Song(s) from The Tale of the Princess Kaguya. Theme song and insert song(s).
When it comes to Studio Ghibli directors, Hayao Miyazaki is famous, but equally acclaimed is Isao Takahata.
One of his works, released in 2013, is the film The Tale of The Princess Kaguya.
As the title suggests, it was based on the old folktale The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter.
Emotions overflow from its distinctive visual style.
You’ll be overwhelmed by Isao Takahata’s incredible directorial prowess.
This time, I’d like to introduce the theme song and insert songs from The Tale of The Princess Kaguya.
Watch, listen, and enjoy! It’s an absolutely wonderful work, so if you’re not familiar with it or haven’t seen it yet, please give it a try.
Songs from The Tale of the Princess Kaguya. Theme song and insert songs (1–10)
Memory of LifeKazumi Nikaido
The theme song of director Isao Takahata’s film “The Tale of the Princess Kaguya.” The song by Kazumi Nikaido—who has the unusual profile of living in Hiroshima Prefecture and being an active Buddhist monk—was selected as the theme.
With a gentle atmosphere that also conveys a certain strength, it adds color to the film’s story.
Song of the Celestial MaidenIsao Takahata
Like the nursery song that appears repeatedly in the film The Tale of The Princess Kaguya, this piece was also created by director Isao Takahata and screenwriter Riko Sakaguchi.
It may sound a bit cheerful, but it’s the music that plays in the background during the climax.
If you listen while watching the visuals, you’ll surely feel something different.
If you haven’t seen it yet, please do.
Music of the CelestialsJoe Hisaishi
This is the ‘Music of the Celestials’ from the soundtrack, which secretly became a hot topic as ‘scary!’ In the film, it’s used when the Celestials appear.
The music is very beautiful, but don’t you feel a somewhat inorganic brightness to it? From a human perspective, Celestials are ultimately unknowable beings, so perhaps this piece, which symbolizes them, ends up feeling kind of frightening.
FlightJoe Hisaishi
Here’s a standout track packed with personality and playfulness.
It’s brimming with instruments—flutes, percussion, strings, and more—creating a wonderfully lively sound.
The moment it shifts from a fun, cheerful vibe to a suddenly mysterious atmosphere is a must-hear.
True to its title, “Soaring,” the finale conveys an expansive grandeur, as if taking flight into the vast sky.
bamboo shootJoe Hisaishi
Born from a bamboo stalk, Princess Kaguya is affectionately nicknamed “Takenoko,” which literally means “bamboo shoot.” Here is the soundtrack for our Takenoko.
True to her tomboyish nature, it’s an adorably lively piece that bursts with energy.
Don’t the frequent breaks in the rhythm give it a mischievous vibe? Experience the charm of Takenoko through this track!
nursery rhymeIsao Takahata
This song, which appears many times throughout the film, was composed by the director, Isao Takahata himself, with the lyrics co-written with screenwriter Riko Sakaguchi.
The words evoke scenes of mountains, rivers, skies, and rice fields.
Even though you shouldn’t have heard it before, it somehow feels nostalgic.
BeginningJoe Hisaishi
As you all know, The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter begins with a girl being born from a bamboo stalk.
This is the piece that plays at that moment.
Doesn’t it feel like the story is slowly about to begin? The divinely beautiful strings, like light welling up from the bamboo, are a must-hear.
Also pay attention to how the sound gradually adds more layers and builds toward the latter half of the track.