Joe Hisaishi Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

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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sai-kisaragi

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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.

Carrying YouHisaishi Joe13rank/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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Path of the WindHisaishi Joe14rank/position

My Neighbor Totoro Orchestra Stories – 05. The Path of the Wind

The indispensable classic “The Path of the Wind” from Studio Ghibli’s beloved masterpiece My Neighbor Totoro is presented here in an orchestral performance.

This piece is included in “Orchestra Stories: My Neighbor Totoro,” in which composer Joe Hisaishi restructured music from My Neighbor Totoro so it can be enjoyed with narration.

In the original, Hisaishi—then influenced by minimalism—used an electronic sound, but this version becomes a grand orchestral work that brings out the beauty of acoustic instruments.

The sheet music is also available, so students and members of community orchestras who want to enjoy ensemble playing on real instruments might consider giving it a try.

After the introduction, the violin solo is superb, vividly conjuring up images of Japan’s pastoral landscapes.

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Always With MeHisaishi Joe15rank/position

Yumi Kimura - "Always With Me"

This is the song that became the theme song for Spirited Away.

The film’s worldview is reflected in the music, and it truly feels worthy of being the main theme.

The tones are all quite calming as well, so it might be nice to listen to when you want to relax.

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The Path of the WindHisaishi Joe16rank/position

[Piano and Acoustic Guitar] Path of the Wind [Tried Playing]

The Path of the Wind, an insert song from the Studio Ghibli film My Neighbor Totoro, is extraordinarily famous.

For many people, just hearing the melody brings Totoro and his friends instantly to mind.

Joe Hisaishi’s classic Ghibli pieces, including this one, are often featured in orchestral and chamber music concerts.

A guitar-and-piano arrangement may be unusual, but it suits the piece’s simple yet subtly mysterious atmosphere very well.

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Ashitaka SeikIHisaishi Joe17rank/position

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

This piece, which symbolizes the adventures and growth of Ashitaka, the protagonist of the film Princess Mononoke, is characterized by its piano solo and flavorful arrangement.

Composed for the film released in 1997, it was also used in the ending and left a deep impression on audiences.

Expressing themes such as the relationship between humans and nature, the preciousness of life, and harmony through a beautiful melody, it is also popular as wedding background music.

With its relaxed atmosphere, it’s a song that makes you feel the bond with someone special, making it perfect for moving scenes at a wedding reception.

The Legend of AshitakaHisaishi Joe18rank/position

The Legend of Ashitaka / Princess Mononoke (From 'Princess Mononoke' – 'Ashitaka Sekki') (Shakuhachi / Piano Cover)

Joe Hisaishi, whose grand orchestrations have colored countless films.

The piece he composed for the ending of Studio Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke unfolds like a vast picture scroll, portraying the profound theme of humanity and nature through a beautifully melancholic melody.

The unique world Hisaishi creates pairs perfectly with the mysterious timbre of the shakuhachi.

When you want to contemplate the majesty of nature or quietly reflect at night, why not immerse yourself in this music?

Village in MayHisaishi Joe19rank/position

[Piano for Beginners] May Village Level 1 [Free Sheet Music with Do-Re-Mi Notation]

It’s a captivating piece with a buoyant melody that conjures up lush, green countryside scenes.

It’s that song from the 1988 film My Neighbor Totoro, played as the sisters, thrilled about their new life, appear on screen.

What’s wonderful about this piece is its brisk, jazz-like rhythm, which adds a stylish, cheerful touch to Japan’s tranquil landscapes.

When playing it on the piano, the key is to bring out a skipping, bouncy sense of rhythm.

If you play energetically and with joy, you’ll surely capture the piece’s sense of excitement.

Try to bounce lightly across the keys as if you were the story’s protagonist.

The River of That DayHisaishi Joe20rank/position

Joe Hisaishi - “One Summer’s Day” [Absolutely Playable Even for Beginners! How to Play on Piano] Level: ☆☆☆

This piece, from the film “Spirited Away,” leaves a lasting impression with its quiet, nostalgic melody that symbolizes the shifting emotions of the protagonist.

The gentle, unhurried piano timbre evokes a bittersweet yet warm feeling, as if recalling past memories or something precious.

In fact, this work was originally a song with vocals, included on the album “Spirited Away: Image Album” released in April 2001, and in the film it was used in an arrangement centered on the piano.

It has been loved beyond the framework of the movie, serving as background music for TV programs and stage productions as well.

It’s a perfect piece for those who want to play as if cherishing each note and weaving a story.

Aim for careful sound production that highlights the beauty of the melody, and try performing while picturing the scenes in your mind!