Songs from Whisper of the Heart: theme song and insert songs
This time, we’re featuring the theme song and insert songs from the Studio Ghibli film “Whisper of the Heart.” When you think of “Whisper of the Heart,” it has to be “Country Road,” right? That melody that makes you want to hum it without thinking.
For those who’ve seen the film, it’s an especially memorable song.
The bittersweet relationship between the protagonists, Shizuku and Seiji Amasawa.
Just writing this introduction makes me want to watch it again.
If you listen to the songs collected in this article, I’m sure you’ll feel the same.
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Songs from Whisper of the Heart. Theme song and insert songs (1–10)
ReminiscenceYuji Nomi
From the film “Whisper of the Heart,” this piece is called “Reminiscence.” Everyone has those sweet-and-sour memories they want to revisit again and again.
The gentle melody, repeated on the piano, makes you feel as if you’re being led right back into those moments.
It’s a recommended track for people who are busy every day and feel like the days are passing by quickly.
Let’s fly! Catch the updraft!Yuji Nomi
This is a piece titled “Let’s Fly! Catch the Updraft!” The title comes from a line spoken by Baron, the cat figurine that appears in Whisper of the Heart.
In a slightly mysterious antique shop atop a hill, the protagonist Shizuku discovers Baron.
Whether it’s a dream or reality, Baron takes Shizuku flying through the sky.
Its floating sensation makes listeners feel a gentle sense of wonder.
The boy who makes violinsYuji Nomi
From the film “Whisper of the Heart.” This is the piece titled “The Boy Who Makes Violins.” Here he is: Seiji Amasawa, arguably the biggest romantic in all of Ghibli.
At first, Shizuku saw him as nothing but an annoying guy, but she’s inspired by the way he strives straight toward his dream of becoming a violin maker.
This track passionately and artistically expresses Seiji Amasawa’s unexpected side.
Songs from Whisper of the Heart. Theme and insert songs (11–20)
CanonYuji Nomi
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.
Half-Open WindowHon’na Yoko
It is sung by Youko Honna, who voiced the protagonist, Shizuku Tsukishima.
The lyrics are by Hayao Miyazaki.
It was also included on a single released in June 1995.
The track begins with spoken lines set against a sound that fully conveys the world of Whisper of the Heart.
Why not savor the lingering afterglow of the film as if listening to a reading? It’s a work you can fully enjoy through sound alone.
Elf QueenYuji Nomi
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.
old woodblock printYuji Nomi
Do you remember the scene where this piece is used? It’s only 15 seconds long, but it plays during the scene introducing the “old woodblock print” that was used as an illustration in the book.
The print depicts a person making a violin in prison, and this track invites you to savor everything as if to portray that image—the profound, weighty low tones and even the lingering resonance until the sound fades into complete silence.