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!
- The song from Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea. Theme song and insert song.
- The song from My Neighbor Totoro. Theme song and insert song.
- Songs from Spirited Away: theme song and insert songs
- Songs from Howl's Moving Castle: theme song and insert songs
- An insert song from Tangled. Introducing the English version, Japanese version, and covers.
- Songs from Porco Rosso. Theme song and inserted songs.
- Theme and insert songs of 'Your Name'
- Songs from Kiki's Delivery Service. Anime theme and insert songs. Ghibli classics.
- Songs of Studio Ghibli: List of Theme Songs, Insert Songs, and BGM from Ghibli Music
- Songs from 'When Marnie Was There': theme song and insert songs
- Songs from Castle in the Sky (Laputa): the theme song and insert songs.
- Songs from From Up on Poppy Hill. Theme song and insert songs.
- Songs from Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. Main theme and insert songs.
The song from Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea. Theme song and insert songs (1–10)
Round Dance of the Sunflower HouseMai
This is the image song for Sunflower House, the daycare service center where Sosuke’s mother, Lisa, works.
The vocalist is Mai, the daughter of Joe Hisaishi, who composed the song and is herself a singer-songwriter.
The song embodies the residents’ final wishes—things they would do if they could, hopes and desires they yearn to fulfill.
Mai’s gentle, tender voice expresses the bittersweet feeling of having so many things one wants to do, yet being unable to do them.
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.
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.
Ponyo on the CliffFujioka Fujimaki & Oohashi Nozomi
It’s the theme song of the 2008 film Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea.
Unusually, the theme was released in advance on December 5, 2007—more than six months before the film’s premiere.
Chance played a big role in selecting the singer: Nozomi Ohashi was invited to record a demo, and director Hayao Miyazaki was so captivated by her performance that he offered her the role.
luminescent signalHisaishi Joe
In this film, Morse code is used as a means of communication between Sosuke and his father.
I’m amazed that little Sosuke can use Morse code (lol).
The overall structure of the piece is very simple, expressing the straightforward feel of the signals.
However, there are key changes in the middle of the piece that add depth to the music.
Since Sosuke’s father is a sailor, those modulations might also be expressing the harshness of life at sea.
Sousuke’s TearsHisaishi Joe
This is “Sosuke’s Tears,” a piece titled after Sosuke, the five-year-old boy from Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea.
Sosuke is always cheerful and full of energy, and this piece expresses his tears through a poignant piano melody.
It’s a short composition, but it leaves a strong impression with a mood different from Sosuke’s usual brightness.
At five years old you might expect loud, wailing cries, but the sound here seems fitting for Sosuke—a dependable boy with a strong sense of justice.
Hymn to Mother and the SeaHisaishi Joe
Like “Mother’s Love,” this piece also evokes a strong sense of maternal affection.
According to the dictionary, the “hymn” in the title is defined as “a song that expresses praise.” Both the mother and the sea are incredibly important to this film.
Even in general terms, though what they bring into being and nurture differs, both are great and profound presences.
Perhaps this song carries a message about the importance and grandeur of mothers and the sea.