Joe Hisaishi Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Sky of my hometownHisaishi Joe61rank/position

Hometown Sky (Toyama Prefecture Hometown Song) Mixed Choir, 4-part Version, Composed by Joe Hisaishi

Furusato no Sora, composed by Joe Hisaishi, is a gem unveiled in 2012 that weaves the beautiful nature of Toyama Prefecture and the hearts of its people into music.

This piece pairs lyrics, additionally written by Toyama native Akira Sudo, with Hisaishi’s delicate composition, creating a work that instills pride in Toyama.

Its nostalgic melody evokes the changing scenery of the four seasons and conveys the warmth of one’s hometown.

It’s a moving masterpiece recommended not only for the people of Toyama, but for anyone who wishes to feel the pull of nostalgia.

To the Adriatic SeaHisaishi Joe62rank/position

“Adriatic Sea” from “Porco Rosso,” played by ocha

It’s a beautifully lyrical piece in lilting triple meter that makes you nostalgic for the Adriatic Sea.

Thinking of the land and people of Italy where Porco spent his days lends it a dramatic air, making it a perfect fit for the world of Porco Rosso.

In the film, this elegant piece is used in a scene that conveys the friendship between old comrades, as Porco is guided in flight by his friend Ferrarin.

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Murakami Shinpei

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Lady EboshiHisaishi Joe63rank/position

“Eboshi Gozen” from “Princess Mononoke” played by ocha

It’s a powerful piece from Princess Mononoke that, despite its somewhat brooding tone, conveys grandeur and Eboshi’s unwavering resolve.

The music reveals different facets in each section, as if her role as a leader and her feelings as an individual are intersecting.

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sasashina

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Morning in the Slug GorgeHisaishi Joe64rank/position

Morning in the Slug Canyon (acoustic guitar solo, excerpt)

What comes to mind when you think of a canyon? Perhaps you imagine a majestic landscape of mountain valleys stretching on and on.

This piece evokes the feeling of a refreshing morning in such a grand canyon.

Its melody flows gently like a leisurely river, just like a crisp morning in the canyon.

Relaxed yet filled with bright anticipation for the day ahead, the sound has a pleasant atmosphere that makes for a delightful listen.

Women Treading the Tatara – Eboshi Tatara Song –Hisaishi Joe65rank/position

Tatara Foundry at Dusk ~ Eboshi Tatara Song

A song sung by the women working at the tatara furnace.

The lyrics convey how demanding their work is.

It appears as a work song unique to this job, used to keep rhythm during tasks so they can move in perfect sync.

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sasashina

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Howl’s Moving Castle: Merry-Go-Round of LifeHisaishi Joe66rank/position

Howl’s Moving Castle – Main Theme Piano Solo | Leiki Ueda // arr. Kyle Landry Howl’s Moving Castle

Let me introduce the main theme from the masterpiece film Howl’s Moving Castle.

Its beautiful melody, which captures the film’s fantastical world, leaves a strong impression, and performance videos on social media are popular as well.

The piece is characterized by a waltz rhythm, so the key is to play it in triple meter.

Until you’re comfortable with the tempo, it’s best to practice slowly and gradually speed up.

The work skillfully conveys the characters’ emotions and drama through music, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released alongside the film in November 2004, it’s a song loved around the world.

It’s a piece that can be enjoyed by a wide range of players, from piano beginners to advanced musicians.

boiler bugHisaishi Joe67rank/position

Boiler Bugs (Piano) ~ from the film Spirited Away ~

In Spirited Away, it’s a somewhat suspicious-sounding piece that plays in Kamaji’s boiler room.

A lot of little soot sprites are working at his feet, and the music reflects their mysterious nature.

That said, Kamaji himself is plenty mysterious too (lol).

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sasashina

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Robot Soldiers (Revival ~ Rescue)Hisaishi Joe68rank/position

Joe Hisaishi “Robot Soldiers: Resurgence ~ Rescue” from Castle in the Sky

Among the characters in Castle in the Sky (Laputa), the Robot Soldier is especially important.

This is the theme song that spans from the robot’s reactivation to the rescue.

It’s a compelling track that shifts from a somewhat dope, eerie atmosphere in the first half to a suddenly fast-paced sound.

The piano, brimming with drive and tension, is incredibly cool—a must-listen.

Be sure to watch the film and listen while feeling the mounting suspense leading up to the rescue.

parting (farewell)Hisaishi Joe69rank/position

Parting ~Wakare~ — from the film “The Tale of the Princess Kaguya”

In the story, there are various farewells: parting from a beloved friend you spent your childhood with, and from the person who raised you.

This is a perfect song for those aching, sorrowful moments.

The melody itself is the same as “Nayotake,” but the addition of very quiet, spacious strings makes the sense of being lost in grief palpable.

Please enjoy how the arrangement completely transforms the impression of the same melody.

Twilight BreezeHisaishi Joe70rank/position

20161030 Satouchiki My Neighbor Totoro The Path of the Wind Erhu satochiki

This melody might be the most memorable among the songs featured in My Neighbor Totoro.

True to its title, Evening Breeze, it’s a wonderfully beautiful piece with a sweeping, airy feel.

Its richly expressive melody further enhances the world of My Neighbor Totoro, adding color to some of the film’s most moving and iconic scenes.

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Murakami Shinpei

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