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. Theme song and insert songs (1–10)
Breakfast SongTeshima Aoi
This is also an insert song from From Up on Poppy Hill.
It’s the kind of song that makes you look forward to breakfast.
If you listen to it when you’re hungry, you’ll get even hungrier.
The food that appears in Ghibli films always looks so delicious that if we could step into the anime, we’d definitely want to go eat it, right?
EscapeTeshima Aoi
The piano rhythm at the beginning already puts you in a cheerful, excited mood, doesn’t it? This is “Escape,” a track included in the Kokuriko-zaka kara Song Collection.
Aoi Teshima often sings gentle, mellow songs, but these light and cute tunes suit her wonderfully too.
When you’re worn out by the many constraints of everyday life and feel like you need to break free, listening to this will really lift your spirits.
A navy-blue undulationTeshima Aoi
This song was written by director Goro Miyazaki and his father, Hayao Miyazaki, based on the poem “To the Students” by the poet Kenji Miyazawa.
It is included in the 2011 album “From Up on Poppy Hill Song Collection,” along with other pieces used in the film.
When I was in my first loveTeshima Aoi
One of the insert songs in this work is “In the Days of First Love.” It’s a track perfectly suited to its title, beautifully matched by Aoi Teshima’s pure vocals.
In the film, it plays during the scene where Umi and Shun grow closer.
The song’s lyrics were written by Gorō Miyazaki and Hiroko Taniyama, the music was composed by Hiroko Taniyama, and the arrangement was by Satoshi Takebe.
It’s a gentle song that evokes the bittersweet feeling of remembering a first love in youth.
A heart yearning for motherTakebe Satoshi
You’ve probably seen the sun reflecting on a river and turning it golden as it sets.
This piece lets you feel that kind of natural beauty.
The track itself is very short, but paired with its sparse notes, it’s packed with a tender sense of longing.
The slow, flowing melody feels like a real canal.
Doesn’t it make you want to walk along a riverside where the sunset is beautiful while listening to this song?
Summer of Goodbye ~From Up on Poppy Hill~Teshima Aoi
“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).
Canal at DuskTakebe Satoshi
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!