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Songs from From Up on Poppy Hill. Theme song and insert songs.

Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICSasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!

From Up on Poppy Hill, released in 2011, was directed by Hayao Miyazaki’s son, Gorō Miyazaki.

It’s a coming-of-age story set in Showa-era Japan, imbued with a sense of romance and retro charm.

While its historical backdrop gives you a lot to ponder, the film has an easygoing feel that lets you savor that era of Japan with both your eyes and ears.

In this article, I’ve put together the main theme and insert songs from From Up on Poppy Hill.

By all means, don’t just listen to the songs—watch the film itself as well.

You’ll enjoy the music in this article even more that way.

Songs from From Up on Poppy Hill. Theme song and insert songs (1–10)

Summer of Goodbye ~From Up on Poppy Hill~Aoi Teshima

Summer of Goodbye ~From Up on Poppy Hill~ / Aoi Teshima cover by Yurina

Sayonara no Natsu ~From Up on Poppy Hill~ by Aoi Teshima

“Summer of Goodbye ~From Up on Poppy Hill~” is the theme song of the Studio Ghibli film From Up on Poppy Hill.

In the film it is sung by Aoi Teshima, but this version is a cover; the original song is Ryoko Moriyama’s “Sayonara no Natsu.” Even so, it’s such a perfect fit for the work that it vividly evokes the protagonist—truly a masterpiece.

The song is included on the album ‘Kokuriko-zaka kara Uta-shū’ (From Up on Poppy Hill Song Collection).

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Canal at DuskSatoshi Takebe

Evening Canal (From Up on Poppy Hill) Satoshi Takebe - Piano Performance

Twilight Canal Satoshi Takebe

If you want a boost of energy in the morning, this one’s for you! The protagonist, Umi, makes breakfast for seven people every day, and this song is packed with the hustle and joy of that routine.

Its bouncy, rhythmic tempo and catchy, memorable melody are guaranteed to lift your spirits.

You’ll never get bored, thanks to the completely unpredictable song structure.

Be sure to listen for your own favorite melody!

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With love. UmiAoi Teshima

(Viet sub + lyrics) With Love, the Sea – ai wo komete umi

With love. Kaideshima Aoi

The song “With Love, Umi,” included in the From Up on Poppy Hill song collection, is recognized among fans as a long-distance love song about Kazama, who has gone far away, and Umi, who waits for his return.

Looking at the title and lyrics, you can indeed feel Umi’s unwavering feelings.

It’s a song that makes you hope they trust each other even while apart and walk toward a bright future.

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Songs from From Up on Poppy Hill. Main theme and insert songs (11–20)

Welcome to the Latin QuarterSatoshi Takebe

Here’s the soundtrack that welcomes you when you enter the boys’ cultural club facility, “Quartier Latin.” It’s mid-tempo, but its bouncy shuffle rhythm is super jazzy and incredibly stylish.

With instruments like saxophone and trumpet, it sounds like a ska band! This chic song is a perfect match for the atmosphere of Quartier Latin—definitely a must-listen!

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Dawn ~ The Breakfast Song (Film Version)Satoshi Takebe

From Up on Poppy Hill - Daybreak / Morning Breakfast Song - Satoshi Takebe

Dawn ~ Breakfast Song (Movie Version) Satoshi Takebe

Every morning, our protagonist Umi raises a flag in a spot visible from the route to school.

Here’s the soundtrack for that moment: a tune whose cheerful accordion melody and timbre linger in your ears.

The melody is incredibly catchy—you’ll remember it after just one listen.

Before the music kicks in, you can hear snippets of everyday life, and there are curious percussive sounds, too—full of playful touches.

Be sure to make this track your companion on your walk to school.

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Quartier LatinSatoshi Takebe

How to play Quartier Latin by Satoshi Takebe on piano sheet music

Satoshi Takebe, Quartier Latin

An extremely important building in the film is the boys’ cultural club facility, “Quartier Latin.” It’s already quite dilapidated, sparking a debate over whether it should be torn down.

Here is the theme song for that history-filled building.

As you’d expect from an old structure, it exudes a very nostalgic atmosphere.

It’s a curious track whose tempo changes partway through.

Be sure to listen to it while taking in the appearance of Quartier Latin as shown in the film.

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Navy Swell (Chorus) (Movie Version)Satoshi Takebe

27 – Navy Blue Swell (Chorus).flac

Navy Swell (Chorus) (Movie Version) Satoshi Takebe

One of the insert songs in this work is the choral piece “The Indigo Swell,” which also features Teshima.

Inspired by Kenji Miyazawa’s poem “To the Students,” the first verse was written by Hayao Miyazaki and the second by Goro Miyazaki.

When you listened to the song, didn’t the melody remind you a bit of a school anthem? In the film, too, it was striking how the students sang it like a school song while Mr.

Tokumaru was talking about the charms of the Quartier.

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