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 song.
- The song from My Neighbor Totoro. Theme song and insert song.
- Songs from Spirited Away: theme song and insert songs
- Songs from Howl's Moving Castle: theme song and insert songs
- An insert song from Tangled. Introducing the English version, Japanese version, and covers.
- Songs from Porco Rosso. Theme song and inserted songs.
- Theme and insert songs of 'Your Name'
- Songs from Kiki's Delivery Service. Anime theme and insert songs. Ghibli classics.
- Songs of Studio Ghibli: List of Theme Songs, Insert Songs, and BGM from Ghibli Music
- Songs from Castle in the Sky (Laputa): the theme song and insert songs.
- Songs from From Up on Poppy Hill. Theme song and insert songs.
- Songs from Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. Main theme and insert songs.
- Song(s) from Princess Mononoke. Theme song and insert song(s).
The song from Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea. Theme song and insert songs (1–10)
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.
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.
FinaleJoe Hisaishi
As the title “Finale” suggests, it naturally leads into the end credits, incorporating the melody of the theme song.
Even if you haven’t seen the film, many people probably know the theme song sung by Fujioka Fujimaki and Nozomi Ohashi.
Looking across Studio Ghibli’s past works, many of them end on a bright note.
I’ll refrain from revealing this film’s ending, but this piece does convey a cheerful atmosphere!
Song(s) of Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea. Theme song and insert songs (11–20)
little sistersJoe Hisaishi
Ponyo has little sisters.
In fact, tens of thousands of them (lol).
Hearing that might sound a little creepy, but as you’ll see in the film, the sisters are super soothing and adorable! This song captures those many sisters.
You can almost picture them bustling about.
The sisters play an important role in supporting Ponyo in various ways, so keep an eye not only on Ponyo, but on her sisters too!
Empty bucketJoe Hisaishi
The yellow bucket that Sosuke has.
When he first finds Ponyo, Sosuke, thinking she’s a goldfish, puts her into that yellow bucket.
But Ponyo’s father, Fujimoto, takes her back, leaving the bucket empty… This expresses Sosuke’s loneliness at having Ponyo, whom he worked so hard to find, taken away—conveyed through gentle yet heartrending strings that could bring one to tears.
Kumiko-chanJoe Hisaishi
Kumiko-chan is Sosuke’s classmate at the Himawari Nursery School, which Sosuke also attends.
Precocious and strong-willed, she just can’t stop thinking about Sosuke! This song comically portrays the impression of five-year-old, precocious Kumiko-chan with a slightly mischievous edge.
It conveys a mood that suggests she’s a bit jealous of Ponyo, whom Sosuke dotes on.
Coral TowerJoe Hisaishi
The sparkling harp tones, reminiscent of the coral tower where Ponyo’s father, Fujimoto, lives, evoke the ocean’s mysterious atmosphere.
He abandoned life as a human and chose to live in the sea, and as you listen to the gentle melody, it feels as if that fantastical underwater world unfolds before your eyes.
This piece is included on the album “Gake no Ue no Ponyo Image Album.”