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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)

Baron’s SongYuji Nomi8rank/position

"Baron’s Song" from "Whisper of the Heart" played by ocha
Baron's Song Yuji Nomi

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

On the hilltop, with a gentle breeze (from “Whisper of the Heart”).
On the hill, with a gentle breeze Yuji Nomi

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

From “Whisper of the Heart” — The End of Summer
The End of Summer Yuji Nomi

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.

Yuji Nomi Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (11–20)

Mysterious Cat MoonYuji Nomi11rank/position

Mysterious Cat Moon (from “Whisper of the Heart”)
Mysterious Cat Moon Yuji Nomi

Moon, the slightly chubby, sharp-eyed cat kept at Earth Shop, is also one of the most beloved among Studio Ghibli’s many feline characters.

His theme song is equally cute and cheekily charming.

Centered around low-register instruments, the piece seems to capture his hefty frame.

It’s a delightful track with a lumbering arrangement that perfectly suits him.

Flowing Clouds, Shining HillYuji Nomi12rank/position

“Flowing Clouds, Shining Hills” from “Whisper of the Heart,” played by ocha
Flowing Clouds, Shining Hill Yuji Nomi

A truly flawless and beautiful orchestral and piano piece titled “Drifting Clouds, Shining Hills.” While the model for Whisper of the Heart was Tama City in Tokyo, this music conjures up the atmosphere of a Western-style mansion standing atop a hill and such breathtaking scenery as if you could see it with your own eyes.

It’s one of the film’s most popular and striking tracks, and I imagine many people are fans of this piece.

star-studded night skyYuji Nomi13rank/position

Star-Filled Night Sky / Yuji Nomi: Piano (Solo) / Beginner
star-studded night sky Yuji Nomi

This piece, titled “Starry Night,” has a beautifully husky music-box tone.

It’s an ensemble layered with various kinds of flutes, conveying the sparkle and beauty of the stars.

Among the film’s soundtrack songs, which feature many acoustic instruments—especially strings—this is a standout classic with a soaring, beautiful flute-focused arrangement.

Chasing the catYuji Nomi14rank/position

Chasing Cats / Yuji Nomi: Piano (Solo) / Advanced
Chasing the cat Yuji Nomi

As the title “Chasing the Cat” suggests, this is the music from the very beginning of the story, in the scene where Shizuku runs after the cat.

It also features strings and is a perfect fit for the film’s theme.

It’s a piece that brings to mind the cat’s sullen little face—the one that led her up that hill and opened the door from ordinary days to a life that felt touched by magic.