Lovely anime song

Song(s) from The Tale of the Princess Kaguya. Theme song and insert song(s).

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!

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)

slender bambooJoe Hisaishi

Nayotake (Piano) – from the film “The Tale of the Princess Kaguya”

Nayotake Joe Hisaishi

Nayotake refers to supple, flexible bamboo.

This soundtrack is a perfect fit for the story of Princess Kaguya, the girl born from bamboo.

True to the word “supple,” its exquisitely gentle piano melody is wonderfully easy on the ears! At the same time, it carries a poised, bamboo-like dignity—highly recommended.

Let yourself be soothed by the quietly unhurried flow of the piano sound.

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parting (farewell)Joe Hisaishi

Parting ~Wakare~ — from the film “The Tale of the Princess Kaguya”

Separation (Wakare) by Joe Hisaishi

In the story, there are various farewells: parting from a beloved friend you spent your childhood with, and from the person who raised you.

This is a perfect song for those aching, sorrowful moments.

The melody itself is the same as “Nayotake,” but the addition of very quiet, spacious strings makes the sense of being lost in grief palpable.

Please enjoy how the arrangement completely transforms the impression of the same melody.

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Spring WaltzJoe Hisaishi

Spring Waltz (Piano) — from the film “The Tale of the Princess Kaguya”

Spring Waltz Joe Hisaishi

The combination of warm, balmy weather and a waltz is a perfect match! It’s a track that will make you want to start dancing.

The piano’s lively melody is sure to get your feet moving, and be sure to catch the section where it switches to triple meter partway through.

Doesn’t it feel like a refreshing spring breeze is blowing in? Also, keep an eye out for where it’s used in the show.

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Songs from The Tale of the Princess Kaguya. Theme songs and insert songs (11–20)

banquetJoe Hisaishi

When you hear the word “banquet,” don’t you imagine a lively, cheerful atmosphere with everyone having fun? But the “Banquet” in The Tale of the Princess Kaguya has a different feel.

Its gentle melody moves along like the flow of a river.

The beautiful, ringing high tones are somehow lonely yet mysterious.

As for why this piece is titled “Banquet,” try searching for the answer within the film itself.

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Little PrincessJoe Hisaishi

Little Princess is themed around Princess Kaguya, who was born from bamboo.

At the moment of her birth, she was a tiny girl small enough to fit in the palm of a hand.

This track features a slow tempo and a delicate, beautiful piano melody.

Its mystical atmosphere perfectly suits Princess Kaguya, born from bamboo.

Though her body is small, the sound carries a certain dignity befitting Kaguya—won’t you lend it your ear?

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clothingJoe Hisaishi

If you’re looking for a truly mysterious track, “Koromo” is my top recommendation.

Just give it a listen.

You’ll think it starts off with a cheerful vibe, and then… Suddenly, those high tones that make you feel a little uneasy—definitely worth noting.

Wait, did the song end? Huh, it didn’t? Uh, what? It’s a bewildering sound that’s guaranteed to make you react like that.

Be sure to pay attention to how it’s used in the show, too.

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HomecomingJoe Hisaishi

Homecoming refers to returning to one’s hometown.

When that time comes, I’d love for you to give this soundtrack a listen.

Its mid-tempo sound, weighted by the strings, creates a calm atmosphere.

Doesn’t it evoke nostalgia as it brings back old memories and sets your thoughts drifting toward your hometown? By all means, try listening and imagining your own hometown as well.

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