The song from Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea. Theme song and insert song.
Just seeing or hearing the title makes you want to hum the theme song, doesn’t it?
This time, we’ll be introducing the theme song and insert songs from Hayao Miyazaki’s film Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea.
A world that feels real, yet somehow fantastical.
Many of you probably still remember the vividly colorful visuals and the characters, drawn with soft, delicate lines, dashing energetically across the screen.
It’s a collection of music that will surely make you want to watch Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea all over again!
The song from Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea. Theme song and insert songs (1–10)
Round Dance of the Sunflower HouseMai
This is the image song for Sunflower House, the daycare service center where Sosuke’s mother, Lisa, works.
The vocalist is Mai, the daughter of Joe Hisaishi, who composed the song and is herself a singer-songwriter.
The song embodies the residents’ final wishes—things they would do if they could, hopes and desires they yearn to fulfill.
Mai’s gentle, tender voice expresses the bittersweet feeling of having so many things one wants to do, yet being unable to do them.
Ponyo on the CliffFujioaka Fujimaki & Nozomi Ohashi
It’s the theme song of the 2008 film Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea.
Unusually, the theme was released in advance on December 5, 2007—more than six months before the film’s premiere.
Chance played a big role in selecting the singer: Nozomi Ohashi was invited to record a demo, and director Hayao Miyazaki was so captivated by her performance that he offered her the role.
Sousuke’s TearsJoe Hisaishi
This is “Sosuke’s Tears,” a piece titled after Sosuke, the five-year-old boy from Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea.
Sosuke is always cheerful and full of energy, and this piece expresses his tears through a poignant piano melody.
It’s a short composition, but it leaves a strong impression with a mood different from Sosuke’s usual brightness.
At five years old you might expect loud, wailing cries, but the sound here seems fitting for Sosuke—a dependable boy with a strong sense of justice.
Hymn to Mother and the SeaJoe Hisaishi
Like “Mother’s Love,” this piece also evokes a strong sense of maternal affection.
According to the dictionary, the “hymn” in the title is defined as “a song that expresses praise.” Both the mother and the sea are incredibly important to this film.
Even in general terms, though what they bring into being and nurture differs, both are great and profound presences.
Perhaps this song carries a message about the importance and grandeur of mothers and the sea.
Ponyo’s LullabyNozomi Ohashi
It’s included on the 2008 release “Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea Image Album.” The singer is Nozomi Ohashi, who also performed the main theme and became a breakout star.
As the title suggests, it’s a gentle lullaby that naturally makes you close your eyes and listen intently.
A mother's loveJoe Hisaishi
When I listen to this piece, I can feel a gentle, motherly atmosphere.
Just as the title “Mother’s Love” suggests, it’s a song filled with maternal affection, as if a mother is enveloping her child.
In the film, there are two mothers: Ponyo’s mother and Sosuke’s mother.
In Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea, the presence of mothers is a major theme.
As you listen to this track, try focusing on the mothers.
luminescent signalJoe Hisaishi
In this film, Morse code is used as a means of communication between Sosuke and his father.
I’m amazed that little Sosuke can use Morse code (lol).
The overall structure of the piece is very simple, expressing the straightforward feel of the signals.
However, there are key changes in the middle of the piece that add depth to the music.
Since Sosuke’s father is a sailor, those modulations might also be expressing the harshness of life at sea.