Who is Joe Hisaishi?

If you’ve ever watched a Studio Ghibli movie like Howl’s Moving Castle, then you’ve probably heard his music—and you might even recognize it without realizing.

Joe Hisaishi, born Mamoru Fujisawa on December 6, 1950, in Nakano, Nagano, Japan, is a legendary Japanese composer, conductor, and pianist. He is best known for his extensive film scoring work, especially his timeless collaborations with Studio Ghibli and director Hayao Miyazaki.

A Soundtrack to Our Imaginations

From Spirited Away to My Neighbor Totoro, Hisaishi’s melodies don’t just support the stories—they become part of the story. They breathe life into scenes, give emotion to silence, and add magic to every moment. Whenever I hear his music, it instantly takes me back to those dreamy animated worlds filled with wonder, emotion, and beauty.

Sometimes, I even play Joe Hisaishi on Spotify while I blog or edit videos. His music sets the mood and gently inspires me to create—it’s like having a quiet creative partner in the background, one that lifts the soul and fuels the imagination.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Joe Hisaishi began studying the violin at just four years old. He discovered a deep love for music early on and later attended the Kunitachi College of Music in Tokyo, where he majored in music composition. In the 1970s, he started his professional journey, composing for anime and television. His first albums, MKWAJU (1981) and Information (1982), already hinted at his unique musical vision.

During this time, he adopted the stage name Joe Hisaishi, inspired by the Japanese pronunciation of “Quincy Jones.”

The Studio Ghibli Era

Hisaishi’s big break came in 1984 when he composed the score for Miyazaki’s Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. That collaboration launched a legendary partnership. Since then, he has scored nearly all of Miyazaki’s iconic films, including:

My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
Princess Mononoke (1997)
Spirited Away (2001)
Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
The Boy and the Heron (2023)

These scores have become deeply woven into the emotional tapestry of Studio Ghibli’s storytelling.

Beyond Ghibli

Joe Hisaishi’s brilliance isn’t limited to Ghibli. He’s composed music for many other films and directors—most notably his collaboration with Takeshi Kitano on titles like A Scene at the Sea, Sonatine, Hana-bi, and Kikujiro. He also scored the Ni no Kuni video game series and released several solo albums.

A Signature Sound

Hisaishi’s music blends minimalist styles with electronic, classical, and traditional Japanese influences. It’s often emotionally layered—capable of both grandeur and gentleness. He’s received numerous accolades, including eight Japanese Academy Awards for Best Music.

Still Composing, Still Inspiring

In 2023, he released A Symphonic Celebration with Deutsche Grammophon, which topped the Billboard Classical Albums chart. That same year, he returned to Miyazaki’s side once more to score The Boy and the Heron, showcasing a more minimalist style influenced by composers like Steve Reich and Philip Glass.

Joe Hisaishi remains a monumental figure in the world of music. His compositions are not just heard—they’re felt. And for many of us, they’re unforgettable.