![Yuji Nomi Popular Songs Ranking [2026]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/u8BeA3MyKas/sddefault.jpg)
Yuji Nomi Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
Composer Yuji Nomi, recognized by none other than Ryuichi Sakamoto.
After releasing an album in 1986 with his own unit, Oshare TV, he has worked extensively across films, anime, commercials, and video games.
He is the composer behind The Cat Returns, a spin-off of the Studio Ghibli film Whisper of the Heart that many of you know, as well as the anime Bokurano.
In this article, we’ll introduce Yuji Nomi’s popular tracks in a ranking format.
If you’re interested, be sure to check it out!
Yūji Nomi Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (1–10)
I’ve decided! I’m going to write a story.Yuji Nomi1rank/position
This is the piece “I’ve Decided! I’m Going to Write My Story,” used in the film Whisper of the Heart.
It expresses, with a refreshing piano tone, the excitement you feel when you finally begin something you’ve long wanted to try.
It’s a song that gives you a fresh feeling, like winter has ended and you’re being gently carried by the pleasant breezes of spring.
Hill TownYuji Nomi2rank/position
This piece depicts the scenery and environment of the town situated on the hill where Shizuku Tsukishima, the protagonist of Whisper of the Heart, lives.
It may appear unremarkable at first glance, yet small changes unfold day by day.
It’s a poignant track that feels like a snapshot of a moment from youth.
Earth HouseYuji Nomi3rank/position
An insert song set in the small antique shop “Chikyūya,” where the story takes place.
Is it a gut guitar and harp, or perhaps a multi-string guitar? The balance between the warm tones and the shimmering timbre is exquisite.
Music for a space with retro interiors and an antique atmosphere.
It evokes light filtering through the trees, and—like the work itself—has a sound that, curiously, doesn’t feel dated.
Perfect as sunny daytime BGM.
Elf QueenYuji Nomi4rank/position
This is a piece called “The Elf Queen.” Inside the old clock at the mysterious antique shop “Chikyuya” on the hill live the “Dwarf King” and the “Elf Queen.” The two are only allowed to meet when the clock’s hands overlap at twelve.
The emotional piano performance evokes an irresistibly vivid image of their sad, heartrending love story.
Angel’s Room (Engels Zimmer)Yuji Nomi5rank/position
This is a piece called “Engels Zimmer (Angel’s Room).” “Engels Zimmer” is a term that appeared in the story when Seiji Amasawa was explaining about the Baron, a cat figurine.
It is said to refer to the state in which the small cuts made by the dollmaker during production with needles and the like reflect cleanly and emit a beautiful light.
This track beautifully expresses the sparkle of light through the timbre of a music box.
CanonYuji Nomi6rank/position
Isn’t this a piece that feels very familiar to many of us? Its beautiful melody is so soothing, and this is the in-film version of “Canon,” a work beloved across generations and borders.
In this film it is performed on the recorder, making for a classic arrangement that conveys the warmth of wood—perfectly suited to a movie featuring acoustic music and handmade instruments.
Haru’s MemoriesYuji Nomi7rank/position
From the film The Cat Returns, this is “Haru’s Memories.” The Cat Returns is framed as a story written by Shizuku Tsukishima from Whisper of the Heart, and the tale begins when the heroine, Haru, saves a cat that is about to have an accident.
Both The Cat Returns and Whisper of the Heart were scored by Yuji Nomi, whose works are known for their gentle warmth.
In the film, the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra—familiar from game and anime music concerts—performs the score, and on the soundtrack a bonus track features the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, resulting in a work of high caliber even as a listening experience.
In the video, a Korean orchestra performs it in concert, showing its popularity abroad as well.
The flute, harp, and tender strings are truly soothing.
Baron’s SongYuji Nomi8rank/position
Baron the Cat, an imaginary character created by Shizuku in Whisper of the Heart.
In her world of imagination, this is the piece in which he leads her into an even deeper realm of fantasy.
It is used in a rare scene featuring unreal imagery within this work, which is otherwise set in a notably realistic world.
On the hill, with a gentle breezeYuji Nomi9rank/position
When you think of the locations in Whisper of the Heart, don’t you get an impression of slopes, stairways, and winding roads along the mountainside? This piece is one that lets you feel the scenery and climate of a cool hilltop.
While many Studio Ghibli films are inspired by various countries, this one is set in Tokyo, Japan, so it reminds us that modern Japanese landscapes aren’t so bad either.
The End of SummerYuji Nomi10rank/position
When you hear “The End of Summer,” it feels a bit lonely—a title full of emotion.
This piece features an orchestral arrangement with striking string instruments like the wood bass and violin, expressing the late-summer atmosphere of that town from Whisper of the Heart and of the world.
Listening to this track and recalling the title makes you want to watch the movie again and go see everyone—a truly lovely song.