written by: julia falcone, sidney parish, rachel liu, and laura reyes

Hayao Miyazaki will forever be a household name in cinema worldwide. His style, characters, plots, themes, and scores will always be memorialized in history. I was fortunate enough to grow up with some of his movies. My cousin gave me Spirited Away as a kid, and I remember watching it over and over again, trying to understand it while also being a little frightened. His movies carry depths that even ten year-old me knew to try to figure out, even if I couldn’t comprehend it. As a tribute to Miyazaki, I wanted to create a playlist that he and his filmography inspired. The team and I decided to collaborate and bring to life this playlist. 

“Boyhood” by The Japanese House feels fitting for a lot of scenes in Miyazaki’s films. In a way, the song can be about growing up, shedding this new layer of yourself that you have to let go of, even if you don’t want to. The Japanese House said this about her song, “In some ways, it’s about letting go of others in order to become someone that you are intrinsically.” I feel that Miyazaki shows his audience different ways to see themselves and how sometimes it leads you on a path you never expected. 

Sidney 

Hayao Miyazaki and his phenomenal works will forever hold a dear place in my heart. His movies beautifully convey themes of childlike wonder, environmentalism, and even feminism, all seamlessly woven together with enchanting hand-drawn animations and delicate musical compositions that tug at your heartstrings. One aspect I admire about Miyzaki is his ability to portray empathy and kindness in so many unique ways.

“Thank You” by Florist resonates with the same qualities I admire in Miyazaki and his films. The song invites a moment of introspection, prompting us to appreciate the tranquility found in nature. Miyazaki is inviting you to find joy in everyday life. It serves as a gentle reminder to express gratitude for all the life offers, both big and small. Much like Miyazaki’s work, this song is simply wholesome and full of warmth. 

Rachel

Miyazaki absolutely shaped my childhood and nurtured my whimsical imagination. The soundtracks for every film has its own trademark, yet they are all connected by childish wonder and undying fantasy. Big shoutout to Joe Hisaishi for bringing Miyazaki’s storytelling to life. Our team’s playlist reminisces on the influence that Miyazaki has as a filmmaker. 

The song “orange hues” by aqualina just brings me back to (re)watching my favorite Studio Ghibli films to the point of heavy-hitting nostalgia and being put in a melancholic slumber. Birds chirping, presence of a slight breeze, grass fluttering, and dreamy piano capture the stillness that Ghibli films have always demonstrated so effortlessly. From my favorites, Spirited Away to Kiki’s Delivery Service, there is often a pause to hone in on a moment of tranquility or emotion that is being expressed. Light pops of wistful flavor blend with subtle undertones of restfulness dwell on Miyazaki’s Ghibli films.

laura

As a child and even now, I have always loved watching visually appealing, heartwarming, yet intellectually stimulating content. Through the extension of the Studio Ghibli franchise, I was able to be transported to different worlds and experience each new storyline scattered with breathtaking visuals and dynamic soundtracks. The artistic partnership between the acclaimed filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki and the renowned composer Joe Hisaishi is a perfect fusion of audio and visual art, elevating the cinematic experience to a whole new level. The way in which their creative works complement and enhance each other is truly seamless, resulting in a sublime and unforgettable viewing and listening experience that truly transcends the boundaries of traditional cinema.

“Dried Flower” by Wave to Earth, feels like drifting petals falling gently from a stem. As I listen to this particular melody, I am instantly transported back to the enchanting world of Kiki’s Delivery Service. I vividly recall the scene where Kiki lounged on the vibrant, verdant grass and gazed up at the vast expanse of the sky, feeling a sense of tranquility and awe. Each song evokes a unique sensory experience, making it the perfect accompaniment to enjoy after watching a Studio Ghibli film.

You can listen to the playlist below.