Lovely anime song

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 and insert songs (21–30)

Run toward tomorrowSatoshi Takebe

Run Toward Tomorrow (Piano) ~from the film 'From Up on Poppy Hill'~

Run Toward Tomorrow, Satoshi Takebe

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!

Raise the rankinglower

Rainy Way HomeSatoshi Takebe

On a Rainy Walk Home (Piano) ~ from the film “From Up on Poppy Hill” ~

Ame no Kaerimichi by Satoshi Takebe

When you hear the phrase “a rainy walk home,” what kind of place comes to mind? It gives you a slightly gloomy feeling, doesn’t it? But this piece won’t let you feel that way.

If anything, it carries a buoyant, almost bouncy atmosphere.

The springy piano rhythm and repeating melody are instantly catchy.

And it’s not just fun—there’s a touch of poignancy in the timbre as well.

Why that is—watch the film and find out!

Raise the rankinglower

Nostalgic townAoi Teshima

Nostalgic Town ♫ Aoi Teshima

Nostalgic Town - Aoi Teshima

This is Aoi Teshima’s “Natsukashii Machi,” included in the From Up on Poppy Hill song collection.

It’s a song that really warms the heart.

Although this wasn’t depicted in the film, looking at the lyrics, it seems possible that Umi and Shun might have been separated for a time when Shun went on to higher education.

The song gives me the impression that the two of them meet again and walk together through their nostalgic hometown.

Raise the rankinglower

flagAoi Teshima

Aoi Teshima - Flag.wmv

Aoi Hashijima

This is the song “Flags,” included in the From Up on Poppy Hill song collection.

Speaking of flags, in the story she raised maritime signal flags in her yard every morning to honor her father, a sailor who died after hitting a mine during the Korean War.

After watching the film and then reading this song’s lyrics, it feels like a song that portrays Kazama’s feelings as he wrote a poem about the girl who actually raises the flags.

It also seems as if her father is gently watching over her—though maybe I’m reading too much into it… It’s a very gentle song that resonates deeply in the heart.

Raise the rankinglower

spring breezeAoi Teshima

Aoi Teshima, Spring Breeze

From the “From Up on Poppy Hill Song Collection,” this is Aoi Teshima’s “Spring Wind.” Around the time when Umi and Shun began to develop feelings for each other in the story, there was an episode suggesting they might be siblings.

Shun tried to remain just friends with Umi, and Umi followed his lead.

In the end, Umi learned the truth about Shun’s parentage and realized it had been a misunderstanding, and this song may be about the resolve she found at that moment.

It’s a ballad with a very quiet, wistful melody that leaves a strong impression, yet the lyrics convey a powerful determination.

Raise the rankinglower

Red riverbedAoi Teshima

Aoi Teshima, The Red Waterbed

One of the songs included in Kokuriko-zaka kara Kashu is Aoi Teshima’s “Akai Mizusoko” (Red Waterbed).

This song is about Umi’s father, a sailor whose ship met with disaster and went missing.

It conveys a mix of complex emotions—grief over the loss of a loved one who will never return and anger toward the war that caused it.

The lyrics depicting her final memories of her father are especially moving—they bring uncontrollable tears.

Raise the rankinglower

rainAoi Teshima

Ame – Aoi Teshima

Aoi Ametsujima

This is “Rain,” Aoi Teshima’s song included in the From Up on Poppy Hill song collection.

Both the lyrics and the melody evoke a profound sadness.

It brings to mind the scene in the film where Umi and Kazama stand in a daze after learning they’re actually brother and sister.

“Rain” feels like a cry—or perhaps a plea—from Umi, crushed by an inescapable reality.

Listening to it is quite heartbreaking.

Raise the rankinglower