Joe Hisaishi Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Name of Life from Spirited AwayHisaishi Joe57rank/position

Name of Life (from “Spirited Away”)

Many listeners have surely been captivated by the crystalline piano tones and faintly nostalgic melody.

The theme song of Studio Ghibli’s masterpiece Spirited Away evokes a bittersweet yet warm story of searching for lost memories and one’s true self.

Its message—recalling something precious and finding one’s place—reaches us with quiet emotion.

Released in July 2001 as a single performed by Yumi Kimura, the song deepened the film’s impact.

The piece originally began as an instrumental track on the soundtrack.

Its calm, dreamlike phrasing is perfect for times when you want to focus on work or study.

Letting yourself drift on its gentle waves of sound may calm your heart and clear your mind.

My Neighbor Totoro ‘Catbus’Hisaishi Joe58rank/position

Catbus, My Neighbor Totoro, Ghibli, solo four-hands (one-person duet), “Duet pieces I want to play at a recital,” “Fun duet pieces.”

The piece used in the film’s brisk, whimsical vehicle scene is notable for its warm sound in A-flat major and its bouncy rhythm.

The melody, unfolding at a speedy tempo, evokes a mysterious nighttime adventure.

Characterized by a fast tempo and an appealing melodic line, this work is perfect for piano four hands.

By synchronizing breathing and listening to each other’s sound while playing, performers can experience the joy of piano performance.

Since the film’s release in 1988, this piece has continued to be loved by many music enthusiasts, and through four-hand performance it serves as a fine work that fosters bonds across generations.

Frequently performed in a variety of arrangements, it is also ideal for recitals.

Because the difficulty varies by part, it can be enjoyed by different pairings—teacher and student, parent and child, and more.

CatbusHisaishi Joe59rank/position

🍓 My Neighbor Totoro “Catbus” Studio Ghibli. HiyokoHouse

The perfect song for cute ring boys and ring girls dressed in special outfits different from usual is “The Catbus.” It was used as an image song for the 1988 animated film My Neighbor Totoro.

Many people will be familiar with the dynamic scenes of the Catbus running.

Its beautiful melody line set to a lively rhythm is particularly striking.

Since it’s an instrumental track without lyrics, the children can stay focused on their movements! Consider using this humorous piece—which helps ease kids’ nerves—as BGM for your wedding scene.

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mutō

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Sky of my hometownHisaishi Joe60rank/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 Joe61rank/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 Joe62rank/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 Joe63rank/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.