Ranking of Popular Ghibli Songs [2026]

I look up as I walkSakamoto Kyu36rank/position

Walk, Looking Up – 'Sukiyaki' – Kyu Sakamoto (Sakamoto Kyu) 1961.avi

Sukiyaki (Ue o Muite Arukou), Kyu Sakamoto’s signature song that everyone has heard at least once, was used as an insert song in Studio Ghibli’s 2011 film From Up on Poppy Hill.

In the movie, the song is heard playing on the television.

Director Hayao Miyazaki apparently had another song in mind, but producer Toshio Suzuki recommended this one.

Its relaxed melody and bittersweet lyrics that resonate with anyone make you stop and listen.

It’s a great pick for karaoke for all genders!

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Song of TimeTeshima Aoi37rank/position

Song of Time (Sigan-ui Norae) Ged’s Saga Aoi Teshima

This is the theme song of Tales from Earthsea, directed and written by Gorō Miyazaki, son of Hayao Miyazaki.

I think many people were moved to tears when this song played in theaters.

Often called “when you think Ghibli, you think Aoi Teshima’s songs,” her voice is truly unique and captivating.

Along with the insert song “Therru’s Song,” it’s one you’ll want to sing at karaoke.

Love is a flower, and you are its seed.Miyako Harumi38rank/position

Love is a flower, and you are its seed.

A gem of a ballad that graced the end credits of the film “Only Yesterday.” With lyrics and music by Amanda McBroom and originally sung by Bette Midler as the classic “The Rose,” director Isao Takahata himself crafted the Japanese lyrics for this version.

Legendary enka singer Harumi Miyako performs it, her voice expressing both the sternness and warmth of love.

Released as a single in July 1991, and arranged by Masaru Hoshi, who scored the film, it’s a marvelous piece that deepens the afterglow of the work.

Its lyrics touch the depths of life and will resonate more profoundly as you grow older.

With its gentle, unhurried melody, it’s perfect for moments when you want to sing calmly and with care.

Name of LifeHisaishi Joe39rank/position

Name of Life [Easy Piano] - Ghibli “Spirited Away”

Composed by Joe Hisaishi, this piece is a gem created for the film Spirited Away.

The beautiful melody woven by piano and strings resonates deeply with listeners.

Its delicate lines skillfully portray anxiety and hope, a sense of loss and rediscovery, perfectly expressing the film’s worldview.

For the left hand, it’s fine to start with single notes; once you get the hang of it, try capturing the harmonies with chords.

With its relaxed tempo, this is a recommended piece for beginners who want to play something wistful and gentle.

Dragon BoyHisaishi Joe40rank/position

Spirited Away – Dragon Boy ( Daizo Edit Extended)

This is “The Dragon Boy” from Studio Ghibli’s hugely famous film Spirited Away.

The “dragon” in “The Dragon Boy” refers to Haku, and the piece is used in the scene where Haku and Chihiro meet and then leave the bathhouse.

In the film, the New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra performs it: after a mysterious timbre created by layered harp and piano, the horn carries a flowing line, and the woodwinds stack in parallel fourths to evoke a traditional Japanese atmosphere.

This performance is a longer version than the one in the movie, making “The Dragon Boy” even more powerful.

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globeYonezu Kenshi41rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Spinning Globe

Kenshi Yonezu is a singer-songwriter who continues to captivate many listeners with his original, imaginative world.

Centered on themes of loss and rebirth, the lyrics of this piece resonate deeply, while the organic ensemble of piano and strings quietly stirs the listener’s emotions.

Marking the 100th song released under the name Kenshi Yonezu, it came out in July 2023 and was written as the theme song for Hayao Miyazaki’s film “The Boy and the Heron.” With a relatively narrow vocal range and a leisurely melody, it’s easy to hum along to even for those not confident in their singing.

It’s a beautiful yet powerful ballad, one to sing with care while savoring the lingering emotions of the story.

When I was in my first loveTeshima Aoi42rank/position

The Little Owl’s Favorite Song: When First Love Began

This song, used as an insert track in From Up on Poppy Hill, is a heart-fluttering tune that, just as the title suggests, depicts the fresh feelings of first love.

Although it’s sung as something in the past, singing it in front of someone you like might just get your feelings across.

Highly recommended!

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sasashina

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