Joe Hisaishi Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

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.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem

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.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sai-kisaragi

Report a problem

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.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

sasashina

Report a problem

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.

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