[For Beginners] Recommended Ghibli Masterpieces You’ll Want to Play on the Piano

Memory of LifeKazumi Nikaido

[Piano Solo Sheet Music] Kazumi Nikaido / Memory of Life “Theme Song from the Animated Film The Tale of the Princess Kaguya” [MIDI Performance]

The theme song for Studio Ghibli’s film The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, created by Kazumi Nikaido, is a beautiful piece that celebrates the sanctity of life and the subtlety of human relationships.

Released in July 2013, the song was reportedly commissioned by director Isao Takahata, who deeply connected with Nikaido’s musical sensibilities.

Her uniquely gentle yet powerful voice lends profound resonance to the film’s central theme of “life.” While honoring the world of Ghibli, this work, depicted from Nikaido’s distinctive perspective, possesses a charm that sets it apart from other Ghibli songs.

Why not add a piece like this to your piano repertoire?

Nausicaä of the Valley of the WindJoe Hisaishi

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind - Symbol/Theme Song [Easy Piano Arrangement] For Beginner Practice • With letter notes (do-re-mi), slow tempo • One finger • Right or left hand only • Also playable with both hands

Despite being known as a song from the film Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, it carries the unusual distinction of not being used in the actual movie due to its mismatch with the film’s content, and was only used for promotional purposes.

It feels like a waste, since it’s such a fresh and beautiful piece.

Although the melody sounds intricate, it has few large leaps, and the left-hand accompaniment can be played with minimal position shifts.

With repeated practice, even beginners should be able to move their fingers relatively smoothly!

Become the windAyano Tsuji

Piano Play: Become the Wind (The Cat Returns)

The theme song of The Cat Returns, a spin-off of the film Whisper of the Heart! Its refreshing sound and Ayano Tsuji’s bright singing voice are striking, aren’t they? Although it’s a fast-paced piece that evokes a breezy, youthful vibe, the left-hand accompaniment can basically just mark the bass notes—that’s enough! There’s a lot of stepwise motion in the right hand too, so it shouldn’t feel as difficult as it sounds.

Practice the left hand to keep a precise tempo and the right hand to play smoothly with a sense of flow, then gradually bring the tempo closer to the original.

Marco and Gina's ThemeJoe Hisaishi

The Theme of Marco and Gina – Porco Rosso – Joe Hisaishi EASY Piano Tutorial / Marco and Gina’s Theme [Easy Piano] Porco Rosso

Composed by Joe Hisaishi, this piece is known as an insert song from Porco Rosso.

It features a gentle, lyrical melody, with piano and orchestra softly resonating to create an elegant and sentimental atmosphere.

Symbolizing the complex relationship between the protagonist, Marco, and his childhood friend, Gina, the piece evokes emotions that call to mind mature romance and memories of the past.

Since its 1992 release, it has continued to be loved by many and is also popular as wedding background music.

It’s a recommended piece for beginner pianists as well.

Why not let its warm, tender tones soothe you?

Teru's SongAoi Teshima / Hiroko Taniyama

From Ghibli’s Tales from Earthsea: “Therru’s Song” [Piano Beginner · Easy]

The theme song from the film Tales from Earthsea, which begins with Aoi Teshima’s a cappella part.

Many listeners were surely captivated by the sheer beauty of her opening voice.

Built on a simple, repeating melody, it’s easy to memorize and a great piece for beginners to tackle.

Once you can play the melodic line beautifully and smoothly, you could say the piece is practically complete! After you’ve firmly mastered the right hand, start adding the left-hand bass notes.

Summer of Goodbye ~From Up on Poppy Hill~Aoi Teshima / Koichi Sakata / Yukiko Marimura

[Beginner-Friendly] The Summer of Goodbye ~ From Up on Poppy Hill ~ (Aoi Teshima) Easy Piano Arrangement with Do-Re-Mi Notation, Slow Tempo, One-Finger, One-Hand Only, or Both Hands

This song is a cover of Ryoko Moriyama’s 1976 release “The Summer of Farewells,” and is also known as the theme song for the film “From Up on Poppy Hill.” Many people likely remember Aoi Teshima’s heartrending and delicate vocals.

Since the original features piano accompaniment, it’s easy to imagine playing it on the piano, making it approachable even for beginners.

As you play, keep the beautiful melodic line in mind, build up the chorus, and add chords with the left hand to give it more depth—try these touches to bring your performance closer to the feel of the original.

Ponyo on the CliffNozomi Ohashi / Fujioaka Fujimaki / Joe Hisaishi

Ghibli “Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea” Theme Song – Beginner-Friendly Slow and Easy Piano with Do-Re-Mi Notation | Nozomi Ohashi | Children’s Song Kids Music “Ponyo on a Cliff by the Sea” Easy Piano Tutorial

The theme song from the film “Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea,” with lyrics that adorably capture Ponyo’s boundless energy! The left hand moves stepwise and is easy to learn, and although the right hand has some leaps, the rhythm isn’t very complex, making it easy to transition to playing with both hands.

If you clearly contrast the smooth phrases with the bouncy ones, you can better capture the feel of the original.

It’s a very popular song among children, so if you have little kids or grandchildren, be sure to master it and play it for them!