Songs from Howl's Moving Castle: theme song and insert songs
The world, reminiscent of medieval Europe, is rendered in vibrant colors, and just looking at the depicted towns, mountains, and sea is enough to lift your spirits.
Although the story has a strong fantasy flavor, the other protagonist, Sophie, starts to feel very relatable, and you can’t help but want to cheer her on with a “You’ve got this!”
This article compiles the wonderful pieces of music from Howl’s Moving Castle.
Be sure to read to the end and find your favorite!
Songs from Howl's Moving Castle. Theme song and insert songs (1–10)
Merry-Go-Round of LifeJoe Hisaishi
This is a piece used in the Studio Ghibli film Howl’s Moving Castle.
Set in triple meter, it perfectly matches the world of Howl’s Moving Castle.
It has a cheerful atmosphere, yet there’s an indescribable hint of melancholy.
It might be the perfect track to relax and listen to at home.
To the Lake of StarsJoe Hisaishi
Howl and his companions travel across mountains and wilderness in the moving castle.
Along the way, they arrive at the Lake of Stars.
Beneath dim, drifting clouds, the deep-blue lake is breathtakingly beautiful.
This piece lets you feel the magic of that mysterious lake.
Its delicate, gentle piano tones seep into the heart.
The calm, unhurried sound throughout brings back the lake’s tranquil scene—doesn’t it make you feel a bit sentimental?
Promise of the WorldChieko Baisho
This is the theme song of Howl’s Moving Castle.
While “Merry-Go-Round of Life” is more widely known, this is also a song I really want you to listen to.
The lyrics are by the renowned Shuntaro Tanikawa.
The piece includes a melody that evokes “Merry-Go-Round of Life.”
Sophie's CastleJoe Hisaishi
Many of you have probably heard this one.
It’s a soundtrack themed around the heroine Sophie’s castle.
The lively, bouncing rhythm and the driving piano make it a memorable track.
In the middle section, it dramatically transforms into a sound dominated by tense, resonant low tones.
It’s a popular piece that lets you enjoy a variety of moods throughout a single song!
Waltz of the MagicianJoe Hisaishi
As you’d expect from a waltz, its triple meter feels wonderfully comfortable.
But this is no ordinary waltz! It’s the “Witch’s Waltz,” so an air of mystery lingers throughout.
The middle section, with its unstable bass rumbling away, is a must-hear.
The tempo sweeps you along at times, then settles into a relaxed, steady pulse—making this a busy but highly recommended piece.
True to its name, the Witch’s Waltz is anything but straightforward.
Suleiman’s Magic Circle: Return to the CastleJoe Hisaishi
In Howl’s Moving Castle, there is a wizard named Suliman.
Here is the soundtrack for Suliman.
Since it’s about a wizard, it has a very mysterious atmosphere.
The piano’s high tones and the low tones are exquisitely combined.
Doesn’t the driving melody make you feel as if you’re about to fall under a spell? The sound that rapidly picks up speed and builds toward the second half is a must-listen.
Cave of MindJoe Hisaishi
“Cave of Mind” means “the cave of the heart” in Japanese.
Have you ever felt like there’s a gaping hole in your heart? This piece is perfect for times like that.
The orchestral sound is incredibly powerful.
The layered timbres of various instruments create a cave-like depth.
The combination of this depth and the slow tempo is sure to evoke a sense of sweeping grandeur.