Joe Hisaishi

Career overview

Joe Hisaishi, born Mamoru Fujisawa on December 6, 1950, in Nagano, Japan, is a Japanese composer, musical director, conductor, and pianist. He is known professionally by his stage name, Joe Hisaishi, and has built a career spanning over 100 film scores and solo albums dating back to 1981. His musical style explores and incorporates various genres, including minimalist, experimental electronic, Western classical, and Japanese classical music. Alongside his work as a composer, he has also worked as a music engraver and arranger, and is known for concert works in addition to film scores.

Throughout his career, Hisaishi has been closely associated with director and animator Hayao Miyazaki since 1984, having written scores for all but one of Miyazaki's films. His extensive body of work for the screen includes contributing music to high-profile projects such as Spirited Away, Fireworks, and The Boy and the Heron. With 142 known credits in sound, Hisaishi remains recognized internationally for his contributions to cinema and music.