Songs from Spirited Away: theme song and insert songs
We’re introducing the theme and insert songs from Spirited Away, one of the most beloved and moving Studio Ghibli films!
This record-breaking film, the highest-grossing in Japanese box-office history, tells the story of a young girl who wanders into a world inhabited by myriad gods and struggles to return to her original world alongside her parents, who have been turned into pigs by the gods.
Her determination to keep moving forward despite loneliness inspires courage in everyone.
In this article, we’ve gathered the music from Spirited Away.
If you’re thinking, “I want to hear that song again!” or “I want to know the popular tracks!”, be sure to check it out!
Songs from Spirited Away. Theme song and insert songs (1–10)
To That SummerJoe Hisaishi
An insert song from Spirited Away.
A track that makes you want to listen in summer.
The piano’s tone and the somewhat wistful melody gradually draw you in, and before you know it, you’re completely absorbed.
It’s a song that brings back faint memories of that summer in my youth, moistens my eyes, and makes my chest tighten.
Always With MeJoe Hisaishi
This is the song that became the theme song for Spirited Away.
The film’s worldview is reflected in the music, and it truly feels worthy of being the main theme.
The tones are all quite calming as well, so it might be nice to listen to when you want to relax.
Name of LifeJoe Hisaishi
A particularly beloved scene shows Chihiro receiving a rice ball from Haku, where the tension finally snaps and she bursts into tears.
It’s renowned as a hidden masterpiece even within Spirited Away.
It evokes the image of Sen’s long-held loneliness being released through kindness.
The River of That DayJoe Hisaishi
A piece that plays in Spirited Away.
The title, which hints at Haku’s true identity, is particularly striking.
After Chihiro returned to her original world, did the two of them ever meet again? According to one theory, the story is said to be something she experienced during the Obon season.
White DragonRIKKI
When it comes to the “white dragon,” we can’t help but think of Haku, an indispensable presence in this story.
This grand theme song captures his beauty and nobility.
It vividly conveys the atmosphere of the work, evoking scenes from the film.
Remarkably, it’s a piece created by Studio Ghibli’s golden duo: lyrics by Hayao Miyazaki and music by Joe Hisaishi.
againAyaka Hirahara
The image song for Spirited Away.
And of course, the composer is Joe Hisaishi.
You can’t talk about Ghibli music without him.
Ayaka Hirahara’s voice seems to stretch on endlessly, making it a perfect match for this song.
Let’s listen to lots of Ghibli music that evokes so many feelings—nostalgia, warmth, and bittersweetness.
godsJoe Hisaishi
In Spirited Away, a wide variety of gods gather at the bathhouse.
From the radish spirit to chick-like creatures, this piece captures the uniquely charming deities that are delightful just to look at.
It’s used in the scene where they go from Kamaji’s place to Yubaba’s.
The timbre is rich, perfectly turning the lively bustle of the gods’ gathering into music.