Studio Ghibli’s newest animated film The Boy and The Heron has officially dropped its theme song titled “Spinning Globe” from Sony Music, which you can now listen to by clicking here. Written and performed by J-pop superstar Kenshi Yonezu, the song also came with the release of the movie’s first artwork which seemingly features a young boy.
Yonezu has been attached to Hayao Miyazaki’s newest Studio Ghibli movie for four years now. In his statement (which you can fully read below), the singer revealed that during the process of writing the song, Miyazaki gave him an in-depth explanation of the story. He also expressed his gratitude towards the acclaimed filmmaker for the movies he grew up watching.
It has been about four years now since I was approached about the project. At first, I was surprised and at the same time bewildered, asking “Why me?” It turned out that Miyazaki-san had heard the Foorin version of my song “Paprika” on the radio, which triggered him to drop the handkerchief to me. I received five volumes’ worth of storyboards and an explanation from Miyazaki-san himself and gingerly began the writing process. It now feels like such a long time ago.
In the past four years, I visited the studio in Koganei several times to talk with Miyazaki-san and Suzuki-san; most of the time it was on strangely pleasant and sunny days. I remember walking under the pitch-dark shades of the trees while overhearing the cheers of nursery school children nearby. As a person who usually writes music drawing from recollections of the past alone in a small room, it was an experience nothing short of enriching.
Ever since I was a young child, I grew up watching Miyazaki-san’s movies. Somewhere along the way, I became an adult, a person who makes music. I have also been blessed with many people who accept my music. I know I still have countless shortcomings, but I believe I have certainly come this far, faults included.
“Spinning Globe” is the song for The Boy and the Heron. It is also a way for me to give back what I have received from Miyazaki-san all my life. Thank you for continuing to make movies over the years, and please keep on making more in the years to come.
Hayao Miyazaki
When will Hayao Miyazaki’s Next Movie come out in the US?
Studio Ghibli has once again partnered with GKIDS for the North American theatrical distribution of Hayao Miyazaki’s latest animated movie How Do You Live, which will be released in the US as The Boy and The Heron. Following its successful Japanese opening weekend, the film is currently expected to arrive in US theaters later this year.
This marks Studio Ghibli’s first movie release without any marketing. Even though Suzuki is confident that this new release strategy will pique the audiences’ interest more, Miyazaki recently expressed his concerns regarding the outcome of the film’s lack of trailers, posters, synopsis, and other promotional content.
Miyazaki is best known for directing moving and classic animated films including My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, and Ponyo. Fans are now able to celebrate his films through Studio Ghibli’s recently opened theme park, which features attractions and rides inspired by Miyazaki’s work.