Joe Hisaishi Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Merry-Go-Round of LifeHisaishi Joe1rank/position

Joe Hisaishi – Merry-Go-Round of Life (from Howl’s Moving Castle)

The main theme used in Studio Ghibli’s masterpiece Howl’s Moving Castle.

It’s a gem of a waltz composed by Joe Hisaishi.

Its triple meter beautifully portrays life’s ups and downs, its joys and its bittersweet moments.

The soundtrack was released in November 2004, and in 2005 it won the Best Music award at the 31st Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards.

Beginning with a quiet piano solo and expanding into a majestic orchestral arrangement, it powerfully captures the listener’s heart.

It’s a work with a nostalgic warmth that invites audiences into a world of dreams.

Time to Depart ~Asian Dream Song~sakushi: dorian suke kawa / sakkyoku: hisaishi jō2rank/position

[Choral] Tabi-dachi no Toki ~Asian Dream Song~ / With Lyrics [High Quality Audio]

It is a gem of a choral work imbued with a message of hope and courage.

The melody, with its nostalgic sound based on the yo-nuki (pentatonic) scale, is beautifully balanced with a modern arrangement, evoking a sense of timeless beauty.

In September 1997, Kazufumi Miyazawa performed this piece as the theme song for the Nagano Winter Paralympics, and an instrumental version is included on the album “Piano Stories II.” Frequently performed at graduation ceremonies and choral competitions, the song is ideal for class- or grade-level ensembles, with scores available for a variety of voicings, including mixed three-part and four-part chorus.

The Pigeon and the BoyHisaishi Joe3rank/position

[2022/9/3] Irodori One-Coin Concert [Brass] “The Dove and the Boy”

This is the piece that Pazu plays as a morning call on the bugle in Castle in the Sky.

In the film, Pazu plays it alone, but here it’s arranged for a brass ensemble.

It begins with a trumpet solo, then horn, trombone, tuba, and others join to form a fanfare for brass ensemble.

Midway through, the ending theme from Castle in the Sky, “Carrying You,” is woven in, allowing listeners to enjoy a sense of musical storytelling.

Pazu’s trumpet, performed first thing in the morning, has been a hot topic among brass players—professional-level playing that would catch a scout’s ear.

Even pros need to warm up, and many say they envy the ability to hit high notes from early in the day.

Pazu’s performance was played by studio musician Susumu Kazuhara, who is active in film scores, jazz, and karaoke backing tracks, and it is a superb performance.

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To That SummerHisaishi Joe4rank/position

Joe Hisaishi – One Summer’s Day

You can listen to one of Studio Ghibli’s finest masterpieces, “One Summer’s Day” from the film Spirited Away, performed by the composer Joe Hisaishi himself.

The clear tone of the piano and the melody played in a quiet atmosphere instantly draw you into the film’s world.

Although there is no orchestra visible in the footage, the strings and harp gently enter, stirring emotions that overflow with memories of summer in Japan.

Even on the big screen it is a live performance, but when you can see the musicians playing, their expressions and breathing come through even more clearly, and the expression is conveyed all the more.

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SummerHisaishi Joe5rank/position

Joe Hisaishi – Summer

This is a series of commercials introducing Kirin’s efforts to promote immune care.

In addition to products designed for immune care, they also carry out support activities such as performances for children and picture books focused on immune care.

The message that supporting health maintenance can also help people build happier everyday lives is wonderful.

The warm sentiment packed into these commercials is complemented by Joe Hisaishi’s piece “Summer” as the background music.

Its beautiful piano melody, tinged with a sense of nostalgia, is striking—and it’s surely a famous tune many people will recognize.

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Hane Keisuke

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Name of LifeHisaishi Joe6rank/position

Name of Life

The works of Joe Hisaishi, one of Japan’s most renowned composers, deliver profound emotion that transcends the realm of film music.

This piece, woven from piano and strings, expresses a journey in search of the sanctity of life and one’s own identity.

Composed for a film by Hayao Miyazaki, it resonates with the story of reclaiming a lost name and invites listeners into a mysterious world.

Since scoring Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind in 1984, Hisaishi has continued to create works that move countless hearts.

This track is highly recommended for those captivated by wistful melodies and for anyone who wishes to feel the depth of film music.

strollHisaishi Joe7rank/position

'Sanpo' for Alto Saxophone Solo

This is “Sanpo,” the theme song from the feature-length animation My Neighbor Totoro, a hallmark of Studio Ghibli.

You can hear Azumi Inoue’s bright and lively singing.

Studio Ghibli’s fame has reached overseas, but many Japanese people can probably sing “Sanpo.” As a famous song, it has been arranged in many ways and introduced even for those touching an instrument for the first time.

The demo video is for alto sax, but tenor and soprano sax players should look for B-flat sheet music to practice.

It’s best if you can play it as cheerfully and brightly as the song itself!

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My Neighbor TotoroHisaishi Joe8rank/position

[Sheet Music Release] My Neighbor Totoro (Violin & Piano) <Ghibli pieces playable even by beginners>

If you had to pick a representative film from Studio Ghibli, it would be My Neighbor Totoro.

Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, with lyrics written by him, composed by Joe Hisaishi, and sung by the Japanese vocalist Azumi Inoue, the song has gained great popularity.

This refreshing and energetic piece is sure to be enjoyable even when performed on the violin.

From the expansive opening vocal line onward, the melody requires good bow control to sustain a clear, resonant tone.

The chorus often moves in intervals of a third, making it good practice for skipping a note when you play.

Many beginner-friendly arrangements of Studio Ghibli songs are available, so why not choose sheet music that suits you and give it a try?

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Time of DepartureHisaishi Joe9rank/position

Mixed Chorus Piece 'Time of Departure'

This piece was composed by Joe Hisaishi, renowned for creating music for Studio Ghibli works.

It was made as the theme song for the 1997 Nagano Paralympics.

With its beautiful melodic piano line, it’s a rewarding choice for a graduation song, especially since students often take on the piano part.

While it’s a song about setting off on a journey, its grand lyrics that evoke the earth and flowers flow toward broader themes like life and hope.

It’s perfect for a graduation ceremony that marks the first step into something new.

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A Town with an Ocean ViewHisaishi Joe10rank/position

Let's play 'A Town with an Ocean View' in first position on the violin!

From the title alone, it’s very romantic: “A Town with an Ocean View” from director Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli’s Kiki’s Delivery Service.

The composer is Joe Hisaishi, who is also a pianist and conductor, and the piece vividly reflects the film’s beautiful European scenery and warmth of the people.

As a work known and loved by many, there are plenty of beginner-friendly practice scores and tutorial videos available.

Fingerings are written in, and there are videos of actual performances, making it a great environment for learning by watching.

You can play it with the bow, but in the original, there’s also a pizzicato technique—plucking the strings with your fingers—used in the phrase right after the intro.

Listen to the original, and try practicing not only with the bow but also with pizzicato.

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