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)
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.
Mother of the SeaMasako Hayashi
Set in a seaside town, this is the opening theme for the story of Ponyo, a fish-child who wishes to become human, and a five-year-old boy named Sosuke.
The composition and arrangement are by Joe Hisaishi, synonymous with Studio Ghibli, and the vocals are performed by Japanese opera soloist Masako Hayashi.
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.
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.
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.
Fujimoto's ThemeFujioka Fujimaki
A theme song for Fujimoto, played by Tokoro George, with a mysterious vibe.
It’s a tango-style piece that feels a bit different from the overall mood of the film.
Tango is rare in Ghibli works.
That sophisticated, grown-up feel is nice.
This “Fujimoto’s Theme” is sung by Fujioka Fujimaki.
The lyrics are quite sad, but thanks to the tango, it comes across as stylish rather than simply sorrowful.
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.