Joe Hisaishi Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Chihiro’s WaltzHisaishi Joe41rank/position

[Spirited Away] Chihiro’s Waltz – With Sheet Music – Joe Hisaishi – 4K High-Quality Audio – Piano Cover – CANACANA

A deeply resonant waltz that colors the world of Studio Ghibli’s masterpiece Spirited Away.

It’s included on Joe Hisaishi’s album Spirited Away: Image Album.

In the film itself, the piece appears under the title “Reprise,” supporting the climax, but this work carries the very melody that could be called its origin.

As you surrender to the gentle 3/4 rhythm, a certain nostalgia may well up—an aching poignancy that tightens the chest.

While it evokes the film’s grand scale, it’s marked by a more delicate, introspective tone.

It’s the kind of track you’ll want to savor alone on a quiet night, soaking in precious memories.

Kiki, Busy as a BeeHisaishi Joe42rank/position

Busy Kiki / Joe Hisaishi: Piano (Solo) / Intermediate

“Kiki in a Flurry” brilliantly captures the heroine Kiki’s busyness and energy.

The light, bright melody lets you sense how, even as she bustles about, she’s genuinely enjoying her life.

When playing it on the piano, the key is to make the leaps, staccatos, and repeated notes—depicting Kiki’s hectic activity—as crisp as possible.

Keep a steady triple-meter pulse in the left hand to support and highlight the upbeat character of the piece.

Bring out her lively personality with the piano’s bright tone to the fullest!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yuri

Report a problem

DepartureHisaishi Joe43rank/position

[Beginner Piano] Departure Level 2 [Free Sheet Music]

This is an iconic piece from the film Kiki’s Delivery Service that brings to mind the scene where the heroine sets off for a new town.

The bright, refreshing melody played by the orchestra perfectly captures that thrilling feeling of taking a first step with hope—and just a touch of anxiety—in your heart.

Beloved since the film’s release in July 1989, this piece lifts your spirits just by listening.

Its friendly tune makes it a great recommendation for those taking on the piano as well! With a simple left-hand accompaniment arrangement to practice, it’s easier to grasp the buoyant rhythms in the right hand.

Try playing these hope-filled tones that herald the beginning of the story.

The Boy Who Drank a StarHisaishi Joe44rank/position

“The Boy Who Swallowed the Star” from “Howl’s Moving Castle” played by ocha

The piece that plays during the scene where Sophie goes to meet Howl in the past.

It’s an important moment that touches on the relationship between Howl and Calcifer.

You can almost see Howl standing by the shore of a beautiful, clear lake—the gentle, beautiful melody is utterly captivating.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem

Suleiman’s Magic Circle: Return to the CastleHisaishi Joe45rank/position

3K2 - Saliman’s Magic Circle ~ Return to the Castle (mix beat)

In Howl’s Moving Castle, there is a wizard named Suliman.

Here is the soundtrack for Suliman.

Since it’s about a wizard, it has a very mysterious atmosphere.

The piano’s high tones and the low tones are exquisitely combined.

Doesn’t the driving melody make you feel as if you’re about to fall under a spell? The sound that rapidly picks up speed and builds toward the second half is a must-listen.

MAMMAIUTOHisaishi Joe46rank/position

MAMMAIUTO ~ Flying Boatmen (Piano) ~ from the film Porco Rosso ~

This is the piece used as the theme song for the air pirates, the Mamma Aiuto Gang, who appear in Porco Rosso.

Since they’re air pirates, they’re supposed to be the bad guys…

but the combination of the characters’ comical vibe and the cheerful melody somehow makes you smile.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem

Vengeful SpiritHisaishi Joe47rank/position

Princess Mononoke – The Cursed God

This is the third piece in the Tatari-gami series, notable for its fast tempo and exhilarating sense of speed.

The animation alone for Tatari-gami took over a year to produce, and this track perfectly matches its overwhelming presence and terror—a truly traumatizing piece.

It’s a memorable character that helped define the world of Princess Mononoke, and this is a wonderful track that elevates those iconic scenes even further.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Murakami Shinpei

Report a problem

Castle in the SkyHisaishi Joe48rank/position

Laputa: Castle in the Sky Orchestra

The opening trumpet, as if a story or adventure is about to begin, is very striking and cool.

I think this piece is such a wonderful work of music that it will be remembered by future generations.

Thank you for such a lovely composition that makes me want to play a brass instrument.

Days of No ReturnHisaishi Joe49rank/position

Joe Hisaishi / The Days That Will Never Return

A poignant scene from the adult classic Porco Rosso, where the protagonist Marco looks back on memories of a past to which he can never return.

The friends he drank with, the rivals he competed against, and the woman he longed for will never come back.

It’s a heart-stirring slow ballad that conveys both that sense of helplessness and tender affection.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem

Journey (Dream Flight)Hisaishi Joe50rank/position

The Wind Rises / Journey (Dream Flight)

It’s a song that evokes the strength of those who pursue their dreams and the emotional scars that come from facing them, as well as the resilience and fragility of people who still choose to stand and fight.

The arrangement, with its subtly analog feel—as if the propeller were being turned by hand—further accentuates the historical setting of The Wind Rises.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem