Songs from From Up on Poppy Hill. Theme song and insert songs.
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.
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Songs from From Up on Poppy Hill. Main theme and insert songs (11–20)
Red River Valley (Chorus)Takebe Satoshi
Here is the song everyone sings in the film to send off Hokuto-san: “The Red River Valley.” Although originally an American folk song, it is beloved in Japan as one of its school songs.
Hayao Miyazaki is said to have sung it in a chorus during his high school days.
There are Japanese lyrics by poets such as Kanji Kobayashi and Hiroo Sakata, but the version of “The Red River Valley” used in the film features newly adapted lyrics by director Goro.
It is a song filled with feelings for someone setting off on a journey.
Weather GirlTakebe Satoshi
In the film, the signal flags play a very important role.
Every morning, the protagonist, Umi, raises these flags for her missing father.
This song is filled with that aching feeling.
The piano melody, played in a relatively high register, is exquisitely beautiful.
Its slow tempo amplifies the sense of sorrow and delicacy.
It’s a song imbued with Umi’s feelings as she continues to raise the signal flags while thinking of her father.
recollectionTakebe Satoshi
This one is recommended for those who want to listen to something relaxing and soothing.
The flowing, calm melody makes you feel more at peace the more you listen.
It’s a slow-tempo ballad, but the melody has plenty of notes packed in at times, so you won’t get bored and can enjoy it to the end.
Another highlight is that it’s not a monotonous ballad!
UnityTakebe Satoshi
When people come together, it takes a lot of energy, doesn’t it? This piece lets you feel that powerful energy intensely.
The first half features low tones resonating rhythmically, conveying a resolve to move forward with courage.
In the second half, it transforms into a gentle timbre that seems to embrace that strength.
It’s a very short piece, but it’s filled with many emotions.
dreamTakebe Satoshi
If you’re looking for a song packed tightly with a sense of aching poignancy, I recommend “Yume” (“Dream”).
As the title suggests, it’s an exquisitely fleeting piece.
The slow tempo and sparse melody double down on its transience.
Don’t you feel the earnest wish to keep dreaming a phantom-like dream forever? Watch the film, and it’s sure to resonate even more deeply.
spring cleaningTakebe Satoshi
In the film, the protagonists do a big cleanup to protect the boys’ cultural club building, “Quartier Latin,” whose demolition has been under debate.
It’s a really fun song with a tempo that rises and falls.
The deep bass gives a sense of the weight of a historic building.
When you clean, don’t you often start off sluggish and gradually get more motivated? This song captures that feeling perfectly—highly recommended!
Songs from From Up on Poppy Hill. Theme and insert songs (21–30)
Run toward tomorrowTakebe Satoshi
Here’s an energetic track that charges toward tomorrow with strong determination.
The powerful piano, delivered with a bold touch, and the rapid, driving melody make a striking impact.
Be sure to check out the piano’s surge and the dynamic range of the sound as it builds toward the finale.
It’s a song I’d love anyone striving wholeheartedly toward a goal to hear!