The Wind Rises songs: theme song and insert songs
The Wind Rises, a Studio Ghibli film released in 2013.
If you remember that time, you likely recall the news that director Hayao Miyazaki would retire after this film, which caused quite a stir.
The protagonist, Jiro Horikoshi, is absorbed in building airplanes.
And the heroine, Nahoko Satomi, fights illness.
Their relationship, the story itself, and the historical backdrop—all of it sinks deep into the heart.
Many viewers probably found themselves in tears by the end.
This article compiles the many famous pieces of music used in The Wind Rises.
Each and every one is profoundly moving.
The Song of The Wind Rises. Theme and Insert Songs (1–10)
Only onceWerner Richard Heymann
This song is also known as the theme for the German film The Congress Dances, released in 1931.
In the film, it is used in a cheerful scene where people gathered at a hotel suddenly break into song.
Its composer, Werner Richard Heymann, was a renowned German composer.
Journey (Dream Flight)Joe Hisaishi
It’s a song that evokes the strength of those who pursue their dreams and the emotional scars that come from facing them, as well as the resilience and fragility of people who still choose to stand and fight.
The arrangement, with its subtly analog feel—as if the propeller were being turned by hand—further accentuates the historical setting of The Wind Rises.
Nahoko (Encounter)Joe Hisaishi
This is a piece called “Nahoko (Encounter).” The title includes “Encounter,” but it isn’t the cheerful song you might imagine from that.
War and natural disasters—Nahoko and Jiro met in the very midst of a turbulent era.
While everyone was lamenting the misfortunes of the world, the two refused to yield to fate and came together.
It’s a song that reminds us of the importance of our encounters with others.
Journey (Winds of Italy)Joe Hisaishi
Do you have someone you call a benefactor? You can never thank a benefactor enough, can you? This soundtrack takes that very theme.
Its slow, calm tempo that exudes respect and the mellow tone of the organ evoke a sense of reverence for one’s benefactor.
It’s a recommended track full of dignity and warmth.
Nahoko (Fate)Joe Hisaishi
This is the piece “Nahoko (Fate),” used in the film The Wind Rises.
Its clear, transparent piano tones evoke a poignant feeling in the listener.
Nahoko, who becomes the fiancée of the protagonist Jiro Horikoshi, suffers from tuberculosis, which at the time was considered an incurable disease.
Even so, the music conveys her frailty and beauty as she lives with strength.
JunkersJoe Hisaishi
This is the piece “Junkers,” which was used in the film The Wind Rises.
Its title comes from the German aircraft manufacturer Junkers that appears in the story.
Behind the backdrop of war lay the passion of the aviation companies.
You can strongly feel Germany’s pride and resolute bearing in this music.
It’s also a track that hints at the wavering relationships between nations brought on by the war.
contrailYumi Arai
The theme song of The Wind Rises.
Since they had already decided on this song during production, its match with the film’s world and atmosphere is flawless.
Although the movie stirred up various controversies among fans, I personally feel that while Porco Rosso included elements that even children could enjoy, The Wind Rises is a film that pursues “a man’s romance” or masculine ideals.
You can sense Hayao Miyazaki’s philosophy of men and life through this work.