Miles from Home

Attending Joe Hisaishi’s concert at Madison Square Garden was a dream come true. As a longtime fan of his work, particularly his compositions for Studio Ghibli films, I was thrilled to experience his music live in such an iconic venue. The anticipation leading up to the event was palpable, and the concert itself was an unforgettable experience. I was fortunate to be gifted these tickets by my younger sister, who booked tickets for the 12th of July.

Pre-Concert Excitement

In the weeks leading up to the concert, my excitement grew with each passing day. I spent hours listening to my favorite Hisaishi tracks, imagining how incredible they would sound live. On the day of the concert, I chose my favorite black button down short-sleeve shirt and gray wide leg trousers both from Uniqlo. I made sure to wear my Howl inspired jewelry as my clothes were dark.  As I made my way to Madison Square Garden, I could feel the energy and anticipation building.

The Venue

Madison Square Garden is an iconic venue, and stepping inside for the first time was awe-inspiring. The atmosphere was electric, with fans of all ages and backgrounds gathered to celebrate the music of Joe Hisaishi. I saw people dressed in character, like Kiki and Sophie from the films.

My seat was higher up in the 219 section, but it was still a lovely experience. The grandeur of the venue added to the sense of occasion, making it the perfect setting for such a special concert.

The Concert Experience

The concert featured a stunning setlist that included many of Hisaishi’s most beloved compositions. My personal highlights included “The Merry-Go-Round of Life” from Howl’s Moving Castle and the whole list for Naucia the Vally of the Wind and Castle in the Sky. Each piece was performed with such precision and emotion that it felt as if the characters and scenes from the films were coming to life before our eyes (granted there was a small montage of movie clips playing on the monitors.)

One of the most moving parts of the concert was when Hisaishi performed “Princess Mononoke” with a full orchestra and choir. The powerful music filled the venue, and I could feel the emotions of the entire audience resonating with each note. Another unforgettable moment was where Hisaishi played a solo piano rendition of “Ashitaka and San,” leaving many in the audience, including myself, in tears.

The concert was not only an auditory delight but a visual one as well. The stage design was elegant and complemented the music perfectly. Beautiful lighting effects and projections of scenes from Studio Ghibli films enhanced the overall experience, creating a magical atmosphere that transported us into the worlds Hisaishi’s music has helped create.

Post-Concert Reflections

The concert met and exceeded my expectations in every way. Seeing Joe Hisaishi live was a profound experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Not only did it deepen my appreciation for his work, but for orchestra and choir music as well. The raw emotion and beauty of the whole concert left an indelible mark on my heart. I cried so much. I quite literally could’ve given Sophie a run for her money. Just go ask my sister, she wouldn’t deny it.

As a Japan native, it was also moving to see so many fans of Ghibli films and music at the venue. While I was bawling my eyes out, there were a group of girls sitting behind us having a good old time fan-girling over Joe Hisaishi. I heard words of admiration being shouted and whistles being blown, it was very casual and warm and friendly for a symphonic orchestra. Standing ovation for Joe lasted what felt like 15 minutes, which made my heart swell with what I’d describe as pride.

Conclusion

Attending Joe Hisaishi’s concert at Madison Square Garden was a truly unforgettable experience that I would highly recommend to any fan of his music. The combination of his incredible compositions, the iconic venue, and the shared joy of the audience made for a magical evening. If you’ve had the chance to see Joe Hisaishi live, I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below. Let’s celebrate the timeless beauty of his music together!