Joe Hisaishi, the famed Japanese composer celebrated for scoring films like Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, and Howl’s Moving Castle, has been appointed by the LA Philharmonic (LA Phil) as the Composer-in-Residence for the Hollywood Bowl and The Ford.

His tenure will begin in the 2027/28 season and last five years, concluding with the 2031/32 season.

In his new role, Hisaishi will be performing regularly at the Hollywood Bowl and The Ford in Los Angeles, California, as well as the Walt Disney Concert Hall. His duties will also include composing original works for the LA Phil, recording projects, and participating at community engagements.

“Los Angeles holds a special place in my musical life,” Hisaishi said in the announcement. “In the seasons ahead, I look forward to exploring new musical horizons with this extraordinary orchestra and sharing the spirit of discovery with audiences in Los Angeles and beyond.”

Daniel Harding, the incoming Music Director for the LA Phil said, “Joe Hisaishi is that rare artist whose music is both deeply important and widely loved. A five-year partnership gives us the time to build something meaningful together, and I look forward to the new works he will write for this orchestra and the new audiences we will reach with them.”

In 2026, Hisaishi broke a musical world record in LA for the highest selling classical run in the Hollywood Bowl. His performances of the Joe Hisaishi Film Music Concert from July 21 to 23 sold 45,538 tickets.

Performances and compositions for his residency are yet to be announced.