Ikimono-gakari’s Tearjerker Songs, Cry-Your-Eyes-Out Tracks, and Popular Hits Ranking [2026]

The wind is blowing.ikimonogakari8rank/position

Ikimonogakari 'The Wind Is Blowing MUSIC VIDEO (Short ver.)'

The song that celebrates all the preparation and practice for the sports day is “Kaze ga Fuiteiru” (“The Wind Is Blowing”).

Released in 2012 by Ikimonogakari, a music unit that led the J-pop scene from the 2000s, it was used as the theme song for NHK’s London Olympic and Paralympic broadcasts.

The beautiful strings resonating over a mid-tempo track are striking.

The orthodox melodic line, sung by Kiyoe Yoshioka, is deeply moving.

It’s a heartfelt song you’ll want to play during any sports day scene—from relays to dances.

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Promise in Madder Redikimonogakari9rank/position

Ikimonogakari 'Akane-iro no Yakusoku' Music Video

It was released in 2007 as Ikimonogakari’s seventh single.

The song was used in a commercial for au’s “LISMO!” and is themed around weddings.

It was performed at vocalist Kiyoe Yoshioka’s brother’s wedding, making it a moving number that resonates as a wedding song.

SAKURAikimonogakari10rank/position

Ikimono-gakari “SAKURA” Music Video

The major-label debut single by Ikimono-gakari, a duo known for their striking vocals and songs that vividly evoke scenes.

Released in March 2006, the track was featured in NTT East’s “DENPO115” commercial and a McDonald’s Japan commercial, becoming a long-running hit that stayed on the Oricon charts for 31 weeks.

Weaving in local scenery such as the Sagami Bridge and the Odakyu Line, the lyrics recount the fleeting love of student days and the poignancy of graduation, stirring youthful memories that many hold in their hearts.

The unceasing flow of time and the protagonist’s feelings as they face parting are portrayed with care, making it a song you’ll want to listen to in that moment of quiet loneliness after a graduation ceremony.

It’s a classic of spring that gently nudges you forward as you set out on a new path.

We’ve alwaysikimonogakari11rank/position

Ikimono-gakari “We Are Always” Music Video

A warm melody that gently wraps around the bond with a cherished friend seeps into the heart.

It’s a cheering song that gives you the courage to walk forward with your companions, while staying close to the fear of moving ahead.

Because we have friends who support one another, we can take a new step—this song conveys the preciousness of such friendship.

Released by Ikimono-gakari in January 2012 as the campaign CM song for U-CAN, the piece was also included on the album NEWTRAL and moved the hearts of many.

Its warm vocals and positive message will surely give a gentle push when you want to express gratitude to a dear friend or cheer on someone taking on a new challenge.

Spring Songikimonogakari12rank/position

Ikimono-gakari “Haru Uta” Music Video

A gem among Ikimono-gakari’s songs that blends the freshness and bittersweetness of spring! This work portrays nostalgia for the past and a powerful wish to reunite in the future, all through a crystalline, airy vocal performance.

Released in April 2012 as their 23rd single, it served as the theme song for the film Detective Conan: The Eleventh Striker, adding a moving touch to the story.

Fans will love the anecdote that the songwriter kept the Conan universe in mind and wove the protagonist’s circumstances into the lyrics.

The single reached No.

4 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and was later included on the classic album “I.” Perfect for the season of meetings and partings, this warm anthem of encouragement is sure to stay close to many hearts, giving the courage to move forward.

planetariumikimonogakari13rank/position

Ikimonogakari – Planetarium [Live Arrangement, Short Ver.]

The song “Planetarium,” which has accompanied many life milestones, is a reassuring companion in sentimental moments like graduations and farewells.

Yoshioaka’s clear, translucent vocals gently wrap the sadness of parting while at the same time giving you the courage to take a new step forward.

With its tender melody and touching lyrics, it remains a timeless classic that stays close to the listener’s heart.

It’s one of Ikimonogakari’s signature songs that anyone who has experienced a farewell can relate to, and even now it evokes unfading emotion.

Maiden in Loveikimonogakari14rank/position

Ikimono-gakari “Koisuru Otome” Music Video

This is one of Ikimonogakari’s early signature ballads, expressing the swells and shifts of being in love with heartfelt directness.

Carried by a melody that blends warmth with wistfulness, it sings of the miracle of meeting someone precious and the pure heart that thinks of them.

As you listen, you may find yourself recalling someone irreplaceable, feeling your chest tighten with emotion.

Released as a single in October 2006, it was used at the time as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “Ren’ai Bukatsu (Love-Katsu).” Beloved ever since, it’s recently drawn attention again as the CM song for the wedding information service “Zexy” starting in March 2025.

It’s also included on albums such as “Sakura Saku Machi Monogatari,” and its charm lies in how it’s been passed down in various arrangements.

Portraying a steadfast, single-minded love, this song is perfect not only for those with unrequited feelings but also for moments when you want to express gratitude to a partner.

It’s a popular choice at weddings, making it a wonderful tune to accompany life’s happiest moments!