Japanese music tradition

His films extensively feature traditional Japanese instruments and compositional styles, particularly through collaborations with composer Fumio Hayasaka, deeply rooting his narratives in cultural soundscapes.

His minimalist approach incorporates traditional Japanese musical elements and silence as narrative tools, reflecting the aesthetic principles of classical Japanese arts.

His animated films, particularly those with Studio Ghibli, integrate traditional Japanese folk music and classical compositions to authentically represent Japanese cultural identity and heritage.