Top 3 Recommended Pieces by a Studio Ghibli Fan

Studio Ghibli is known for its numerous masterpieces like My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away, opened Ghibli Park in Aichi Prefecture in November 2022. Recently new areas have been opening one after another, making it even more lively! Last year, I finally visited Ghibli Park with my friends✨
Not only are the stories great, but the music in Ghibli movies is also filled with wonderful pieces. From bright and exciting tunes to mature and serene pieces, there are so many pieces I’d love to share. Here are my top 3 recommendations!

“Therru’s Song” from Tales from Earthsea

Released in 2006, “Tales from Earthsea” tells the grand story of Arren, a protagonist with a weak heart, and Therru, who bears emotional scars from her parents’ abuse. These two characters open up to each other and face various threats together.
“Therru’s Song” is sung by Aoi Teshima, who also voiced Therru. She is the artist who sang “Asu e no Tegami”, the theme song for the TV drama Love That Makes You Cry. Her clear and resonant voice is simply beautiful.
Arren is captivated by Therru’s beautiful voice as she sings this song, which becomes a pivotal moment for their connection.

Listening to such an elegant song can bring a sense of calm no matter how tough your day has been. I highly recommend watching the movie to see Therru singing in the meadow!

“A Town with an Ocean View” from Kiki’s Delivery Service

This story follows 13-year-old witch Kiki as she leaves her parents and begins a new life in a different town. I absolutely love Jiji, Kiki’s black cat companion💛 Jiji’s personality that is sometimes cold, sometimes sweet irresistibly cute😊
This piece plays during the scene where Kiki flies over the ‘town with an ocean view’ where she is going to live and lands in the town for the first time.
Check out the orchestra performance conducted by Joe Hisaishi👀

The lively phrases, as if Kiki’s heart is fluttering with excitement for her new life, and the smooth phrases, as if she is flying through the wind, appear alternately. The grandeur unique to an orchestra is also wonderful✨
I once attended a Joe Hisaishi concert, and this piece was played during the encore! I still remember getting goosebumps from the live performance😊 Just listening to Ghibli music brings vivid images of the scenes to mind, doesn’t it? It’s a perfect blend of music and visuals that instantly draws you into the story♪

“The Summer Day” from Spirited Away

Spirited Away is one of the most popular Ghibli films. I watched it countless times as a child.
The story follows 10-year-old Chihiro, who stumbles upon a mysterious hot spring town on her way to her new home. Her parents are turned into pigs, and she loses her name to Yubaba, who renames her ‘Sen’.
To save her parents, she works desperately in the bathhouse.

Watch the video of Joe Hisaishi performing this piece!

This piece plays during the scene where Chihiro anxiously wonders, “What if my parents never turn back into humans?” as she tearfully eats the rice ball given to her by Haku.
Despite its relatively simple melody, the loneliness and sorrow are conveyed powerfully. Joe Hisaishi’s talent truly shines through.

How was it? Even those who aren’t familiar with Studio Ghibli will be instantly captivated by these masterpieces. Ghibli fans might feel the urge to rewatch the movies!
There are still many more pieces I’d love to introduce, so I hope to share more in the second edition of this blog!