Quick answer

For most first-time buyers, start with Ponyo On The Cliff By The Sea: Soundtrack [2LP] if you want a cheerful, instantly recognizable theme. Choose The Wind Rises Soundtrack Vinyl [2LP] for a lush orchestral score with folk accents, or The Tale Of The Princess Kaguya: Soundtrack [2LP] if you prefer a more introspective, vocal-driven experience. All three are composed by Joe Hisaishi and pressed on double vinyl.

What to look for in a first Ghibli vinyl

The most important factor is how often you will listen to it. A soundtrack you love will get more spins than one that is technically impressive but doesn't match your mood. Each of these three records represents a different emotional palette: Ponyo is bright and playful, The Wind Rises is sweeping and nostalgic, and Princess Kaguya is delicate and haunting.

Vinyl pressings of film scores often include bonus material or unique packaging. The Ponyo soundtrack, for instance, features laser etchings on the fourth side, adding visual appeal. None of these records include a digital download code, so plan to listen on a turntable or record them yourself.

How the soundtracks differ musically

All three albums are composed by Joe Hisaishi, but they use different instrumentation. The Wind Rises employs the Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra plus folk instruments like the bayan and balalaika, giving it a rich, worldly texture. Ponyo features the New Japan Philharmonic and a children's chorus, with the catchy theme sung by Nozomi Ohashi. Princess Kaguya is more intimate, with the theme "When I Remember This Life" sung by Kazumi Nikaido, and represents Hisaishi's only full collaboration with director Isao Takahata.

If you enjoy large orchestral scores with ethnic flavor, The Wind Rises is a standout. If you want something light and singable, Ponyo delivers. For a quieter, more reflective listen, Princess Kaguya offers a unique emotional depth.

How to decide: three quick rules

  • Start with your favorite film: If you already love one of these movies, choose that soundtrack. Emotional connection to the film will make the vinyl more rewarding to own. Pick the movie you rewatch most.
  • Match the mood you listen to most: Ponyo is upbeat and playful, The Wind Rises is romantic and bittersweet, Princess Kaguya is calm and melancholic. Consider when and where you will listen. Choose Ponyo for energy, The Wind Rises for atmosphere, Princess Kaguya for reflection.
  • Check the vinyl extras: Only Ponyo includes laser etchings on side four. None of these records come with a digital download. If packaging matters, Ponyo offers the most visual bonus. If you value physical extras, Ponyo wins.

The three soundtracks at a glance

  • Ponyo On The Cliff By The Sea: Soundtrack [2LP]: Featuring an insanely adorable and catchy theme song, the full soundtrack to Ponyo composed by Joe Hisaishi is released on double vinyl, with laser etchings on the fourth side. As well as performances by the New Japan Philharmonic and the Kuriyukai Chorus, the eponymous song performed by Nozomi Ohashi is included. The laser etching makes this a visually unique addition to any collection, and the theme song is one of the most recognizable Ghibli tunes—perfect for casual listening or sharing with kids.
  • The Wind Rises Soundtrack Vinyl [2LP]: The soundtrack includes the score used in The Wind Rises as composed by Joe Hisaishi who conducted the Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra throughout, plus the theme song "Hikouki Cloud" by Yumi Arai. The use of folk instruments such as the bayan and balalaika make it one of the most sumptuous Studio Ghibli scores. If you appreciate complex orchestration and world music influences, this record offers the most varied instrumental palette among the three. It is ideal for focused listening sessions.
  • The Tale Of The Princess Kaguya: Soundtrack [2LP]: Including the beautiful theme "When I Remember This Life" sung by Kazumi Nikaido, this is the complete soundtrack to Studio Ghibli's 2013 film, The Tale Of The Princess Kaguya, composed by the studio's long-time musical collaborator, Joe Hisaishi. This is the first and the last collaborative work by director Isao Takahata and composer Joe Hisaishi. This is a historically significant album as it marks the beginning and end of Takahata and Hisaishi's collaboration. The vocal theme gives it a distinct identity compared to the purely orchestral tracks on the other two records.

Which one fits you?

Best for

  • First-time buyers who want a cheerful, family-friendly soundtrack: Ponyo On The Cliff By The Sea
  • Fans of orchestral scores and folk instruments: The Wind Rises Soundtrack Vinyl
  • Listeners who prefer vocal-driven, introspective music: The Tale Of The Princess Kaguya

Not for

  • Anyone expecting digital download codes (none of these records include them)
  • Collectors who want a single-disc soundtrack (all three are 2LP sets)