Lovely anime song

Songs from From Up on Poppy Hill. Theme song and insert songs.

Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICSasashina
Deputy Editor of the web media RAG MUSIC. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. In my student days, I studied broadly at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, covering sound, lighting, and video technology, and acquired skills from comprehensive stage production to the fundamentals of creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, and have consistently built my career on the production side, taking on diverse tasks centered around music. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting in my own way, as well as insights and discoveries from interacting with my kids every day. I hope I can be of help to you, even just a little!

From Up on Poppy Hill, released in 2011, was directed by Hayao Miyazaki’s son, Gorō Miyazaki.

It’s a coming-of-age story set in Showa-era Japan, imbued with a sense of romance and retro charm.

While its historical backdrop gives you a lot to ponder, the film has an easygoing feel that lets you savor that era of Japan with both your eyes and ears.

In this article, I’ve put together the main theme and insert songs from From Up on Poppy Hill.

By all means, don’t just listen to the songs—watch the film itself as well.

You’ll enjoy the music in this article even more that way.

Songs from From Up on Poppy Hill. Main theme and insert songs (11–20)

Nostalgic townAoi Teshima

Nostalgic Town ♫ Aoi Teshima

Nostalgic Town - Aoi Teshima

This is Aoi Teshima’s “Natsukashii Machi,” included in the From Up on Poppy Hill song collection.

It’s a song that really warms the heart.

Although this wasn’t depicted in the film, looking at the lyrics, it seems possible that Umi and Shun might have been separated for a time when Shun went on to higher education.

The song gives me the impression that the two of them meet again and walk together through their nostalgic hometown.

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Morning commute route to schoolSatoshi Takebe

02 – Morning School Commute.flac

Satoshi Takebe on the morning school route

Here’s a heartwarming, top-recommended song.

In From Up on Poppy Hill, the protagonists’ pasts are a very important element, and this track centers on those precious memories.

It’s a laid-back piano ballad overall.

Toward the end, high-pitched chords ring out slowly, and they’re truly beautiful.

Don’t you feel like the more you listen, the more it brings back lovely memories?

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PartySatoshi Takebe

Party (Piano) ~ from the film 'From Up on Poppy Hill' ~

Party Satoshi Takebe

In From Up on Poppy Hill, a send-off party is held for Hokuto, who was boarding at the protagonist Umi’s house.

The song playing at that party is this one.

Sending someone off always brings a touch of sadness, doesn’t it? So despite being a party, a sense of loneliness lingers throughout.

It’s a mid-tempo track with a gently restrained rhythm that feels comforting.

What happens at this party is also very important, so be sure to check it out in the film.

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Navy Swell (Chorus) (Movie Version)Satoshi Takebe

27 – Navy Blue Swell (Chorus).flac

Navy Swell (Chorus) (Movie Version) Satoshi Takebe

One of the insert songs in this work is the choral piece “The Indigo Swell,” which also features Teshima.

Inspired by Kenji Miyazawa’s poem “To the Students,” the first verse was written by Hayao Miyazaki and the second by Goro Miyazaki.

When you listened to the song, didn’t the melody remind you a bit of a school anthem? In the film, too, it was striking how the students sang it like a school song while Mr.

Tokumaru was talking about the charms of the Quartier.

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Run toward tomorrowSatoshi Takebe

Run Toward Tomorrow (Piano) ~from the film 'From Up on Poppy Hill'~

Run Toward Tomorrow, Satoshi Takebe

Here’s an energetic track that charges toward tomorrow with strong determination.

The powerful piano, delivered with a bold touch, and the rapid, driving melody make a striking impact.

Be sure to check out the piano’s surge and the dynamic range of the sound as it builds toward the finale.

It’s a song I’d love anyone striving wholeheartedly toward a goal to hear!

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ReminiscenceSatoshi Takebe

[Piano] Reminiscence / Satoshi Takebe (from the soundtrack of 'From Up on Poppy Hill')

Remembrance: Satoshi Takebe

This one will put you in such a bubbly mood you’ll want to skip along.

The bouncy, intricate rhythms pair perfectly with the catchy pop melody! It’s extra fun on sunny days, and on rainy ones it’ll fill you with excitement—just that kind of track.

At the end, there’s a punchline-like melodic twist that feels like a short movie.

Be sure to listen all the way through.

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Songs from From Up on Poppy Hill. Theme and insert songs (21–30)

Rainy Way HomeSatoshi Takebe

On a Rainy Walk Home (Piano) ~ from the film “From Up on Poppy Hill” ~

Ame no Kaerimichi by Satoshi Takebe

When you hear the phrase “a rainy walk home,” what kind of place comes to mind? It gives you a slightly gloomy feeling, doesn’t it? But this piece won’t let you feel that way.

If anything, it carries a buoyant, almost bouncy atmosphere.

The springy piano rhythm and repeating melody are instantly catchy.

And it’s not just fun—there’s a touch of poignancy in the timbre as well.

Why that is—watch the film and find out!

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