Always With Me (Spirited Away) — Kalimba Tabs & Number Notation
Learn to play Always With Me (Spirited Away) on kalimba with free numbered tabs, interactive player, and beginner-friendly practice tips. Original by Joe Hisaishi. No download required.
Always With Me (Spirited Away)
いつも何度でも
Interactive tab notes
Click any standard 17-key kalimba number to preview it. Symbols below the notes show approximate length.
Numbered Notation for Always With Me (Spirited Away)
| 5 1 1 3 1 6 5 | | 6 1 6 5 3 5 6 | | 5 3 1 3 5 6 1 | | 6 5 3 5 6 1 3 | | 1 6 5 5 1 3 5 | | 3 1 6 5 6 1 6 | | 5 3 5 6 5 3 1 |
About Always With Me (Spirited Away)
Itsumo Nando Demo (Always With Me) is the iconic ending theme from Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away (2001), sung by Youmi Kimura and composed by Joe Hisaishi. The song won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and is one of the most beloved pieces of anime music. On the kalimba, the melody is absolutely stunning — the bell-like tones of the instrument match the song's ethereal, otherworldly character perfectly. The melody moves mostly in stepwise motion with a few beautiful leaps, and the song's 4/4 time at around 90 BPM gives you plenty of time to shape each note. This is a piece that many intermediate kalimba players consider a milestone achievement.
How to Play Always With Me (Spirited Away) on Kalimba
The song starts on a gentle ascending figure and immediately establishes its dreamlike character. Your right thumb handles most of the main melody, which sits in the upper-middle range of the kalimba. The opening phrase moves in smooth, stepwise motion — don't rush any note. Let each one ring out fully before moving to the next. The melody has a few wider leaps that are emotionally significant — they're the moments where the song opens up. Practice those leaps separately. At the chorus, the melody becomes slightly more flowing, with a longer, sustained melodic line. The rhythm is mostly quarter notes and half notes. Use a metronome at 80 BPM when learning. Count through the held notes carefully. The song ends on a long, fading note — let it ring out completely.
Why This Song Fits Intermediate Players
This is an intermediate piece because it requires expressive playing and control over dynamics. The slow tempo means every note is exposed. You need to play with intention and let the melody breathe. The wider leaps require accuracy. This is a piece where the emotional delivery matters as much as the technical execution.
Chords & Key Signature
Single-note melody arrangement. The implied harmony is in C major with rich, moving chords typical of Joe Hisaishi's style — I - IV - V - vi progressions with smooth voice leading. The song benefits from being played gently with a soft touch.
Practice Tips
- Play slowly and let every note ring out fully. This song lives in those long, resonant notes.
- Listen to the original vocal recording many times to deeply internalize the phrasing.
- Practice the wide leaps separately. Feel the distance with your thumbs.
- Use a metronome at 80 BPM. Count through the held notes carefully.
- Use a very gentle touch on the tines. The song should sound ethereal and delicate.
- Record yourself and listen back. Does the melody sound dreamy and expressive?
- Play it in a quiet room. This piece deserves attentive listening.
Try it on the virtual kalimba
Open the 17-key virtual kalimba and play Always With Me (Spirited Away) note by note. Hear the melody, practice the flow, and build muscle memory.
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FAQ
Do I need to know Japanese to play this?
Not at all. This is an instrumental arrangement. But listening to Youmi Kimura's vocal version will help you understand the phrasing — you can hear where the melody breathes even without understanding the words.
Why does this song sound so beautiful on kalimba?
Joe Hisaishi's melody is simple, clear, and emotionally direct — the same qualities that suit the kalimba. The bell-like tones of the kalimba give the piece an ethereal, otherworldly quality that matches the film's dreamlike atmosphere.
Is this hard to learn?
The melody isn't technically complex, but it requires expressive playing. The slow tempo means you can't hide behind speed. Expect two to three weeks of daily practice to play it beautifully. The notes come quickly; the expression takes longer.
Can I play this for non-anime fans?
Yes. The melody is universally beautiful regardless of whether you know the film. It's often described as one of the most moving melodies in all of film music.
Should I practice this song slowly first?
Yes. Slow practice helps you build clean note transitions and steadier rhythm before speed becomes a goal.
What should I play next after this song?
A related intermediate song or another intermediate tab is usually the best next step because the skill transfer is smoother.