Joe Hisaishi Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

To the Adriatic SeaHisaishi Joe64rank/position

“Adriatic Sea” from “Porco Rosso,” played by ocha

It’s a beautifully lyrical piece in lilting triple meter that makes you nostalgic for the Adriatic Sea.

Thinking of the land and people of Italy where Porco spent his days lends it a dramatic air, making it a perfect fit for the world of Porco Rosso.

In the film, this elegant piece is used in a scene that conveys the friendship between old comrades, as Porco is guided in flight by his friend Ferrarin.

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Murakami Shinpei

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Lady EboshiHisaishi Joe65rank/position

“Eboshi Gozen” from “Princess Mononoke” played by ocha

It’s a powerful piece from Princess Mononoke that, despite its somewhat brooding tone, conveys grandeur and Eboshi’s unwavering resolve.

The music reveals different facets in each section, as if her role as a leader and her feelings as an individual are intersecting.

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sasashina

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Morning in the Slug GorgeHisaishi Joe66rank/position

Morning in the Slug Canyon (acoustic guitar solo, excerpt)

What comes to mind when you think of a canyon? Perhaps you imagine a majestic landscape of mountain valleys stretching on and on.

This piece evokes the feeling of a refreshing morning in such a grand canyon.

Its melody flows gently like a leisurely river, just like a crisp morning in the canyon.

Relaxed yet filled with bright anticipation for the day ahead, the sound has a pleasant atmosphere that makes for a delightful listen.

Women Treading the Tatara – Eboshi Tatara Song –Hisaishi Joe67rank/position

Tatara Foundry at Dusk ~ Eboshi Tatara Song

A song sung by the women working at the tatara furnace.

The lyrics convey how demanding their work is.

It appears as a work song unique to this job, used to keep rhythm during tasks so they can move in perfect sync.

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sasashina

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Howl’s Moving Castle: Merry-Go-Round of LifeHisaishi Joe68rank/position

Howl’s Moving Castle – Main Theme Piano Solo | Leiki Ueda // arr. Kyle Landry Howl’s Moving Castle

Let me introduce the main theme from the masterpiece film Howl’s Moving Castle.

Its beautiful melody, which captures the film’s fantastical world, leaves a strong impression, and performance videos on social media are popular as well.

The piece is characterized by a waltz rhythm, so the key is to play it in triple meter.

Until you’re comfortable with the tempo, it’s best to practice slowly and gradually speed up.

The work skillfully conveys the characters’ emotions and drama through music, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released alongside the film in November 2004, it’s a song loved around the world.

It’s a piece that can be enjoyed by a wide range of players, from piano beginners to advanced musicians.

boiler bugHisaishi Joe69rank/position

Boiler Bugs (Piano) ~ from the film Spirited Away ~

In Spirited Away, it’s a somewhat suspicious-sounding piece that plays in Kamaji’s boiler room.

A lot of little soot sprites are working at his feet, and the music reflects their mysterious nature.

That said, Kamaji himself is plenty mysterious too (lol).

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sasashina

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Robot Soldiers (Revival ~ Rescue)Hisaishi Joe70rank/position

Joe Hisaishi “Robot Soldiers: Resurgence ~ Rescue” from Castle in the Sky

Among the characters in Castle in the Sky (Laputa), the Robot Soldier is especially important.

This is the theme song that spans from the robot’s reactivation to the rescue.

It’s a compelling track that shifts from a somewhat dope, eerie atmosphere in the first half to a suddenly fast-paced sound.

The piano, brimming with drive and tension, is incredibly cool—a must-listen.

Be sure to watch the film and listen while feeling the mounting suspense leading up to the rescue.