ghibli’s recognition and popularity to new heights.
Thanks to beloved, distinctive characters like the protagonist Kiki and the black cat Jiji, this masterpiece consistently ranks near the top of popularity lists for Ghibli films.
This time, we’re highlighting piano sheet music for the main theme and memorable insert songs featured in Kiki’s Delivery Service.
We’ll present them together with performance videos.
Please enjoy as you immerse yourself in the nostalgic world of the film!
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Kiki’s Delivery Service: A Curated Selection of Piano Scores — From the Main Theme to Hidden Gems (1–10)
Kiki, Busy as a BeeHisaishi Joe
“Kiki in a Flurry” brilliantly captures the heroine Kiki’s busyness and energy.
The light, bright melody lets you sense how, even as she bustles about, she’s genuinely enjoying her life.
When playing it on the piano, the key is to make the leaps, staccatos, and repeated notes—depicting Kiki’s hectic activity—as crisp as possible.
Keep a steady triple-meter pulse in the left hand to support and highlight the upbeat character of the piece.
Bring out her lively personality with the piano’s bright tone to the fullest!
DepartureHisaishi Joe
“Departure.” plays during a pivotal scene where Kiki, the apprentice witch protagonist, regains her confidence as a witch and resolves to set off from the people she holds dear.
The grand music captures Kiki’s heart brimming with both anticipation and anxiety before a brand-new adventure, as well as her determination to take a brave first step.
When playing it on the piano, aim for a broad, expansive interpretation—use a wide dynamic range and bring out rich expression.
Try performing it with feeling, recalling a scene from the film or the emotions you had when you once made a major decision in your own life.
Substitute JijiHisaishi Joe
Jiji is the adorable black cat who travels with the protagonist, Kiki.
Substitute Jiji is the piece that plays when Jiji takes the place of a stuffed animal.
When you hear its bright, cheerful sound and jazzy rhythm, many of you will probably find your body naturally keeping time! Because the piece has a light and lively character, aim for crisp, clear articulation when playing it on the piano.
Keep pedal use to a minimum and make the most of the sparkling piano tone.
Bringing out the rhythm distinctly will further highlight the comical atmosphere.
Kiki’s Delivery Service: Carefully Selected Piano Scores — From the Main Theme to Hidden Gems (11–20)
Message of RougeArai Yumi
After its 1975 release, Yumi Arai’s “Rouge no Dengon” was used as the opening theme for the 1989 film Kiki’s Delivery Service, bringing it back into the spotlight.
Its uplifting melody and the unique lyrics about “going to meet the person you love’s mother” resonate with Kiki, who wholeheartedly enjoys connecting with people during her witch training.
When playing it on the piano, aim for a clear tone and a lively touch to convey its unbridled brightness and positivity.
Pay close attention to pedaling as well, and perform it with a refreshing feel!
A favor from Ms. Osono…Hisaishi Joe
Starting with an intro that uses the motif from “A Town with an Ocean View” and leading into the melody of “Departure,” “Osono’s Request…” unfolds.
Osono is the cheerful, energetic proprietress of the bakery “Gütiokipän,” where Kiki was taken care of.
Hearing that it’s Osono’s request, one might expect a lively tune, but in contrast to that image, it becomes a gently romantic piece.
Imagine Kiki spending time at Osono’s bakery, quietly watching the sun go down, and aim for a calm performance with the piano’s tender tone.
Helping at a bakeryHisaishi Joe
The piece “Helping at the Bakery,” which plays during the scene where Kiki works at the bakery, is a heartwarming tune that evokes the warmth of the shop, the aroma of freshly baked bread, and Kiki’s lively presence.
When playing it on the piano, paying attention to the left hand’s syncopated rhythm and the slur that connects the fourth beat to the first beat of the next measure will bring out a more cheerful feel.
Also, make the staccatos and accents clear so the performance brims with excitement just by listening.
Night in the TownHisaishi Joe
The beautiful, wistful ballad “Town at Night” is a piece that brilliantly captures the feelings of Kiki, the protagonist who has lost her ability to use magic.
While the melody may at first suggest deep sorrow, in the film it is used in an important scene that marks a turning point in Kiki’s setback and growth, conveying not only grief but also purity of heart and strong resolve.
As you enjoy playing it on the piano while immersing yourself in the film’s world, take note of how it weaves in motifs from “A Town with an Ocean View” and “Depressed Kiki.”