Joe Hisaishi, Ghibli Concert Plays 11 Films’ Music in Tokyo

Key Facts

• Joe Hisaishi held the Studio Ghibli Film Concert finale on July 16–17 at Tokyo Dome.
• The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra performed with Hisaishi.
• Music from 11 Studio Ghibli films, from "Nausicaä" to "The Boy and the Heron," was performed.
• Ticket demand reached 1.18 million for 130,000 seats.
• The event included guest performances by Ella Taylor, Marie Bulleux, and Mai.

The Studio Ghibli Film Concert, led by composer Joe Hisaishi, concluded its world tour with a finale at Tokyo Dome on July 16 and 17. Collaborating with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Hisaishi performed music from 11 Studio Ghibli films, spanning from "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind" (1984) to "The Boy and the Heron" (2023). The three performances, including an additional show, attracted extraordinary demand, with 1.18 million ticket requests for 130,000 seats.

Highlights from the Concert

The concert opened with "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind," the first film Hisaishi worked on with director Hayao Miyazaki. Hisaishi conducted and played the piano simultaneously, supported by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Vocals from the Tokyo Philharmonic Chorus, Little Carol, and the Brooklyn Youth Chorus added depth to the opening performance.
"Kiki’s Delivery Service" featured a medley arranged with a combination of edited film scenes and Hisaishi’s orchestrations, immersing the audience in the film’s narrative. "Princess Mononoke" followed, opening with a striking taiko drum sequence. The main theme showcased soprano singer Ella Taylor, praised by The Guardian for her "forged steel strength with velvet warmth."

Unique Performances and Guest Artists

"The Wind Rises" highlighted a duet between Hisaishi and mandolinist Marie Bulleux, while "Ponyo" evolved into a grand symphonic piece with choir and orchestra. Midway through the concert, a marching band of approximately 200 members from Japan’s Ground, Maritime, and Air Self-Defense Forces performed "Castle in the Sky" while parading through the arena, drawing applause from the audience.
The second half featured piano-focused renditions of "Porco Rosso" and "Howl’s Moving Castle," leading into "Spirited Away," with vocals by Mai, known for singing Nausicaä’s childhood song. The main program concluded with "My Neighbor Totoro," featuring Mai, Ella Taylor, and the choirs, raising the audience’s excitement to its peak.

Encore and Special Performances

The encore began with "Ask Me Why," the main theme from "The Boy and the Heron" (2023), performed in a special piano-centered arrangement. This was followed by "Madness" from "Porco Rosso" and "Ashitaka and San" from "Princess Mononoke," leaving the audience in a wave of enthusiasm.
This marked the first time an orchestra concert was held at Tokyo Dome, adding historical significance to the two-day event. Joe Hisaishi’s performance, supported by international and domestic guest musicians, successfully celebrated decades of Studio Ghibli’s film music.

FAQ

Q1: When and where was the Studio Ghibli Film Concert finale held?
A1: It was held on July 16 and 17 at Tokyo Dome.

Q2: How many Studio Ghibli films were featured?
A2: Music from 11 films was performed, from "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind" to "The Boy and the Heron."

Q3: Who performed with Joe Hisaishi?
A3: The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Tokyo Philharmonic Chorus, Little Carol, and Brooklyn Youth Chorus performed with him.

Q4: How high was the ticket demand?
A4: There were 1.18 million ticket requests for 130,000 available seats.

Q5: What songs were included in the encore?
A5: The encore featured "Ask Me Why," "Madness," and "Ashitaka and San."

Source : ORICON NEWS