Joe Hisaishi Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Path of the WindHisaishi Joe15rank/position

Nobuyuki Tsujii / “Path of the Wind” Composed by Joe Hisaishi Nobuyuki Tsujii / The Wind Forest

This piece features a melody that seeps into the heart, evoking the presence of nature and the mysterious atmosphere of a forest.

Composed by Joe Hisaishi, its warm resonance—imbued with a quiet, nostalgic feeling—is truly captivating.

It is widely known as part of the score for a Studio Ghibli film released in April 1988.

The anecdote that the world of the visuals was built from the music alone speaks to its high level of craftsmanship.

Perfect for moments when you want to step away from the busyness of daily life and take a deep, cleansing breath.

If you close your eyes and listen at a relaxed pace, gentle landscapes and the scent of summer wind will come to mind, and you’ll feel your heart gradually unwind.

Savor it during a quiet, relaxing night.

Always With MeHisaishi Joe16rank/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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sasashina

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The Path of the WindHisaishi Joe17rank/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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yuri

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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!

CatbusHisaishi Joe21rank/position

My Neighbor Totoro Orchestra Stories – 07. Cat Bus

“Catbus” from Orchestra Stories: My Neighbor Totoro—a suite that reorganizes the beloved music of My Neighbor Totoro into an orchestral work with narration.

This piece selects seven numbers from the film’s score and is arranged by Joe Hisaishi himself as an orchestral work with narration that parents and children can enjoy together.

It opens with playful phrases in the cellos and double basses, and the horn-like dissonances in the woodwinds and brass make the Catbus’s entrance all the more striking.

It’s a cheerful piece that’s perfect as an encore for a pops orchestra, and hearing My Neighbor Totoro performed by a live orchestra is truly moving!

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sai-kisaragi

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