Departures (soundtrack)

Before filming began, Yōjirō Takita asked him to prepare a soundtrack which would represent the separation between Daigo and his father, as well as the mortician's love for his wife.[4] Owing to the importance of cellos and cello music in the narrative, Hisaishi emphasized the instrument in his soundtrack;[5] he described the challenge of centring a score around the cello as one of the most difficult things he had ever done.[6] This score was played during shooting, which according to Takita "allowed [the crew] to visualize many of the emotions in the film" and thus contributed to the quality of the finished work.[7]

The title theme is the image song for the film, that had been composed by Hisaishi with lyrics written and performed by Ai.[8] After watching the preview of the film, she worked closely with Hisaishi to add lyrics to the instrumental piece he composed. She initially felt nervous on the kind of lyrics that suits the film, but felt respected on working with the composer, who assisted her on the music.[8] Hisaishi further arranged the cellos and orchestral pieces. The single was released by Universal Sigma and Island Records on 10 September 2008 along with a promotional video.[3] However, Ai performed the track live on 6 September at the Music Fair 21.[9]

Sheet music for the film's soundtrack was published by KMP in 2008 (for cello and piano) and Onkyō in 2009 (for cello, violin, and piano).[10]

Music critic Jonathan Broxton wrote "There is so much beauty and effortless grace, such a richness of texture and instrumental performance in Joe Hisaishi's music, it's amazing he hasn't been discovered by the wider world. Departures marks yet another magnificent example in his already swollen filmography."[11] Complimenting the haunting musical score as one of the striking features of the film, Michael Sullivan a critic writing for The Japan Society of the UK commented "The music flows beautifully with Yojiro Takita's scenes such as nature, sunsets and a cellist playing his instrument next to rice fields. The film portrays with extreme tenderness the passing away of loved ones, how the families cherished them, while reminding us of the reasons for living."[12] Al Alexander, writing for The Patriot Ledger felt that the score "accentuates the mournful tones of an instrument synonymous with sadness and longing".[13] Maggie Lee of The Hollywood Reporter called the score as "unabashedly romantic", while Marc Savlov of The Austin Chronicle called it as "grimly wonderful".[14][15]

At the 32nd Japan Academy Film Prize held in 20 February 2009, Hisaishi was nominated for Outstanding Achievement in Music for Departures' score, but won the same award for Ponyo (2008).[5]