Ranking of Ikimono-gakari’s Uplifting/High-Energy Songs and Popular Hits [2026]

Joyfulikimonogakari1rank/position

Ikimonogakari 'Joyful' Music Video

It’s that catchy, popping-sounding track you’ve probably heard at least once in a Pocky commercial.

Released in 2009 as a double A-side single with “YELL,” it created a huge buzz as the theme song for Ezaki Glico’s ads.

The upbeat arrangement, featuring a horn section and handclaps, pairs with Kiyoe Yoshioka’s bright, smile-inducing vocals to make your body start moving without even thinking.

It’s perfect for getting hyped with friends, and it’d be amazing played at school events or sports days.

It’s also a karaoke staple everyone knows, making it an ideal pick when you want to liven up the mood.

I want to keep smiling.ikimonogakari2rank/position

Ikimono-gakari “I Want to Keep Smiling” Music Video

A resolute will that simply keeps facing forward comes through and makes my heart swell.

Released in July 2011 as Ikimono-gakari’s 20th single, it was used as the commercial song for Nissan’s “New Nissan Serena.” It’s an up-tempo number that conveys a heartfelt wish to keep smiling even in difficult times, straight and true.

Even though it runs over six minutes, the grand arrangement by Seiji Kameda and the powerful vocals by Kiyoe Yoshioka blend so beautifully that it feels like it’s over in a flash.

The song won an Excellence Award at the 53rd Japan Record Awards and is also included on the album NEWTRAL.

Give it a listen when you’re feeling down or need energy for tomorrow.

NEW WORLD MUSICikimonogakari3rank/position

Ikimono Gakari New World Music TERJEMAHAN

This is the 20th single from Ikimono-gakari, the duo that has released numerous hits ranging from lyrical ballads to up-tempo pop numbers.

Released as a double A-side single with “Waratte Itai n da,” many of you may have heard it as it was used as the theme song for the information program Mezamashi TV.

Its daring sound, featuring a horn section, fused with Ikimono-gakari’s signature pop melodies, delivers a refreshing feeling that helps you start even the toughest mornings on a pleasant note.

With a light four-on-the-floor beat that lifts your spirits, it’s a perfect track to use as your wake-up song.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Thank youikimonogakari4rank/position

Arigatou – Ikimono-gakari (Full)

It was released as Ikimonogakari’s 18th single.

It was written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Gegege no Nyobo.” As the title suggests, it’s a song that conveys feelings of gratitude to someone important.

The first-press limited edition of the CD included items such as an “Arigatou” sticker.

Spring Songikimonogakari5rank/position

Ikimono-gakari 'Haru Uta Music Video (Short ver.)'

Since Hotaka Yamashita announced his departure in 2021, the two-member band Ikimono-gakari has been energetically active under their new lineup.

Their 23rd single “Haru Uta,” used as the theme song for the animated film Detective Conan: The Eleventh Striker, is notable for its song structure that transitions from a piano-and-acoustic-guitar opening into a driving arrangement.

The lyrics, which evoke spring—the season of meetings and partings—are likely to leave listeners feeling both wistful and positive.

With its exhilarating melody and bright strings that convey the spirit of spring, it’s a catchy pop tune.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Bright and clear!ikimonogakari6rank/position

TV anime “Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin” non-credit opening movie / Opening theme: Ikimonogakari “Harubaru!” | Airing every Saturday from 23:00!

This song features a fresh, vibrant vocal and a lively rhythm that feels wonderfully pleasant.

Carried by Ikimono-gakari’s vocals, it delivers a message that lifts your spirits.

The phrase “Ikinuxe” (“Live it through” / “Persevere”) leaves a strong impression, and as you listen, it feels as if you’re being gently encouraged forward.

Released digitally in July 2024, the track was also chosen as the opening theme for the anime Heavenly Delusion: Sakuna of Rice and Ruin, based on the game.

Its bright, warm sound arrangement is another highlight.

Give it a listen when you’re feeling down or low on energy—it’s sure to blow away the haze in your heart!

Whimsical Romanticikimonogakari7rank/position

Ikimonogakari “Kimagure Romantic” [“Ikimonogakari no Minasan, Konnitsua!! 2024 ~You! Me! Everyone! Let’s Sing SHOW!!~ Yokohama Nijumaru Performance”]

A happy tune by Ikimono-gakari that sings about the sweet-and-sour feelings of a girl who can’t be honest with the one she likes! Beneath her bold attitude, the protagonist is actually dying to see them, and that feeling comes through on an upbeat, bursting sound.

Released in December 2008, this track was used as the theme song for the drama “Celeb to Binbō Tarō” and is included on the classic album “My song Your song.” The cute choreography seen in the music video became a live-show staple, too! Around 2025, its fun spread to many people through social media.

When everyone copies the dance together, it creates a sense of unity in the venue and the excitement goes through the roof!

Promise in Madder Redikimonogakari8rank/position

Ikimonogakari 'Akane-iro no Yakusoku' Music Video

A song by Ikimono-gakari—musicians who represent J-POP with their approachable sound, friendly vibe, and numerous hit songs—that evokes the feeling of autumn.

While expressing loneliness and heartache, it’s unmistakably their style: a message-driven track that gives you a firm push forward and leaves you feeling energized.

Let the powerful cheer of the chorus carry you through even the nights when you feel like giving up.

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Murakami Shinpei

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In the Blueikimonogakari9rank/position

Ikimonogakari “In the Blue” (Mitsuya Cider theme song) Music Video

A brisk, refreshing uptempo tune.

It portrays a coming-of-age story about a young person who, while cherishing encounters and bonds with friends, discovers their true self—imbued with the down-to-earth message characteristic of Ikimonogakari.

From March 2024, it has also been used in commercials as the theme song commemorating the 140th anniversary of Asahi Soft Drinks’ Mitsuya Cider, and it was released as a double A-side single together with Harubaru!, the opening theme for the TV anime Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin.

It’s the perfect track for karaoke with friends under the summer blue sky, or whenever you want a refreshing change of pace.

Beautiful personikimonogakari10rank/position

Ikimono-gakari 'Uruwashiki Hito' Music Video

It’s a song that’s very much like Ikimonogakari—an uplifting track that evokes spring.

Yoshioka’s gentle vocals and the refreshing melody really lift your spirits.

I especially recommend it to those who’ve been separated from someone important due to a new chapter in life, or to anyone starting to live on their own.