Lovely karaoke song

[From Kids to Adults] A Collection of Easy-to-Sing Ghibli Songs

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!

For Japanese people, the many masterpieces by Studio Ghibli—beloved as national animated films—are known not only for their stories but also for their wonderful music.

There are even songs so famous that people know the music without having seen the films, and many of you probably have “my favorite Ghibli song.”

Of course, these are all classic songs popular for karaoke and choir competitions as well, but this time we’re introducing a selection of “easy-to-sing Ghibli songs” for those who actually want to try singing them.

We’ve chosen songs with relatively narrow vocal ranges, so they’re recommended even for those who aren’t confident with high notes!

From Kids to Adults: A Collection of Easy-to-Sing Ghibli Songs (11–20)

nursery rhymeIsao Takahata

The Tale of the Princess Kaguya: Children's Song (High Quality Audio)

Isao Takahata’s Warabe-uta (Children’s Songs)

In The Tale of The Princess Kaguya, released in 2013, both Warabeuta (Children’s Song) and The Celestial Maiden’s Song were written—lyrics and music—by the director, Isao Takahata, himself.

The lyrics sound as if they’re truly the kinds of songs children once sang on street corners.

That said, it’s interesting that small children are singing about death.

The melodies are simple yet unforgettable—after one or two listens they seem to whirl around in your head.

They’re rich, evocative songs that are perfect for singing together as a family.

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Arrietty’s SongCécile Corbel

Arrietty’s Song / Cecile Corbel

Arrietty’s Song Cécile Corbel

Here is the theme song from the 2010 Studio Ghibli film, The Secret World of Arrietty.

It is sung by the French harpist Cécile Corbel.

Her somewhat halting Japanese, sung while playing the harp, gives the feeling that it might actually be the tiny Arrietty herself singing.

Ghibli has many classic songs, and some people might even discover the films through the music first.

Be sure to check out the Ghibli soundtracks as well.

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In conclusion

As mentioned at the beginning, Studio Ghibli songs are mostly famous tunes that many people have heard at least in passing, so singing them at karaoke is a reliable way to get the crowd going.

That said, many Ghibli songs are by female singers, which can make them tough for men, but all the songs introduced here have easy-to-sing melodies.

Try lowering the key and give them a shot!