Ikimono-gakari’s Graduation Songs, Entrance Ceremony Songs, and Popular Song Rankings [2026]

YELLikimonogakari1rank/position

Ikimono-gakari “YELL” Music Video

YELL portrays farewell words not as something sad, but as a promise to soar into the future.

Released in September 2009, it is a single by Ikimonogakari, the musical group known for Kiyoe Yoshioka’s clear, expansive vocals.

Loved as the set piece for the NHK All-Japan School Music Competition’s junior high division, the song speaks to the importance of starting to walk on your own feet while facing loneliness and anxiety.

Holding the days spent together in your heart, the lyrics convey the resolve to set off on separate paths, gently accompanying the tears and smiles of graduation season.

This piece adds a moving touch to school-life memory videos—woven from countless photos with friends from club activities, school trips, and more—so be sure to give it a listen.

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Ikimonogakari 'Arigatou' Music Video

Feelings of gratitude that are too embarrassing to express on ordinary days might be easier to convey honestly at graduation.

This song, which portrays the warmth of holding someone’s hand, the happiness of everyday life, and the resolve to walk toward the future, is truly a classic befitting a new beginning.

Ikimono-gakari’s single “Arigatou,” released in May 2010, was widely loved as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Gegege no Nyōbō.

Thanks to its universal appeal, it was also selected as the entrance march for the 2011 National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.

The words woven by Yoshiki Mizuno and the vocals of Kiyoe Yoshioka gently resonate with listeners’ hearts.

Why not listen to this perfect piece for expressing gratitude to parents and teachers at graduation and find the courage to take your next step?

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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.

The wind is blowing.ikimonogakari4rank/position

Ikimonogakari 'The Wind Is Blowing' Music Video

This song, which created countless moving moments as the theme song for NHK’s broadcasts of the London Olympics and Paralympics, is also one of Ikimono-gakari’s longer tracks in terms of performance time.

In that sense, it’s a piece into which Ryosuke Mizuno, who wrote the lyrics and composed the music, poured his heart and soul.

A song that stirred emotions at the Olympics now becomes a cheer song for everyone setting off in spring! The lyrics, which can be read as “This place where the wind begins to blow is everyone’s starting line,” give courage to those feeling anxious about enrollment.

The words fit perfectly with the mix of half excitement and half anxiety when entering university or high school, so be sure to listen on the morning of your entrance ceremony as you head out.

It’s a highly recommended song that gently gives a supportive push to everyone who listens.

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Ikimono-gakari “Joyful” dance, sports day, Pocky commercial, school festival

This one is perfect when you want to go all out and get everyone fired up.

It’s a song by Ikimono-gakari, the music group behind numerous hits like “Arigatou” and “YELL,” released as a single in 2009.

Many of you probably remember it being used in a Pocky commercial.

The catchy melody and bright vocals just feel great to listen to! You might enjoy the song most if you don’t worry about the choreography and just dance however you like!

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voiceikimonogakari6rank/position

voice

This piece was specially written for a project supporting student sports.

It portrays the strong feelings of those who cheer and the emotions of those who receive encouragement.

With a message that repeatedly urges positive action, it’s a song that gives listeners great courage and hope.

It was released in advance in November 2023 and is included in Ikimonogakari’s album “Maru (○).” It is expected to be used at student sports cheering events, and it’s a song that gives a push to everyone pursuing their dreams and goals.

It’s also perfect for singing your heart out at karaoke!

Hajimari no Uta ~The Distant Sky Clears~ikimonogakari7rank/position

Ikimono-gakari “Hajimari no Uta ~The Distant Sky, Clear~” Live 2010 (Short Version)

A melody of hope that makes the heart leap at a new beginning—that’s “Hajimari no Uta ~Tooi Sora Sunde~.” Released by Ikimonogakari in 2010, the song debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon charts and boasts a shining record of awards at the Japan Record Awards.

Its lyrics cheer on everyone taking a step into a new stage.

Filled with dreams, hope, and a forward-looking spirit, the song is a perfect fit for new students.

Gently embracing listeners’ anxieties and expectations while giving them a push toward the future, it’s a warm, message-rich piece that’s ideal for entrance ceremonies.

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

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!

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Ikimono-gakari “Last Scene” Music Video

This song, “Last Scene” by Ikimonogakari, which was the theme for the film Your Lie in April.

I’m sure it’s a number that will tear at the hearts of those with unrequited love, or those who can’t convey their feelings even as the time to say goodbye approaches—like people about to graduate.

It perfectly fits the idea that spring is the season of partings, and it’s a bittersweet love song that makes you think you’ll remember that person every spring from now on—next year, the year after, and beyond.

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utatane

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coloring; color scheme; hues; decoration; embellishment; added flair (figurative)ikimonogakari10rank/position

Ikimono-gakari “Irodori” Music Video (Odakyu Group corporate commercial song)

A pop tune that gently portrays the small joys of everyday life and the connections between people.

This piece is the lead track from the album “Asobi,” released in April 2025, and was featured as a corporate commercial song for the Odakyu Group.

It’s a memorable track with a friendly melody line and heartwarming lyrics.

The grand choral work, featuring choirs from institutions such as Tokyo University of Agriculture and Seijo University, is another highlight.

It’s a song meant to accompany your daily life—perfect for moments like commuting to work or school.