7 May 2026

Aaron Haas records Joe Hisaishi's music from Studio Ghibli's movies

GSI recently welcomed Aaron Haas to its showroom for a recording session centered on the music of Joe Hisaishi. Known for his work with director Hayao Miyazaki, Hisaishi’s music is closely tied to storytelling, and Aaron's program brought together several of these themes in solo guitar arrangements.

He performed Carrying You from Castle in the Sky. The film follows two children searching for a floating city while being pursued by pirates and government agents. The piece serves as a central theme, built on a simple melody that returns throughout the story. Haas kept the line clear and steady, allowing it to unfold naturally. For this song he used a 2025 G.V. Rubio “Classic Estudio” guitar.

From Spirited Away, he played One Summer Day. The film tells the story of a young girl who enters a world of spirits and must find a way to return home. The music reflects the quiet, uncertain beginning of her journey. Aaron maintained a calm, even tone, phrasing the piece with sensibility. He played this piece on a 1975 Daniel Friederich guitar

He also performed The Legend of Ashitaka from Princess Mononoke. The film centers on a young warrior caught between industrial expansion and the spirits of the forest. The theme introduces the main character and sets the tone for the conflict. Haas gave the piece a clear sense of motion, keeping the structure intact. He played this piece on a 1969 José Ramirez guitar.

Another piece was A Journey from The Wind Rises, a film about an aircraft designer whose dreams of flight are shaped by both ambition and the realities of war. The music reflects movement and reflection at the same time. Haas kept the rhythm steady while letting the melody stand out. He recorded this piece on a 2025 Teodoro Perez “Especial” guitar.

He included Merry-Go-Round of Life from Howl’s Moving Castle. The story follows a young woman placed under a curse who becomes involved with a wizard and his moving castle. The piece shifts between a waltz-like feel and more reflective sections. Haas handled these changes with control, keeping the transitions smooth. He played this piece on a 2001 Paulino Bernabe guitar.

Finally, he performed Ask Me Why from The Boy and the Heron. The film follows a boy dealing with loss who enters a strange world guided by a heron. The music supports the film’s quieter, more introspective moments. Haas really focused on balance between low and high strings and clarity. He recorded this piece on a 1999 José Lopez Bellido guitar.