Songs from Spirited Away: theme song and insert songs
We’re introducing the theme and insert songs from Spirited Away, one of the most beloved and moving Studio Ghibli films!
This record-breaking film, the highest-grossing in Japanese box-office history, tells the story of a young girl who wanders into a world inhabited by myriad gods and struggles to return to her original world alongside her parents, who have been turned into pigs by the gods.
Her determination to keep moving forward despite loneliness inspires courage in everyone.
In this article, we’ve gathered the music from Spirited Away.
If you’re thinking, “I want to hear that song again!” or “I want to know the popular tracks!”, be sure to check it out!
- Songs of Studio Ghibli: List of Theme Songs, Insert Songs, and BGM from Ghibli Music
- Song(s) from Princess Mononoke. Theme song and insert song(s).
- Songs from Howl's Moving Castle: theme song and insert songs
- Songs from Whisper of the Heart: theme song and insert songs
- Ranking of Popular Ghibli Songs [2026]
- Songs from Castle in the Sky (Laputa): the theme song and insert songs.
- Songs from Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. Main theme and insert songs.
- The song from My Neighbor Totoro. Theme song and insert song.
- Theme and insert songs from Japanese films. Masterpieces and popular tracks of Japanese movie music.
- Songs from Frozen. List of Frozen’s main theme song and insert songs.
- The song from Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea. Theme song and insert song.
- A compilation of film music played on the piano / that I want to play on the piano
- Popular Disney songs for kids | Fun Disney songs
Songs from Spirited Away. Theme song and insert songs (21–30)
The Rotten GodHisaishi Joe
This is the piece that accompanies the appearance of the ‘Stink Spirit.’ Though it heralds Chihiro’s greatest trial, it also creates a sense that everyone’s hearts are coming together—perfect for elevating this iconic scene.
While drums take center stage, the flowing melody reveals glimpses of the deity’s dignity and gravitas—an exceptional arrangement.
You can almost hear Lin’s shouts as you listen.
A Thousand CouragesHisaishi Joe
This piece, A Thousand Braveries, plays during the scene where the protagonist, Chihiro, heads for Yubaba’s room from outside.
As anyone who’s seen the film knows, Yubaba is a rather scary presence.
So it makes sense that this is the title for the track as Chihiro sets her sights on Yubaba’s room.
From the very beginning, the music conveys a sense of urgency that makes you feel like you want to run away right now.
bottomless pitHisaishi Joe
This frantic, high-energy arrangement is a piece titled “Bottomless Pit.” It plays during the scene where Haku, wounded and collapsed, falls into the bottomless pit in Yubaba’s room.
It brings to mind the grave crisis that befalls Haku and Chihiro’s desperate resolve.
The sharp contrasts in tempo make it a joy to listen to, and within the film it’s a fast-paced track that pulls you deeper and deeper into the story.
An empty restaurantHisaishi Joe
This is also a Japanese-style arrangement that begins with taiko drums, reminiscent of Spirited Away.
It was used in the scene set in the food stall district where Chihiro and the others stray into the world of the gods.
The somewhat unsettling tone perfectly mirrors Chihiro’s feelings.
As the piece progresses, it enhances the striking visuals, as if the scenes of the food stall district flash back, making for a wonderful arrangement.
To the river of that dayu~mi
One of the tracks included on the “Spirited Away Image Album” is “The River of That Day.” Since it was also used in the film’s trailers, it’s probably a memorable piece for many of you.
Based on this melody, lyrics were added and Yumi Kimura sang it as “The Name of Life.” It’s truly a masterpiece—one of the signature pieces that symbolizes the work.