Thanks to Mom Life with Chiari, I was able revisit all my favorite songs and share them with you for all three days.  If you haven’t had a chance to check out her blog, make some time. You’ll love her posts.

The Song/Lyrics

On the last day of this challenge, I am sharing a piece called “One Summer’s Day” by Joe Hisaishi, an amazing Japanese composer.  The first time I heard this song was when I watched “Sprited Away”, an animated movie directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli.  Click here for a trailer of the movie in English, if you are interested in finding out more about it.

Just a little background on Studio Ghibli – It is an animation powerhouse in Japan, not unlike Disney/Pixar in the US. Although I grew up with Disney’s many princesses, Ghibli Studio owns my respect and admiration for creating works that aren’t only beautiful, magical and imaginative but for creating stories that mostly feature strong women lead characters.  In the director’s own words:

“Many of my movies have strong female leads- brave, self-sufficient girls that don’t think twice about fighting for what they believe with all their heart. They’ll need a friend, or a supporter, but never a savior. Any woman is just as capable of being a hero as any man.”

~Hayao Miyazaki

It’s not about romance either…

“I’ve become skeptical of the unwritten rule that just because a boy and girl appear in the same feature, a romance must ensue. Rather, I want to portray a slightly different relationship, one where the two mutually inspire each other to live – if I’m able to, then perhaps I’ll be closer to portraying a true expression of love.”

~Hayao Miyazaki

There is so much girl empowerment,  magic, compassion and humanity in the works of Studio Ghibli that it’s quite impossible for anyone not to fall in love with them.  Do check them out if you have a chance.  I promise, they won’t disappoint.  If you would like a list of recommendations, I’ll be more happy to do so in the comment section since I have massively digressed from the task at hand. 🙂

So, getting back to the piece that I am sharing today… It is an original soundtrack from “Spirited Away“, one of my favorite works by Studio Ghibli.  It captured my heart from the first moment I heard it.  I love this song for the many emotions it brings out in me, the joys, the sadness, the sense of wonder and the sense of hope.  I hope you enjoy this instrumental piece that says so much even without lyrics.  (Looks like I broke more rules today?!)

Here it is, “One Summer’s Day” performed by Joe Hisaishi on the piano

 

My nominees

I would like to open up this challenge to anyone who would like to give it a try.  It’s fun for all. 🙂

 

I wish you all a wonderful Friday and weekend.  Take good care!

 

 

*Featured photo by Alphacolor 13 on Unsplash