Joe Hisaishi Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Symphonic Suite “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind”Hisaishi Joe92rank/position

Joe Hisaishi – Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind

This Nausicaä piece is full of impact, and I absolutely love the music right from the beginning.

I really think this track is perfect for classical arrangements.

Along with the film, the music deserves much more recognition.

Its unique atmosphere is what keeps you completely captivated.

Departure ~To the West~Hisaishi Joe93rank/position

Princess Mononoke – Departure to the West

A piece that brilliantly captures the world of the film Princess Mononoke.

The grand orchestral sound and the beautiful melodies of piano and strings are truly striking.

This track is included on the Princess Mononoke soundtrack, released in July 1997, and has long been loved as a song that evokes the film’s moving scenes.

If used at a wedding, its blend of strength and tenderness—symbolizing the bride and groom’s new journey—will further elevate the atmosphere of the venue.

It’s a recommended piece not only for bridal scenes but also for celebrating the departure of someone dear on a new path.

Theme song of the movie ‘Princess Mononoke’Hisaishi Joe94rank/position

Princess Mononoke

Yoshikazu Mera, one of Japan’s leading countertenors, is also the person who brought awareness to the presence and artistry of countertenors in Japan.

This song, now a famous theme from an animated film known to all, is one I hope you will listen to repeatedly—while taking in the film’s message, the meaning of the lyrics, and the beauty of his voice.

Mother of the SeaHisaishi Joe95rank/position

Hayashi Masako – Mother of the sea

From Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea.

This piece became a theme song alongside Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea.

Director Hayao Miyazaki wanted to create a “new kind of sea song” unlike any before, and the lyrics were written with inspiration drawn from poet Wakako Kaku’s collection, with whom he co-wrote the words.

Masako Hayashi is a soprano singer.

She has performed as a soloist in symphonies and requiems with the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, the Japan Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, and others.

Her skill has garnered international attention, and her piercingly beautiful high notes are breathtaking.

The song is filled with vocals and sound that evoke the grandeur of the sea.

Crimson WingsHisaishi Joe96rank/position

From Crimson Wings: Porco Rosso

This is a piece included on the image album for Porco Rosso.

The title, “Crimson Wings,” is presumably a reference to the red plane flown by the protagonist Porco Rosso, the Savoia S.21.

While the video features a piano arrangement, the original has the violin playing the main melody.

Its richly melancholic tone is so expressive that it evokes the impression of sobbing.

Kiki’s Delivery Service: Original Soundtrack Music CollectionHisaishi Joe97rank/position

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

Speaking of Ghibli films, Joe Hisaishi’s music is inseparable from them.

Whenever we recall Ghibli masterpieces that continue to be loved across generations, many of us can’t help but hum the melodies of Hisaishi’s wonderful scores.

Every Ghibli soundtrack he composed is a classic, making it extremely difficult to pick just one, but in this article I’d like to introduce the soundtrack to Kiki’s Delivery Service, released in 1989.

While Yumi Matsutoya’s opening theme “Rouge no Dengon” and ending theme “Yasashisa ni Tsutsumareta Nara” are well known, the soundtrack itself is also truly outstanding.

Reflecting the film’s richly European atmosphere, it employs European instruments such as the dulcimer—a folk instrument that is a forerunner of the piano—along with guitar and accordion, and features many dance-like pieces in waltz rhythm.

Simply listening conjures up vivid images of unfamiliar, foreign European landscapes.

Of course, it’s delightful as a film soundtrack, but it also seems perfect as background music for an afternoon tea time!

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Bird personHisaishi Joe98rank/position

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind – Ending – Bird Person – Cover (Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind)

A piece marked by the beautiful melodies woven by Joe Hisaishi.

Used as the ending theme that colors the film’s climax, it was also included on the album “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind Image Album: Bird Person,” released in August 2004.

This work expresses through music the film’s imagery of the grand natural world and the coexistence of humans and nature, leaving a profound emotional impact on listeners.

It’s also popular as wedding background music, continually chosen as the perfect song to celebrate a couple’s new beginning.

Its warm atmosphere enhances the feeling of happiness.