Who hasn’t heard of Studio Ghibli? You may not know the full story behind Howl and Sophie’s unlikely romance, what Kiki’s delivery service actually delivers, or who exactly the gray fluffy creature is (its name is Totoro, by the way), but you have most certainly heard Christian Bale’s swoon-worthy “That’s my girl” in clips scattered across social media.
You may have even heard the viral “Merry-Go-Round of Life” on TikTok—famously performed by the Vitamin String Quartet. Or you may have come across the joyful, childlike melody of “My Neighbor Totoro” more than once (or maybe even several times) while scrolling through your feed.
Because yes. Even though you have not seen the full filmography of Hayao Miyazaki’s beloved Studio Ghibli films, you are at least familiar with the discography that adds soul to these films.
READ: How ABBA keeps finding new fans
Where music and memory meet
A familiar melody can instantly transport you to a favorite memory—or even to a favorite scene. It can even evoke the feelings that first made you fall in love with a song. That’s because music serves as scaffolding for these key moments (whether in reel or real life), making it easier to revisit the emotions attached to them.
It’s why hearing “Merry-Go-Round of Life” brings to mind Howl and Sophie’s magical walk through the air, while also being tied to dreamy travel montages all over Instagram, where the piece became a favorite soundtrack. Or how “One Summer’s Day” triggers melancholy—punctuated by that scene where Chihiro and her parents drive up to the mysterious abandoned amusement park—and brings to mind a sad memory from your childhood.
The emotions a piece of music conveys shape the memories you attach to it, too. Take “A Town with an Ocean View” for example. The cheery, uplifting notes match the joy that Kiki feels when she first arrives at her seaside home in Koriko and sets off on her new adventure. In contrast, “The Sixth Station,” played during Chihiro’s quiet train ride, invites you to pause and reflect.
And that’s the magic of Studio Ghibli scores—they’ve taken on a life of their own, resonating with people beyond the films themselves.
READ: Women in music dominating this July
Bringing the magic
Understanding the nostalgia that music can evoke, Film Concerts PH brings yet another independent production this July: The Symphonic World of Studio Ghibli. Performed live by the Filharmonika Orchestra and conducted by Gerard Salonga, this three-day performance—from July 31 to Aug. 2 at The Theatre at Solaire—invites Studio Ghibli fans and music enthusiasts to come together for a night of music, merriment, and reminiscing.
But more than that, it serves as a testament to a longstanding friendship between two countries. Presented in partnership with The Japan Foundation, Manila, and endorsed by Studio Ghibli, the concert is an official commemorative event of the Philippines-Japan Friendship Year 2026.
Here, you can expect original scores performed by the 83-piece orchestra—one that showcases the prowess of acclaimed composer Joe Hisaishi, whose melodies have become integral to the memories of many generations.
“For over four decades, Studio Ghibli has captured hearts with its richly imagined worlds and timeless storytelling, underscored by its memorable music,” the press release reads. “Audiences will be swept away over approximately two hours of music, journeying through the whimsical castles of ‘Howl’s Moving Castle,’ the enchanting streets of ‘Spirited Away,’ the heartwarming adventures in ‘My Neighbor Totoro’ (with special narration), and the lively melodies of ‘Kiki’s Delivery Service.’”
Performances will take place across four shows: the opening on July 31 at 8 p.m., followed by an Aug. 1 showing at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., concluding on August 2 at 2 p.m. Guests are welcome to come in themed attire inspired by the films. Book your tickets at https://tinyurl.com/LifestyleINQ-GHIBLI
