Hisaishi Departures

'The most acclaimed Japanese composer to have ever worked in film' (Pitchfork), Joe Hisaishi releases 'Songs of Hope: The Essential Joe Hisaishi Vol. 2'. Following the massive success of 'Dream Songs: The Essential Joe Hisaishi (Vol. 1)', this album features even more of Hisaishi's greatest hits from iconic films including Spirited Away and Porco Rosso, orchestral works and solo piano recordings, plus two brand-new recordings: 'Kids Return' and 'HANA-BI.'

Joe Hisaishi, the acclaimed Japanese composer behind some of the world’s best-loved anime films, has announced his new album, Dream Songs: The Essential Joe Hisaishi, will be released on 21 February. On the same day thirty albums from the composer’s extensive catalogue will be released on streaming services worldwide for the first time ever.

Joe Hisaishi started to show his interest in minimal music when he was a student at Kunitachi College of Music, and started his career as a comtemporary music composer. Presentation of MKWAJU in 1981 and the release of his first album “Information”in the following year was the kickoff of his career as a solo artist.Starting with Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (1984), Hisaishi has produced music for 10 Hayao Miyazaki films. He also composed the music for HANA-BI directed by Takeshi Kitano, Departures directed by Yojiro Takita, Villain directed by Sang-il Lee, The Tale of Princess Kaguya directed by Isao Takahata, What A Wonderful Familly!series directed by Yoji Yamada.