Aoi Teshima’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2025]

When I was in my first loveAoi Teshima8rank/position

The Little Owl’s Favorite Song: When First Love Began

One of the insert songs in this work is “In the Days of First Love.” It’s a track perfectly suited to its title, beautifully matched by Aoi Teshima’s pure vocals.

In the film, it plays during the scene where Umi and Shun grow closer.

The song’s lyrics were written by Gorō Miyazaki and Hiroko Taniyama, the music was composed by Hiroko Taniyama, and the arrangement was by Satoshi Takebe.

It’s a gentle song that evokes the bittersweet feeling of remembering a first love in youth.

Autumn Thoughts NotebookAoi Teshima9rank/position

Aoi Teshima / “Autumn Thoughts Notebook” (Stage Edition)

Aoi Teshima, with her nostalgic worldview and whispery voice, is truly captivating.

This song, “Soshu Note,” opens her 2016 album The Blue Library and was written especially for her by Tokiko Kato, whom she deeply admires.

As if quietly committing thoughts to a diary, each carefully woven word wraps you in a strange sensation that stirs both gentle warmth and sentimental feeling.

The emotional arc—contrasting a youthful heartbreak with present happiness—is also striking.

Many things change with the passage of time, but perhaps the things that don’t are beautiful in their own way.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to while swaying on a train.

Summer of GoodbyeAoi Teshima10rank/position

Summer of Goodbye ~From Up on Poppy Hill~ Aoi Teshima

If you’d rather spend a slightly sentimental, more grown-up summer than a lively one, I recommend Aoi Teshima’s “Summer of Goodbye (From Up on Poppy Hill).” Released in 2011, this song was used as the theme for the Studio Ghibli film From Up on Poppy Hill.

It was originally a number released by Ryoko Moriyama in 1976.

The lyrics overlay the singer’s emotions onto the summer sea, wind, and living creatures, expressing a hope that, through them, she might someday be able to meet that special someone again.

It’s a song that conveys a woman’s quiet, refined feelings.

The Summer of Goodbye ~From Up on Poppy Hill~Aoi Teshima11rank/position

Summer of Goodbye ~From Up on Poppy Hill~ (Live at Katsushika Symphony Hills Mozart Hall on…

A song with a poignant melody in a triple meter and Aoi Teshima’s beautiful voice—truly unforgettable.

Studio Ghibli films have many masterpieces, but this one in particular vividly conjures the scenes of the story and leaves a deep impression.

The arrangement is wonderful as well.

Lapis-Lazuli EarthAoi Teshima12rank/position

Lapis-Lazuli-Colored Earth Aoi Teshima

Opening with a scene of gazing out at the deep night sea, this song portrays the feelings of someone who has overcome worries and sorrow.

Aoi Teshima’s transparent, pure voice further elevates the profound meaning of lyrics crafted by Takashi Matsumoto.

Included in the all-time best album “Simple is best,” released in June 2021 to commemorate the 15th anniversary of her debut, it has become beloved among fans.

Acknowledging human frailty and the power to love, the piece carries a wish to protect our one and only star—Earth.

It adds color to everyday life and gives you the courage to take a new step forward—truly a highly recommended track.

Listening to it in precious moments will sweep away your anxieties and become a reassuring companion.

A navy-blue undulationAoi Teshima13rank/position

Aoi Teshima – Indigo Swell [HD]

This song was written by director Goro Miyazaki and his father, Hayao Miyazaki, based on the poem “To the Students” by the poet Kenji Miyazawa.

It is included in the 2011 album “From Up on Poppy Hill Song Collection,” along with other pieces used in the film.

rowan (tree)Aoi Teshima14rank/position

Rowan Tree by Aoi Teshima [Lyrics]

Does the word “nanakamado” ring a bell for you? Nanakamado is a type of deciduous tall tree in the rose family.

It’s known for leaves that turn a vivid red in autumn and for its cute, bright-red berries.

With that tall tree in mind, please give this piece a listen.

Doesn’t the bouncy melody sound absolutely charming? The lyrics, which describe oneself growing alongside the nanakamado, are sure to make you feel the passage of time—and a touch of bittersweetness.