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 and insert songs (21–30)

The beautiful sound of the kotoJoe Hisaishi

A standout track with an incredibly beautiful koto melody! The layered koto lines create a powerful, full-bodied sound.

From smooth, lustrous passages to driving, rhythmic phrases, this one song lets you enjoy it all.

We don’t often get the chance to hear the koto’s timbre, do we? Why not take this opportunity to savor the instrument’s beautiful sound?

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sproutJoe Hisaishi

Here’s a track that evokes the feel of a traditional Japanese folktale! The catchy melody played by the flute delivers a sound straight out of classic Japanese stories.

Its mid-tempo, simple rhythm builds anticipation for the tale about to unfold.

Relaxed yet somehow cheerful, the sound is sure to lift your spirits.

A highly recommended piece brimming with a rich Japanese atmosphere!

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Songs from The Tale of the Princess Kaguya. Theme and insert songs (31–40)

Night of the Cicadas (Higurashi)Joe Hisaishi

Higurashi are a type of cicada that chirp “kanakanakana” in the summer.

This track, themed around that quintessential symbol of summer, is a must-listen—especially the cicada calls rendered on the koto.

They’re exquisitely beautiful and dreamlike.

The languid, summer-night atmosphere also matches the scenes in the work perfectly.

Be sure to listen and see where the piece is used, too.

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fate (sadame)Joe Hisaishi

In The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, it portrays the sins she committed and the punishment she receives.

That’s why the word “fate” is a very important point.

Here is a soundtrack themed around that fate.

Its gently plucked, rounded tones give off a mood that seems to accept destiny.

Though mid-tempo, it’s a very calm track, making it a piece you can listen to at a relaxed pace.

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Feelings for my hometownJoe Hisaishi

Everyone has felt nostalgic when thinking of their hometown.

That feeling is captured here in “Longing for Home.” You can sense a sorrowful, heartrending, hard-to-describe emotion.

Since it’s a slow-tempo ballad, piano and strings are the perfect match.

Be sure to pay attention to the scene where it appears in the film, too.

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Rhapsody of a Noble PersonJoe Hisaishi

The protagonist, Princess Kaguya, is set to receive an aristocratic education according to the old man’s plan.

But she’s not enthusiastic about it at all… You can feel that mood in this soundtrack.

It has a slow tempo and an air of elegance, yet there’s also a hint of playfulness.

Don’t you sense Kaguya’s subtle resistance? Be sure to check out the sound that blends a variety of instruments, too!

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In conclusion

We’ve introduced the music from The Tale of the Princess Kaguya.

Each piece was truly wonderful and evoked a strong sense of Japanese aesthetics.

Weren’t you all overwhelmed by the high quality? If you haven’t seen The Tale of the Princess Kaguya yet, this must have made you want to watch the film.

Be sure to enjoy the music again through the movie itself.