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Songs from Spirited Away: theme song and insert songs

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!

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 (21–30)

An empty restaurantJoe Hisaishi

This is also a Japanese-style arrangement that begins with taiko drums, reminiscent of Spirited Away.

It was used in the scene set in the food stall district where Chihiro and the others stray into the world of the gods.

The somewhat unsettling tone perfectly mirrors Chihiro’s feelings.

As the piece progresses, it enhances the striking visuals, as if the scenes of the food stall district flash back, making for a wonderful arrangement.

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To the river of that dayU~mi

One of the tracks included on the “Spirited Away Image Album” is “The River of That Day.” Since it was also used in the film’s trailers, it’s probably a memorable piece for many of you.

Based on this melody, lyrics were added and Yumi Kimura sang it as “The Name of Life.” It’s truly a masterpiece—one of the signature pieces that symbolizes the work.

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Songs from Spirited Away. Theme song and insert songs (31–40)

The House at the Bottom of the SwampJoe Hisaishi

When Chihiro and No-Face get off the train, the beautiful piece that plays during the scene on the way to Zeniba’s house is surely “The House at the Bottom of the Lake,” isn’t it? Zeniba is Yubaba’s twin sister, identical in appearance, but she lives alone in a lonely, backwater place called “the bottom of the swamp.” With the train running along water tracks and the translucent passengers, it’s such a striking scene that I think many people love this piece.

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Morning at the BathhouseJoe Hisaishi

The music from the morning scene right after Chihiro spends her first night and goes to see Haku.

It’s the scene just before that amazing, iconic moment where Haku gives Chihiro a rice ball! It’s a fun yet slightly quirky melody that sticks in your head after just one listen.

It wonderfully captures the hectic energy of Chihiro as it portrays the morning at the bathhouse where she’s about to live and work.

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In conclusion

We’ve introduced the main theme and insert songs from Spirited Away.

Did you find the track you were looking for, the one you wanted to listen to? Spirited Away, beyond being a remarkable film, has so many beautiful pieces.

For those learning piano, they’re all pieces you’ll want to try playing! If there’s a song you like, be sure to give it a try!