Joe Hisaishi Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Mother of the SeaHisaishi Joe96rank/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.

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!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KOH-1

Report a problem

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.

Marco and Gina’s ThemeHisaishi Joe99rank/position

"Marco and Gina's Theme" from "Porco Rosso" played by ocha

A beautiful piece that vividly brings to mind Marco and Gina’s relationship and feelings.

This one is a track from the image album.

While the piece itself isn’t used as-is in the film, many listeners will probably recognize the melody.

There’s a similar piece as the third track on the same album, but the melody is different.

If you’re a Porco Rosso fan, this might be a piece you’ll want to try playing at least once.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem

Nahoko (Encounter)Hisaishi Joe100rank/position

Joe Hisaishi – Naoko’s First Meeting – [The Wind Rises]

This is a piece called “Nahoko (Encounter).” The title includes “Encounter,” but it isn’t the cheerful song you might imagine from that.

War and natural disasters—Nahoko and Jiro met in the very midst of a turbulent era.

While everyone was lamenting the misfortunes of the world, the two refused to yield to fate and came together.

It’s a song that reminds us of the importance of our encounters with others.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Yoimachi Jēn

Report a problem