The song from Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea. Theme song and insert song.
Just seeing or hearing the title makes you want to hum the theme song, doesn’t it?
This time, we’ll be introducing the theme song and insert songs from Hayao Miyazaki’s film Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea.
A world that feels real, yet somehow fantastical.
Many of you probably still remember the vividly colorful visuals and the characters, drawn with soft, delicate lines, dashing energetically across the screen.
It’s a collection of music that will surely make you want to watch Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea all over again!
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The song from Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea. Theme song and insert songs (1–10)
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.
Fujimoto’s ThemeFujioka Fujimaki
A theme song for Fujimoto, played by Tokoro George, with a mysterious vibe.
It’s a tango-style piece that feels a bit different from the overall mood of the film.
Tango is rare in Ghibli works.
That sophisticated, grown-up feel is nice.
This “Fujimoto’s Theme” is sung by Fujioka Fujimaki.
The lyrics are quite sad, but thanks to the tango, it comes across as stylish rather than simply sorrowful.
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!
Song(s) of Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea. Theme song and insert songs (11–20)
little sistersHisaishi Joe
Ponyo has little sisters.
In fact, tens of thousands of them (lol).
Hearing that might sound a little creepy, but as you’ll see in the film, the sisters are super soothing and adorable! This song captures those many sisters.
You can almost picture them bustling about.
The sisters play an important role in supporting Ponyo in various ways, so keep an eye not only on Ponyo, but on her sisters too!
Empty bucketHisaishi Joe
The yellow bucket that Sosuke has.
When he first finds Ponyo, Sosuke, thinking she’s a goldfish, puts her into that yellow bucket.
But Ponyo’s father, Fujimoto, takes her back, leaving the bucket empty… This expresses Sosuke’s loneliness at having Ponyo, whom he worked so hard to find, taken away—conveyed through gentle yet heartrending strings that could bring one to tears.
Kumiko-chanHisaishi Joe
Kumiko-chan is Sosuke’s classmate at the Himawari Nursery School, which Sosuke also attends.
Precocious and strong-willed, she just can’t stop thinking about Sosuke! This song comically portrays the impression of five-year-old, precocious Kumiko-chan with a slightly mischievous edge.
It conveys a mood that suggests she’s a bit jealous of Ponyo, whom Sosuke dotes on.
Coral TowerHisaishi Joe
The sparkling harp tones, reminiscent of the coral tower where Ponyo’s father, Fujimoto, lives, evoke the ocean’s mysterious atmosphere.
He abandoned life as a human and chose to live in the sea, and as you listen to the gentle melody, it feels as if that fantastical underwater world unfolds before your eyes.
This piece is included on the album “Gake no Ue no Ponyo Image Album.”