Theme and insert songs of 'Your Name'
Your Name (2016), directed by Makoto Shinkai.
Of course the film’s story is captivating, but it also became a huge talking point for how essential the music is in elevating the narrative!
As you know, RADWIMPS handled all 22 pieces of the score and the 4 theme songs featured in the film.
In this article, I’ll introduce each track while also noting which scenes they were used in.
Enjoy these songs that are sure to bring the film’s story right back to mind.
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- Songs from Castle in the Sky (Laputa): the theme song and insert songs.
- Songs from Spirited Away: theme song and insert songs
- Songs from Howl's Moving Castle: theme song and insert songs
- Theme song and insert songs of 5 Centimeters per Second
- The Anthem of the Heart Main Theme and Insert Songs | A Comprehensive Introduction to the Music That Colored the Film
- Songs of Studio Ghibli: List of Theme Songs, Insert Songs, and BGM from Ghibli Music
- The song from Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea. Theme song and insert song.
- The song from My Neighbor Totoro. Theme song and insert song.
- Songs from From Up on Poppy Hill. Theme song and insert songs.
- Song(s) from The Tale of the Princess Kaguya. Theme song and insert song(s).
- Songs from 'When Marnie Was There': theme song and insert songs
- The Wind Rises songs: theme song and insert songs
Main theme and insert songs of 'Your Name' (1–10)
Nandemonaiya (movie edit.)RADWIMPS
With this song that plays during the final scene and the ending, everyone held the same strong wish, didn’t they? “Please! Let us meet!” By chance they meet on a train, get off at the station, and search for each other.
And when the chorus kicks in, that scene made our hearts pound to the max.
It was the moment we were intoxicated by the beautiful voice of vocalist Yojiro Noda in the a cappella at the beginning of the track.
The Invisible TwoRADWIMPS
Contrary to their feelings for each other, at such a crucial moment they can’t see one another.
Taki calls out Mitsuha’s name near the sacred rock.
Mitsuha calls Taki’s name too, but although they can hear each other’s voices, they can’t see each other.
It’s a scene that leaves viewers frustrated and heartbroken at the fact that the two who once spent such joyful days together can’t even touch, and makes us anxious about what will happen next.
The ethereal tones of the music were especially memorable.
strategy meetingRADWIMPS
This plays in the scene where Taki, having switched into Mitsuha’s body, plans a strategy with his friends to evacuate the townspeople to safety.
You can really sense the three of them panicking from this piece.
I imagine many people in the theater were on the edge of their seats, half-standing with suspense.
I even found myself blurting out ideas as if I were part of the group (lol).
It’s a track that shows just how brilliant RADWIMPS are at crafting music.
Theme and insert songs from “Your Name.” (11–20)
Back to the sacred objectRADWIMPS
The piece used in the scene where Taki heads into the mountains in a downpour to search for the sacred object.
You can hear the mix of anxiety and faint hope in the piano of the intro.
He feels that if he goes to that place, he’ll surely learn something.
And when Taki finds the sacred object, the way a slightly brighter light enters the music is so mystical that it brings me to tears.
sacred object of worshipRADWIMPS
The song that plays when Taki, having switched bodies with Mitsuha, goes with Grandma and her younger sister Yotsuha to offer kuchikamizake at the Miyamizu family shrine.
The majestic sound and the expansive, beautiful natural scenery.
As the sun sets, Yotsuha’s words, ‘the twilight hour,’ and Grandma’s words, ‘You’re dreaming, aren’t you,’ make you feel that something divine is about to happen.
It’s the moment I thought so.
It’s a song that leaves a lingering, bittersweet feeling, as if you’re being drawn in by something invisible to the eye.
Chewed (mouth-fermented) sake tripRADWIMPS
The moment this film’s beautiful and mysterious world was projected onto the screen, I remember being moved as the visuals and music became one.
The kuchikamizake I drank, hoping something might change—yet nothing did, and just as I was about to give up, the two switch places amid a flurry of images.
It’s the scene where everyone held their breath for what would happen next.
Through this otherworldly piece, I once again felt the true talent of RADWIMPS.
My First Time, TokyoRADWIMPS
When Mitsuha, having swapped with Taki, experiences various things in the Tokyo she’s always longed for, that sense of elation is expressed through the sound.
It almost exaggerates by showcasing only the beautiful facets of the city.
It feels closer to bright morning sunlight.
The way the melody ends somewhat abruptly evokes an image of what’s to come in the story.