Joe Hisaishi Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Nausicaä RequiemHisaishi Joe31rank/position

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

This piece, created by Joe Hisaishi, one of Japan’s leading composers, was used as an insert song in the film Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, specifically in the scene where a young Nausicaä appears.

Its distinctive melody is striking, and it is sung by Hisaishi’s daughter, Mai, whose pure voice imbues the entire film with deep emotion.

With a minimalist structure that conveys both melancholy and composure, the piece perfectly matches the film’s atmosphere.

It’s also recommended for those who want to try not only bright or beautiful piano pieces but also pieces with a slightly unique mood.

Mother’s BroomHisaishi Joe32rank/position

Joe Hisaishi – Mother’s Broom (from Kiki’s Delivery Service)

Conducted by Joe Hisaishi himself, who is active worldwide, “A Mother’s Broom” from Studio Ghibli’s gem of a film Kiki’s Delivery Service is being performed by an overseas orchestra.

It begins with an introduction reminiscent of “A Town with an Ocean View,” which plays in the film, and then transitions into a lovely violin solo.

This piece accompanies the scene where Kiki sets off on her journey, seen off by her parents and friends, and it’s a masterpiece that conveys her mother’s kindness and the warmth of her hometown.

The performance itself also conveys that gentleness and warmth, bringing a sense of comfort to the heart.

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Soot SpritesHisaishi Joe33rank/position

Soot Sprites (Piano) ~ from the film “My Neighbor Totoro” ~

It’s the song about the soot sprites that Satsuki and Mei call “Makkuro Kurosuke.” The melody is cute but has a slightly mysterious feel.

I bet many people, after watching My Neighbor Totoro, searched their houses for Makkuro Kurosuke, didn’t they?

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Sheeta’s ResolveHisaishi Joe34rank/position

Castle in the Sky: Sheeta’s Resolve - Piano Solo

In “Castle in the Sky,” this piece plays during the scene where the protagonist Sheeta, buffeted by a strange fate, chants a spell with firm resolve in her heart.

True to its title, “Sheeta’s Determination,” it conveys the strength of the feelings that dwell within her seemingly delicate heart.

The piano is beautiful.

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Music of the CelestialsHisaishi Joe35rank/position

The Tale of the Princess Kaguya: Celestial Beings’ Music (2018 ver.)

This is “Heavenly Beings’ Music” from The Tale of the Princess Kaguya.

The composer is Joe Hisaishi, well known for his music in Studio Ghibli works.

Hisaishi is one of the representative composers for Studio Ghibli, but interestingly, he usually scores only films directed by Hayao Miyazaki; when other directors are involved, different composers tend to take over.

The director of The Tale of the Princess Kaguya is Isao Takahata, making this a rare case where Hisaishi worked on a non-Miyazaki film.

Since Princess Mononoke, full orchestras have more frequently been used for in-film performances.

As Ghibli and Hisaishi’s popularity has grown, there have been more concerts as well, and it’s said that Hisaishi creates new arrangements for each concert.

It might be fun to compare the soundtrack versions with the concert versions.

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Paradise LostHisaishi Joe36rank/position

Laputa: Castle in the Sky — The Lost Paradise — Recording/Programming

Try to imagine the moment when paradise disappears.

Wouldn’t anyone feel a sense of loneliness? This song captures that atmosphere vividly.

The wistful piano melody evokes feelings that are both deeply sad and heartrending.

In the film, be sure to look for the scene where this piece is used.

You’ll surely find yourself in a mood that perfectly matches the song’s ambiance.

Playful quarrel (chase)Hisaishi Joe37rank/position

“A Cheerful Fight (~Chase)” from “Castle in the Sky” performed by ocha

This is the piece that plays in the background during the scenes where they’re fleeing from the men in black and the sky pirates.

Since it’s a panicked escape, just listening to the music makes your heart pound with suspense.

At the same time, you can picture the pirates getting into a silly scuffle, ignoring Pazu and Sheeta.

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Ashitaka DiaryHisaishi Joe38rank/position

Princess Mononoke – The Legend of Ashitaka

This is “The Legend of Ashitaka” from Studio Ghibli’s feature-length animated film Princess Mononoke, a work that stands proudly as a heavy and grand orchestral piece in its own right.

Studio Ghibli began as a feature animation production company with the release of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind on March 11, 1984, and Princess Mononoke is its tenth film.

It is also known for elevating animation from something consumed solely by fans to a form of “art.” The production scale was immense, and from around this time, more recordings featured live orchestral performances.

Listening to the music, it is not merely background accompaniment for animation but sounds like a worthy new classical work in its own right.

The orchestral performance was by the Tokyo City Philharmonic Orchestra, and this was also the first time a permanent professional orchestra, rather than an ad hoc ensemble, was employed.

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Aboard the Tiger MothHisaishi Joe39rank/position

On the Tiger Moth #3 (Laputa: Castle in the Sky) / Daisuke Minamizawa (acoustic guitar solo) On the Tiger Moth (Laputa: Castle in the Sky)

Pazu and Sheeta end up boarding the sky pirates’ ship.

This is the piece that’s used like the ship’s theme song.

You can picture the crew getting all excited because a girl is coming aboard and acting strangely, which makes it a bit of a funny tune.

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Merry-Go-Round of Life – Duet VersionHisaishi Joe40rank/position

Merry-Go-Round of Life – Joe Hisaishi “Howl’s Moving Castle” Piano Duet (by Reikana)

Introducing a magnificent waltz for piano four hands from Studio Ghibli’s masterpiece film Howl’s Moving Castle.

Set in 3/4 time, its graceful melody splendidly captures the film’s magical atmosphere, enchanting listeners with the rich sonority and expressive power unique to four-hand performance.

Featured on the soundtrack of the film released in November 2004, its beautiful, European classical–inspired themes blend exquisitely with flute and strings.

In the piano duet, the interplay between primo and secondo creates a resonant depth, while a tightly unified performance evokes an elegant ambience.

It’s a highly recommended piece for those who wish to draw on their classical experience while enjoying harmonious ensemble with a duet partner.