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Joe Hisaishi Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
Joe Hisaishi, whose melodies truly strike a chord with the Japanese soul, is recognized around the world.No matter when you listen, they always make you feel nostalgic, don’t they?His stage name, Joe Hisaishi, comes from the famous American producer Quincy Jones.This time, I’ve selected some of his popular songs.
Joe Hisaishi Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (1–10)
SummerHisaishi Joe1rank/position
It’s a true classic by one of Japan’s most iconic composers, Joe Hisaishi! Written as the main theme for Takeshi Kitano’s 1999 film “Kikujiro,” this piece features a refreshing, gently nostalgic piano melody—familiar to many from the Toyota Corolla commercials.
Its repeating, simple phrases feel soothing, and the minimalist structure makes it perfect for boosting concentration while studying.
It strikes a delicate balance: not overly emotional, yet far from mechanical, so it supports your thinking without getting in the way.
It’s also included on Hisaishi’s piano solo album “ENCORE,” making it a reliable companion as you prepare for exams or certification tests.
Merry-Go-Round of LifeHisaishi Joe2rank/position
The main theme used in Studio Ghibli’s masterpiece Howl’s Moving Castle.
It’s a gem of a waltz composed by Joe Hisaishi.
Its triple meter beautifully portrays life’s ups and downs, its joys and its bittersweet moments.
The soundtrack was released in November 2004, and in 2005 it won the Best Music award at the 31st Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards.
Beginning with a quiet piano solo and expanding into a majestic orchestral arrangement, it powerfully captures the listener’s heart.
It’s a work with a nostalgic warmth that invites audiences into a world of dreams.
Time to Depart ~Asian Dream Song~sakushi: dorian suke kawa / sakkyoku: hisaishi jō3rank/position
It is a gem of a choral work imbued with a message of hope and courage.
The melody, with its nostalgic sound based on the yo-nuki (pentatonic) scale, is beautifully balanced with a modern arrangement, evoking a sense of timeless beauty.
In September 1997, Kazufumi Miyazawa performed this piece as the theme song for the Nagano Winter Paralympics, and an instrumental version is included on the album “Piano Stories II.” Frequently performed at graduation ceremonies and choral competitions, the song is ideal for class- or grade-level ensembles, with scores available for a variety of voicings, including mixed three-part and four-part chorus.
The Pigeon and the BoyHisaishi Joe4rank/position
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.
To That SummerHisaishi Joe5rank/position
You can listen to one of Studio Ghibli’s finest masterpieces, “One Summer’s Day” from the film Spirited Away, performed by the composer Joe Hisaishi himself.
The clear tone of the piano and the melody played in a quiet atmosphere instantly draw you into the film’s world.
Although there is no orchestra visible in the footage, the strings and harp gently enter, stirring emotions that overflow with memories of summer in Japan.
Even on the big screen it is a live performance, but when you can see the musicians playing, their expressions and breathing come through even more clearly, and the expression is conveyed all the more.
Name of LifeHisaishi Joe6rank/position
The works of Joe Hisaishi, one of Japan’s most renowned composers, deliver profound emotion that transcends the realm of film music.
This piece, woven from piano and strings, expresses a journey in search of the sanctity of life and one’s own identity.
Composed for a film by Hayao Miyazaki, it resonates with the story of reclaiming a lost name and invites listeners into a mysterious world.
Since scoring Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind in 1984, Hisaishi has continued to create works that move countless hearts.
This track is highly recommended for those captivated by wistful melodies and for anyone who wishes to feel the depth of film music.
strollHisaishi Joe7rank/position
Azumi Inoue’s “Sanpo,” the signature song from Studio Ghibli’s emblematic film My Neighbor Totoro, is performed here with orchestra and chorus.
The footage is from “Joe Hisaishi in Budokan: 25 Years with the Animations of Hayao Miyazaki,” featuring numerous Ghibli masterpieces arranged and conducted by Joe Hisaishi himself.
The live texture of the orchestra is truly wonderful.
This piece was previously arranged for “Orchestra Stories: My Neighbor Totoro,” which includes a narrated performance—highly recommended as well.
Like an instrument introduction, it features sections where only the woodwinds or only the brass play, as well as sections for strings and percussion, plus solo passages, making it an arrangement that showcases the orchestra’s appeal.
It’s also recommended as an introductory piece for those new to orchestral music.