Songs from Castle in the Sky (Laputa): the theme song and insert songs.
We introduce the theme song and insert songs from Studio Ghibli’s Castle in the Sky.
Speaking of Castle in the Sky, it’s still so popular that it continues to be rebroadcast today!
The scene where a girl descends from the sky is incredibly famous, isn’t it?
If you’ve seen the film, you’ve probably played the “Balse” game at least once!
In this article, we’ve gathered the memorable tracks from Castle in the Sky.
We’ll cover not only the songs used in the film but also tracks from the image album.
If you’ve only ever listened to the songs that appear in the movie, be sure to give the others a try!
- Songs of Studio Ghibli: List of Theme Songs, Insert Songs, and BGM from Ghibli Music
- Songs from Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. Main theme and insert songs.
- Songs from Kiki's Delivery Service. Anime theme and insert songs. Ghibli classics.
- Songs from Whisper of the Heart: theme song and insert songs
- Songs from Howl's Moving Castle: theme song and insert songs
- Songs from Spirited Away: theme song and insert songs
- Songs from From Up on Poppy Hill. Theme song and insert songs.
- Song(s) from Princess Mononoke. Theme song and insert song(s).
- The song from My Neighbor Totoro. Theme song and insert song.
- [For Beginners] Recommended Ghibli Masterpieces You’ll Want to Play on the Piano
- Theme and insert songs of 'Your Name'
- [Karaoke] Sing! A Collection of Ghibli Classics
- Summary of theme songs and insert songs from the Godzilla series throughout the years
Songs from Castle in the Sky (Laputa): Theme and insert songs (11–20)
Castle in the Sky (from the soundtrack)Joe Hisaishi
Laputa, the ancient city floating in the sky, is also the theme of the film.
This is its theme song.
Though it is a city with wings covered in trees, it once flourished as an aerial fortress and an imperial capital.
The lively, bouncing piano sound that captures the energy of that era is a must-hear.
At the same time, pay attention to the latter half, where a sense of loneliness seems to well up for the city that has now fallen into ruins.
It’s a piece that lets you feel the history the city has etched over time.
DoraJoe Hisaishi
Dola, the popular character from Laputa.
Her stout build and bold personality make her a truly wonderful figure.
It’s surprising how beautiful she was in her youth…
Here’s a song that captures Dola’s character.
Despite its solid, weighty feel, the rhythmic tempo is delightful.
Pay attention to the warm sound that, like Dola herself, is both daring and full of kindness.
Memories of GondoaJoe Hisaishi
This is the song that plays in the scene where Sheeta is captured by Muska and remembers her childhood.
Since this scene sets the story rapidly in motion, many people probably find it memorable.
It’s a gentle piece that feels like you can see Sheeta’s hometown coming into view.
Sheeta and BazzooJoe Hisaishi
This song captures the relationship between Laputa’s two protagonists, Sheeta and Pazu.
It uses the same melody as “Carrying You,” but the arrangement is completely different! With multiple layers of strings, it conveys a majestic sense of sound that seems to stretch on forever.
It feels like the boundless trust between the two—truly beautiful.
The chorus drives forward with a bouncy tempo, and it’s absolutely a standout track that will make you want to get up and dance.
Disheartened PazuJoe Hisaishi
This one makes you feel the despair and the sense of hitting rock bottom as if you could reach out and touch it.
It’s overwhelmingly dark.
The sound is slow-tempo with a strong low end, overflowing with a sense of hopelessness.
There’s no moment of bouncing back along the way; it’s filled with a melancholy that just keeps sinking deeper and deeper.
At the same time, there’s a mood of trying to accept that sadness, and despite being such a dark song, it’s strangely not unpleasant to listen to—a very curious track.
minerJoe Hisaishi
This one really makes you feel the rugged strength of sweating your way deeper into a coal mine.
The bright, dedicated mood toward work is truly charming.
Doesn’t the mid-tempo, clearly defined rhythm convey the sense of working joyfully? It’s a fun track, with a contrast between the slightly gritty, low-end-heavy accompaniment and the dance-like main melody.
Songs from Castle in the Sky. Main and insert songs (21–30)
Titis FortressJoe Hisaishi
The Fortress of Tidis is a former castle that was converted into a stronghold.
As the name suggests, it exudes an underground, clandestine vibe.
The march-like drum rolls and the supremely suspicious keyboard tones are a perfect match.
It’s odd, yet somehow unsettling.
The final drum roll that cuts off sharply is a must-hear.
It’s a track that floods you with a suffocating sense of urgency and confinement.