RAG MusicBand
A wonderful Japanese music band

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.

Ikimonogakari’s classic and popular songs (21–30)

The Door to Youthikimonogakari

Ikimonogakari “Seishun no Tobira” Music Video
The Door to Youthikimonogakari

It’s the theme song for the Japanese-dubbed version of the film “Monster House.” Unlike most of Ikimono-gakari’s songs, this one features digital sounds and a dance beat.

Even so, the powerful melody characteristic of Ikimono-gakari still drives the entire track, just as always.

Two people on a night when the snow does not stopikimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari is a music unit boasting nationwide recognition.

The song “Yuki Yamanunu Yoru Futari” included on their 2006 album “Ryūsei Miracle” delivers their range from pop to ballads.

It’s a dramatic piece that portrays a love story unfolding in a town blanketed with pure white powder snow.

The lyrics, themed around an emotional winter scene with resonant bells, intertwine with the tones of acoustic guitar and synthesizer.

With the supple vocals of lead singer Kiyoe Yoshioka and a warm melody, it’s a soothing ballad that heals the heart.

Ikimono-gakari’s classic and popular songs (31–40)

I want to see you.ikimonogakari

Ikimonogakari “Aitai” Music Video
I want to see you.ikimonogakari

Produced to commemorate Ikimonogakari’s 25th band anniversary and released in November 2024.

Set against the backdrop of cherry blossom season, the lyrics, which capture the bittersweet feelings after a parting, resonate deeply.

Yoshioka’s translucent vocals blend beautifully with the emotional melody crafted by Mizuno.

Also, the surprise performance at the final show of “Ikimonogakari no Minasan, Konnitsuā!! 2024” shows how much they value their bond with fans.

In spring, when you find yourself thinking of someone dear, this work is sure to stay close to your heart.

Let’s walkikimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari “Aruite Ikō” Music Video
Let's walkikimonogakari

“Let’s cherish this moment right now.” The feelings woven into the lyrics come through so clearly that my eyes well up.

Released in 2011 as their 21st single, “Aruite Ikou” was featured as the theme song for the drama “Runaway: For the Sake of the One I Love,” among others.

It’s a richly layered ballad; the way the sound arrangement expands, Yoshioka’s vocal work, and their harmony are truly wonderful.

Try singing along, savoring the gentle melody.

coloring; color scheme; hues; decoration; embellishment; added flair (figurative)ikimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari “Irodori” Music Video (Odakyu Group corporate commercial song)
coloring; color scheme; hues; decoration; embellishment; added flair (figurative)ikimonogakari

It’s a song with lots of long sustained notes that are very characteristic of Ikimonogakari, but as long as you focus on the pitch bar and hold the notes steadily, you’ll be fine! This track starts with the chorus phrase, and the chorus repeats several times in the latter half, so first practice to make sure you can match the pitch accurately in those sections.

Also, the rhythm gets bouncy right before the chorus, so be careful not to fall out of sync! Songs with many long tones feel great to sing, and if you can even score a perfect 100, it’ll feel amazing—so definitely give it some practice!

123 ~Love Begins~ikimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari '1 2 3 ~Love Begins~ MUSIC VIDEO (Short ver.)'
123 ~Love Begins~ikimonogakari

This song portrays the bittersweet beginnings of youthful love.

While it expresses the hope of moving from friends to lovers, it also conveys the anxiety and nervousness that come with that change.

The repeated “1 2 3” in the chorus symbolically marks the start of love and resonates powerfully with listeners.

Released in June 2013, it is Ikimono-gakari’s 25th single, created as the theme for a Calpis Water commercial.

The music video was filmed at a high school in Kawagoe, Saitama, with current students appearing as extras.

It’s a recommended track for anyone who wants to savor the sweetness of first love and the freshness of new feelings.

messageikimonogakari

Message from Ikimonogakari, from Jyarinko
messageikimonogakari

It’s the B-side to the 12th single, “Kimagure Romantic.” The song’s lyrics express the anxiety that her boyfriend might be going through a rough patch or losing interest.

The words reference modern things like cell phones and emails.

Although it isn’t labeled as such, this is the album version, which adds a cellphone ringtone and a spoken line by Kiyoe Yoshioka at the end of the track.