Joe Hisaishi
Composer, Conductor, Pianist
Joe Hisaishi began his career as a contemporary music composer and started to show his interest in minimal music when he graduated from Kunitachi College of Music.
His career as a solo artist began with the presentation of MKWAJU in 1981 and the release of his first album, Information, in 1982. Since his debut, Hisaishi has released nearly 40 solo albums. The first CD, A Symphonic Celebration, released by Deutsche Grammophon (June 2023), hit No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Classical Albums and Classical Crossover Albums charts.
His body of film work encompasses over 80 Japanese and foreign films. His works have won many awards, including the Annie Award, Hong Kong Film Award, Asian Film Award, and several Japan Academy Film Prizes for Outstanding Achievement in Music. In 2001, he made his debut as a film director with Quartet, for which he also wrote the music. The film was officially invited to the World Competition section of the Montreal World Film Festival.
Hisaishi is also a skilled performer, having been a solo pianist and an orchestra conductor. He was the first Japanese musician to conduct at the Cannes International Film Festival, performing Buster Keaton’s The General.
Hisaishi has produced the music for 11 films by director Hayao Miyazaki, including My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away, and continues to tour the music worldwide through his production Joe Hisaishi Symphonic Concert: Music from the Studio Ghibli Films of Hayao Miyazaki.
In July 2004, he assumed the post of first music director of the newly created World Dream Orchestra (W.D.O.) of the New Japan Philharmonic. Starting in September 2014, he worked as a producer and conductor for the “Joe Hisaishi presents MUSIC FUTURE” concerts, which earned him enormous popularity, resulting in a live album. In July 2019, he led a concert series called “Future Orchestra Classics” and released a Beethoven Complete Symphonies box set that was awarded the Special Prize in the 57th Record Academy Awards in Japan.
Hisaishi has collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Philip Glass, David Lang, and Mischa Maisky, and orchestras such as the Vienna Symphony, Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.
Hisaishi is an Invited Professor at Kunitachi College of Music. In 2009, he received the Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon from the government of Japan. From 2016 to 2018, he served as Artistic Director of Nagano City Arts Center. He has been Composer in Residence and Music Partner with the New Japan Philharmonic since September 2020 and Principal Guest Conductor with the Japan Century Symphony Orchestra since April 2021.
He was appointed Composer-in-Association of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in April 2024 and is the Music Director designate of Japan Century Symphony Orchestra, starting April 2025.
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Joe Hisaishi Interview at the Hollywood Bowl
Joe Hisaishi sat down with us at the Holllywood Bowl to talk about what makes his compositions—both for Miyazaki films and the concert stage—so indelible.
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Watch & Listen
Joe Hisaishi on Spotify
Listen to Joe Hisaishi on Spotify.
Podcast: Hisaishi Leads Pictures at an Exhibition with Sarah Cahill • LA Phil 2024/25
Educator Sarah Cahill discusses Hisaishi Leads Pictures at an Exhibition with Emmanuel Ceysson.
The Moments That Move Me with Emmanuel Ceysson
The Los Angeles Philharmonic’s principal harp reflects on his favorite pieces, collaboration with composer Joe Hisaishi, and musical upbringing in France.
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