Joe Hisaishi Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

My Neighbor TotoroHisaishi Joe8rank/position

[Sheet Music Release] My Neighbor Totoro (Violin & Piano) <Ghibli pieces playable even by beginners>

If you had to pick a representative film from Studio Ghibli, it would be My Neighbor Totoro.

Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, with lyrics written by him, composed by Joe Hisaishi, and sung by the Japanese vocalist Azumi Inoue, the song has gained great popularity.

This refreshing and energetic piece is sure to be enjoyable even when performed on the violin.

From the expansive opening vocal line onward, the melody requires good bow control to sustain a clear, resonant tone.

The chorus often moves in intervals of a third, making it good practice for skipping a note when you play.

Many beginner-friendly arrangements of Studio Ghibli songs are available, so why not choose sheet music that suits you and give it a try?

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Time of DepartureHisaishi Joe9rank/position

Mixed Chorus Piece 'Time of Departure'

This piece was composed by Joe Hisaishi, renowned for creating music for Studio Ghibli works.

It was made as the theme song for the 1997 Nagano Paralympics.

With its beautiful melodic piano line, it’s a rewarding choice for a graduation song, especially since students often take on the piano part.

While it’s a song about setting off on a journey, its grand lyrics that evoke the earth and flowers flow toward broader themes like life and hope.

It’s perfect for a graduation ceremony that marks the first step into something new.

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A Town with an Ocean ViewHisaishi Joe10rank/position

Let's play 'A Town with an Ocean View' in first position on the violin!

From the title alone, it’s very romantic: “A Town with an Ocean View” from director Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli’s Kiki’s Delivery Service.

The composer is Joe Hisaishi, who is also a pianist and conductor, and the piece vividly reflects the film’s beautiful European scenery and warmth of the people.

As a work known and loved by many, there are plenty of beginner-friendly practice scores and tutorial videos available.

Fingerings are written in, and there are videos of actual performances, making it a great environment for learning by watching.

You can play it with the bow, but in the original, there’s also a pizzicato technique—plucking the strings with your fingers—used in the phrase right after the intro.

Listen to the original, and try practicing not only with the bow but also with pizzicato.

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Dragon BoyHisaishi Joe11rank/position

Spirited Away – Dragon Boy ( Daizo Edit Extended)

From Studio Ghibli’s hugely famous film Spirited Away, this is “The Dragon Boy.” The “dragon” refers to Haku, and the piece is used in the scene where Haku and Chihiro meet and then depart from the bathhouse.

In the film, the New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra performs it: a mystical tone born from layered harp and piano leads into flowing horn lines, while the woodwinds stack in perfect fourths to evoke a traditional Japanese atmosphere.

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

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strollSakushi: Nakagawa Rieko / Sakkyoku: Hisaishi Joe12rank/position

♪ Stroll – Let’s walk, let’s walk, I’m feeling great~ ♪ <with choreography> [Studio Ghibli film “My Neighbor Totoro” opening theme]

This bright, upbeat march-style song is perfect for bonding with your child.

Released in November 1987 on the album “My Neighbor Totoro: Image Song Collection,” it is also well known as the opening theme song for Studio Ghibli’s animated film “My Neighbor Totoro.” The lyrics were written by children’s author Rieko Nakagawa, with music composed by Joe Hisaishi.

Its charm lies in the simple melody that inspires a positive mood and the warm, heartfelt lyrics.

It’s great for energetic singing with movement, making it ideal for musical play in nursery schools and kindergartens.

It’s a wonderful song you can enjoy together while facing your child, holding hands, and sharing affectionate contact.

Ashitaka SeikIHisaishi Joe13rank/position

The Legend of Ashitaka (Symphonic Suite “Princess Mononoke” / Live)

An orchestral, predominantly instrumental piece by Joe Hisaishi that carries both resolve and poignancy within its quietude.

It is part of the score for the film Princess Mononoke and was included as the opening track on the album Princess Mononoke: Original Soundtrack, released in July 1997 prior to the film’s premiere.

The melody line is exquisitely beautiful, allowing you to fully savor the film’s grand worldview through sound alone.

With a deep, prayer-like resonance, this piece is highly recommended for those who want to immerse themselves in work or study in a quiet environment.

Carrying YouHisaishi Joe14rank/position

Easy Key Ver. Azumi Inoue “Carrying You” performed on alto saxophone with sheet music and chords, performance video

If you’re looking for a piece that even beginners can play, how about “Carrying You,” the theme song from Studio Ghibli’s masterpiece Castle in the Sky, released on August 2, 1986? Composed by Joe Hisaishi with lyrics by Hayao Miyazaki, this song is now sung around the world.

It’s highly well-known, and there are many arrangements and tutorial videos for beginners, making it easy to practice.

The melody is easy to grasp, with sections to sing out fully and sections that build in excitement.

It’s perfect for practicing: play the A section gently, and use the climactic parts to work on leaps and strong, lyrical phrasing.

If you play tenor sax, try finding a Bb chart and give it a go.

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