The Instruments that Appear in Ghibli Movies

As a Ghibli nerd who has loved Ghibli's works since childhood and has seen many Ghibli movies, I would like to introduce the musical instruments used in Studio Ghibli's works! If you know the instruments that appear in the works, you will surely be able to enjoy the world of the movies even more! If you like works and movies from Studio Ghibli, maybe take this opportunity to start playing the instruments you are interested in!

1. Ocarina x My Neighbor Totoro

My Neighbor Totoro is one of the most popular movies to come out of Studio Ghibli. The movie depicts the interaction between Satsuki, Mei, and a mysterious forest creature called Totoro. In that heartwarming scene, Totoro and his friends are playing some kind of musical instrument on a big tree. What kind of instrument do you think that is?

The correct answer is: the ocarina!
The ending theme of the movie has the lyrics “Playing ocarina on a moonlit night...” The famous scene where Totoro and his friends play the ocarina side by side is the perfect soothing sound on a quiet moonlit night.

SUZUKI / OC600W Ocarina

2. Flugelhorn x Howl's Moving Castle

This song is played in the scene where Howl swallows Calcifer as a child in Howl's Moving Castle. The flugelhorn solo in this piece, called “星を飲んだ少年 [The Boy Who Drank the Stars],” was performed by a trumpet player named Miroslav Kaymal. The gentle and beautiful tone of the flugelhorn must have moved many people as it matched this mysterious scene.

PLAYTECH / PTFH-300 Flugelhorn

3. Violin x Whispers of the Heart

Speaking of Whispers of the Heart, there is Seiji Amazawa. Many fans of the character are interested in his dream of becoming a violin craftsman! He is not only handsome, but he can also play the violin.
The scene where he plays “Country Road” with his grandfathers is one of the best scenes in this movie.

PLAYTECH / PVN344 Violin 4/4

4. Trumpet x Castle in the Sky

Everyone has heard “ハトと少年 [Pigeons and Boys]” at least once, right?
As a brass player myself, I have to say that I was just waking up from sleep and playing that song without any sound… Pazoo plays the trumpet too well. In fact, the trumpet was played by the famous trumpet player Susumu Kazuhara, who played not only “Pigeons and Boys” but also “Lupin the Third” and many other pieces.

PLAYTECH / PTTR-200 Bb Trumpet Clear Lacquer Finish

5. Balalaika & Mandolin x The Wind Rises

This is a story about Jiro Horikoshi, an aircraft designer who devotes himself to building airplanes while supporting his wife Nahoko, who is suffering from tuberculosis. Compared to other Ghibli works, this movie seems to be a little more adult-oriented.
The alto balalaika and mandolin used in the opening theme “Tabiji” are typical Russian string instruments. It’s interesting how the same melody gives a different impression depending on the instrument.

ARIA / AM-20E Flat Mandolin

La Bella / BL90 Balalaika

6. Ukulele x The Cat Returns

A mysterious and fun fantasy work that begins when the main character Hal rescues a cat! This work is popular not only among children but also adults.
The theme song is sung by Tsuji Ayano, and the music video features a ukulele.
Ukulele is a small, stylish, and very popular instrument born in Hawaii.

ARIA / AU-1 Soprano Ukulele

ARIA / ACU-1K Concert Ukulele

How was it? There are many other instruments used in Ghibli's works besides the ones I introduced here. You may find it interesting to do a little research and find out what kinds of instruments were used to play those lasting memorable sounds and songs from your favorite movies and anime!