Joe Hisaishi’s Wedding Songs: Popular Song Rankings [2026]

Departure ~To the West~Hisaishi Joe21rank/position

Princess Mononoke – Departure to the West

A piece that brilliantly captures the world of the film Princess Mononoke.

The grand orchestral sound and the beautiful melodies of piano and strings are truly striking.

This track is included on the Princess Mononoke soundtrack, released in July 1997, and has long been loved as a song that evokes the film’s moving scenes.

If used at a wedding, its blend of strength and tenderness—symbolizing the bride and groom’s new journey—will further elevate the atmosphere of the venue.

It’s a recommended piece not only for bridal scenes but also for celebrating the departure of someone dear on a new path.

On a sunny day…Hisaishi Joe22rank/position

Kiki’s Delivery Service – On a Clear Day (woodwinds cover)

A distinctive ensemble of light piano and strings from the film Kiki’s Delivery Service.

Its fresh, blue-sky atmosphere is striking, and listening to it gives you a sense that your heart grows a little lighter.

The piece expresses the protagonist Kiki’s hopes and expectations for her new life through music, leaving listeners with a bright and gentle impression.

It’s also popular at weddings and other events, often used during guest reception and conversation scenes.

It’s a perfect track for creating moments filled with new beginnings and hope.

The girl who fell from the skyHisaishi Joe23rank/position

From Castle in the Sky: 'The Girl Who Fell from the Sky'

A piece by Joe Hisaishi included on the image album for Castle in the Sky (Laputa).

It serves as a mystical theme symbolizing the heroine, Sheeta.

While classical in nature, it features grand, fantastical orchestration.

The fusion of synthesizer and orchestra showcases Hisaishi’s distinctive musical style.

Released in August 1986 and re-released in August 2004, this work is also perfect as wedding background music.

Its mysterious atmosphere can enhance the couple’s entrance or serve as the soundtrack for a photo slideshow, making it versatile for various uses.

Dragon BoyHisaishi Joe24rank/position

Spirited Away – Dragon Boy ( Daizo Edit Extended)

From Studio Ghibli’s hugely famous film Spirited Away, this is “The Dragon Boy.” The “dragon” refers to Haku, and the piece is used in the scene where Haku and Chihiro meet and then depart from the bathhouse.

In the film, the New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra performs it: a mystical tone born from layered harp and piano leads into flowing horn lines, while the woodwinds stack in perfect fourths to evoke a traditional Japanese atmosphere.

This performance is a longer version than the one in the film, making “The Dragon Boy” even more powerful.

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Bird personHisaishi Joe25rank/position

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind – Ending – Bird Person – Cover (Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind)

A piece marked by the beautiful melodies woven by Joe Hisaishi.

Used as the ending theme that colors the film’s climax, it was also included on the album “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind Image Album: Bird Person,” released in August 2004.

This work expresses through music the film’s imagery of the grand natural world and the coexistence of humans and nature, leaving a profound emotional impact on listeners.

It’s also popular as wedding background music, continually chosen as the perfect song to celebrate a couple’s new beginning.

Its warm atmosphere enhances the feeling of happiness.