Joe Hisaishi Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

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.

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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.

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Castle in the SkyHisaishi Joe47rank/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 Joe48rank/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.

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Journey (Dream Flight)Hisaishi Joe49rank/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.

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