Ranking of Popular Ghibli Songs [2026]

Fine On The OutsidePurishira Aan22rank/position

[Japan Tour Confirmed] Fine On The Outside / Priscilla Ahn — Theme song of Studio Ghibli’s film “When Marnie Was There”

This is the theme song from When Marnie Was There.

Studio Ghibli works often feature songs by Japanese singers, but listening to a song by an overseas artist changes the image of the work and leaves a different impression.

It’s a track that can calm your heart when you want healing or a slow, relaxing moment.

If I’m wrapped in kindnessMatsutōya Yumi23rank/position

Yumi Matsutoya – If Wrapped in Kindness (THE LAST WEDNESDAY TOUR 2006 ~HERE COMES THE WAVE~)

A classic by Yumi Matsutoya that was used as the ending theme for the film Kiki’s Delivery Service.

Her gentle, warm vocals and melody create a feeling that envelops the listener’s heart.

Released in April 1974, the song is also included on the album MISSLIM and has been beloved for many years.

The lyrics, which sing of the purity of childhood and the wonder of meeting someone special, may offer a different flavor when heard now as an adult.

It’s also a popular choice for wedding BGM and is sure to resonate with both the couple and their guests.

My Neighbor TotoroInoue Azumi24rank/position

Eng sub “My Neighbor Totoro” with lyrics covered by Miho Kuroda

A classic Studio Ghibli song distinguished by Azumi Inoue’s clear, translucent vocals.

The lyrics, depicting an encounter with Totoro, a mysterious creature living in the forest, awaken a sense of small adventures in nature.

Released in March 1988 as the theme song for the film My Neighbor Totoro, it became a major hit along with “Sanpo.” Since then, it has been loved by many people for years.

It’s also popular as wedding background music, resonating with a wide range of ages.

With its warm lyrics and gentle melody, it’s perfect for celebrating the start of a couple’s new journey.

A heartwarming piece that evokes the bonds shared with loved ones.

Village in MayHisaishi Joe25rank/position

[Piano for Beginners] May Village Level 1 [Free Sheet Music with Do-Re-Mi Notation]

It’s a captivating piece with a buoyant melody that conjures up lush, green countryside scenes.

It’s that song from the 1988 film My Neighbor Totoro, played as the sisters, thrilled about their new life, appear on screen.

What’s wonderful about this piece is its brisk, jazz-like rhythm, which adds a stylish, cheerful touch to Japan’s tranquil landscapes.

When playing it on the piano, the key is to bring out a skipping, bouncy sense of rhythm.

If you play energetically and with joy, you’ll surely capture the piece’s sense of excitement.

Try to bounce lightly across the keys as if you were the story’s protagonist.

The Pigeon and the BoyHisaishi Joe26rank/position

[2022/9/3] Irodori One-Coin Concert [Brass] “The Dove and the Boy”

This is the piece that Pazu plays as a morning call on the bugle in Castle in the Sky.

In the film, Pazu plays it alone, but here it’s arranged for a brass ensemble.

It begins with a trumpet solo, then horn, trombone, tuba, and others join to form a fanfare for brass ensemble.

Midway through, the ending theme from Castle in the Sky, “Carrying You,” is woven in, allowing listeners to enjoy a sense of musical storytelling.

Pazu’s trumpet, performed first thing in the morning, has been a hot topic among brass players—professional-level playing that would catch a scout’s ear.

Even pros need to warm up, and many say they envy the ability to hit high notes from early in the day.

Pazu’s performance was played by studio musician Susumu Kazuhara, who is active in film scores, jazz, and karaoke backing tracks, and it is a superb performance.

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sai-kisaragi

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Someone at any timeJōjō Taihūn27rank/position

Shang Shang Typhoon “Whenever Someone Is There” ~Let’s Go, Japan! Everyone’s Cheer Song ♪~

The ending theme of the 1994 film Pom Poko.

With lyrics that say, “Don’t forget—there will always, without fail, be someone by your side,” it’s perfect for newlyweds about to embark on a new chapter of their lives.

Loved by a wide audience as “a song that makes your heart swell every time you hear it,” this track is sure to become unforgettable for both the couple and their guests when played at a wedding.

Its nostalgic feel also makes it a great choice as background music for a slideshow looking back on childhood.

Message of RougeMatsutōya Yumi28rank/position

Yumi Matsutoya – Rouge no Dengon (Yumi Matsutoya Concert Tour The Universe Library 2016-2017)

Yumi Matsutoya’s classic “Message of Rouge.” Its nostalgic melody evokes the Showa era and leaves a strong impression.

Released in 1975, the song was used 14 years later, in 1989, as the opening theme for the Studio Ghibli film Kiki’s Delivery Service.

The vocal range spans from mid1 F# to hi D#, which is relatively wide; while the pitch movement becomes fairly intense toward the end of the chorus, the overall tempo is relaxed and the song builds beautifully, making it a great choice for karaoke.

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Ryo

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