Ikimono-gakari’s famous and popular songs
Let me introduce songs by Ikimono-gakari, a wildly popular three-member music group.
Their straight, crystal-clear vocals are incredibly appealing, and you hear their songs in all kinds of settings.
The origin of their group name comes from members Mizuno and Yamashita having been in charge of the class animal-care duty (“ikimono-gakari”) together in elementary school.
From high-energy tracks like “Joyful” to ballads like “Koi Suru Otome,” they have a wide range of songs—enjoy them to the fullest.
Ikimono-gakari’s greatest and popular songs (1–10)
I want to keep smiling.ikimonogakari
In the school entrance season when anxiety and anticipation mix, Ikimono-gakari’s number is there to give you a push.
It’s the single they released in July 2011, well known as the song from Nissan’s “New Nissan Serena” commercial.
Even while affected by the earthquake disaster, it was crafted with the aim of being a “straightforward pop song,” one that brightly illuminates the listener’s heart.
Though it’s an epic track running over six minutes, it was also included on the album NEWTRAL and won the Excellence Award at the 53rd Japan Record Awards.
Kiyoe Yoshioka’s clear, soaring vocals and the up-tempo sound resonate, filling you with the courage to dive into a new world.
Any worries about the school life that’s about to begin will blow away when you listen to this song, and you’ll be able to take your first step with a smile!
smileikimonogakari
It’s the theme song for the film “Pokémon the Movie: Black—Victini and Reshiram/White—Victini and Zekrom: Genesect and the Legend Awakened” (Mewtwo Awakens).
Yoshioka took part in the movie as the voice actor for Eevee, and the limited-edition bonus was also Eevee-themed.
The music video, which emphasizes the members’ “smiles,” also feels very much like Ikimonogakari.
planetariumikimonogakari
This is the theme song for NHK Drama 8 “Cat Street.” Perhaps to match the TV drama’s theater-themed storyline, the slightly urban sound and melody really hit home.
The string arrangement has a sparkling tone that evokes the night sky, and it’s absolutely lovely.
The flowers are cherry blossoms; you are beautiful.ikimonogakari
This is the commercial song for the au (KDDI/Okinawa Cellular) Sony Ericsson “W61S.” It feels like one of Ikimono-gakari’s signature cherry blossom songs.
I feel that being able to beautifully fit a Japanese-style melody into a song like this is one of Ikimono-gakari’s strengths.
Happy Smile Againikimonogakari
It was chosen as the theme song for NHK’s “Hello from Studio Park.” This is the first time Ikimonogakari has handled the theme song for a talk show, and it is also the first time that a song composed by Yoshiki Mizuno included on a single but not as the A-side has been used.
No way I’m going to cry.ikimonogakari
Isn’t it rare for a film’s theme song to share the exact same title as the movie, as with the film ‘No More Cry!!!’? It’s also used as the song for the Hatalike commercial.
The airy arrangement and the almost narrative vocals perfectly match the image of setting off on a journey.
YELLikimonogakari
It took the country by storm as the set piece for the NHK All-Japan School Music Competition’s junior high division.
That year, it was also performed in a special version on the Red and White Song Battle, making for a moving stage.
The piece was first written as a choral work and later rearranged into a band version.
It’s a song that really highlights excellent vocal ability.
We’ve alwaysikimonogakari
This is a song that was featured in U-Can’s 2012 campaign commercial, and it showcases the powerful energy that Ikimono-gakari possesses.
The upbeat tempo, bright melody, and arrangement leaning into a band sound—all of it is flawless.
It makes for a great motivational anthem.
Live, brilliantlyikimonogakari
This song was written as the opening theme for the sixth season of the TV anime Kingdom, and the phrase in the title, “Ikite, Sansan,” really sticks in your ears.
The range isn’t too high or too low; it sits comfortably in a register that’s easy for women to sing.
It’s also easy to catch the tempo, so it’s highly recommended for those who think they’re tone-deaf! The melody isn’t difficult either, so it’s best to sing each phrase carefully.
Rather than keeping a blank face, try raising your eyebrows and using expressive gestures, as if you’re tracing the pitch with your hands.
Also, if you sing the beginning of the C section a bit more strongly, your voice will project well and it should feel great to sing!
Beautiful personikimonogakari
It’s a song that sticks in my memory as the CM tune for Coca-Cola’s “Aquarius Vitamin Guard.” With a straightforward, almost band-like groove, it’s become a staple that always gets the crowd going at live shows.
Apparently, it was actually inspired by a song from the band the members were in before Ikimono-gakari.