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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sasashina

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Distant DaysHisaishi Joe45rank/position

Distant Days (from “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind”) (Piano Ver.)

A deeply resonant melody gently evokes distant memories and a nostalgic longing.

It is an instrumental piece cherished as an important work that colors the world of the Studio Ghibli film Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, released in March 1984.

Included on the album “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind: Image Album Bird Person…”.

The piece’s maternal warmth and gentle tempo make it ideal background music when you want to relax while focusing on something.

Suleiman’s Magic Circle: Return to the CastleHisaishi Joe46rank/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 Joe47rank/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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sasashina

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Vengeful SpiritHisaishi Joe48rank/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.

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Murakami Shinpei

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Castle in the SkyHisaishi Joe49rank/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.