Ikimonogakari Popular Song Rankings [2026]

Thank youikimonogakari1rank/position

Ikimonogakari 'Arigatou' Music Video

Originally written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Gegege no Nyobo,” this warm and powerful ballad conveys gratitude directly and continues to be loved by people of all ages.

The melody line in the chorus ascends like a staircase, making it great for practicing building momentum—highly recommended.

The song’s structure is also easy to follow, rising from verse A to verse B to the chorus, so you can practice building intensity within a song and projecting your voice.

Try practicing by aiming low notes toward a close point in front of you and high notes toward a distant point, using distance to guide your vocal projection.

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Kubota Mami

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YELLikimonogakari2rank/position

Ikimono-gakari “YELL” Music Video

Let us introduce one of Ikimono-gakari’s signature spring songs that brings back memories of holding back tears while singing at graduation ceremonies.

Included on their 15th single released in September 2009, this track was written specifically as the set piece for the junior high division of NHK’s National School Music Competition.

Amidst a grand sound woven by piano and strings, Kiyoe Yoshioka’s clear, pure vocals seep into the heart.

The lyrics are striking in that they portray parting not only as sorrow, but as an important first step toward pursuing one’s dreams; the protagonist’s determination to move forward while accepting their own weaknesses is deeply moving.

Its warm message—that the bonds with your friends will never fade no matter how far apart you are—will stir your heart every time you listen.

The fact that it became the group’s first No.

1 on the Oricon chart shows how profoundly it resonated with many people.

When spring arrives with its mix of anticipation and anxiety for a new chapter in life, give this song a listen to feel a gentle push at your back.

Joyfulikimonogakari3rank/position

Ikimonogakari 'Joyful' Music Video

Your heart starts dancing to the effervescent sound! This work captivates with its boundless brightness and exhilarating sense of speed in the melody.

Playful, rhythmic phrases and call-and-response shouts fly about, packing a power that makes your body move naturally.

This song by Ikimono-gakari, which enlivened living rooms as the CM song for Ezaki Glico’s “Pocky,” was released as a single in September 2009.

It’s also included on the album “Hajimari no Uta,” and many people likely copied the dance that was on TV at the time.

The high-tension beat blows away nerves and even helps you synchronize your steps like a three-legged race.

It’ll give a strong push—along with bright smiles—to pairs who want to move forward briskly in time with the chants.

The wind is blowing.ikimonogakari4rank/position

Ikimonogakari 'The Wind Is Blowing' Music Video

This is Ikimonogakari’s 24th single, released in July 2012.

It is widely known for being chosen as NHK’s broadcast theme song for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Seiji Kameda’s dramatic arrangement and the epic structure, running about 7 minutes and 35 seconds, are captivating and deeply moving.

The lyrics, which depict hope for living together through times of change, are powerfully yet transparently delivered by Kiyoe Yoshioka’s vocals, striking straight to the heart.

It’s a masterpiece perfectly suited for showcasing the fruits of dedicated effort, adding a moving touch to entrance marches and climactic moments at school sports days and athletic festivals.

Whimsical Romanticikimonogakari5rank/position

Ikimonogakari “Kimagure Romantic” Music Video

A must-have song when you want to get the crowd going.

Ikimonogakari’s “Kimagure Romantic” was the theme song for the 2008 Fuji TV drama “Celeb to Binbo Taro.” The music video starts off with a Famicom-style vibe and it’s super cute! It’s up-tempo, so energy matters, but I think the people singing with you at karaoke will join in too! For example, even if you think you’re tone-deaf, you can pretty much power through it on momentum.

The notes can be a bit high in chest voice, so don’t hesitate—project your voice boldly and far.

If you don’t try too hard and just have fun singing, your pitch will fall into place!

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Kubota Mami

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Promise in Madder Redikimonogakari6rank/position

Ikimonogakari 'Akane-iro no Yakusoku' Music Video

Written and composed by Yoshiki Mizuno, this song deliberately uses the word “farewell” to express the vow “until death do us part,” carefully weaving feelings that we want to cherish precisely because our time is limited.

Kiyoe Yoshioka’s translucent vocals intertwined with warm strings evoke the poignancy of an autumn dusk.

Released in October 2007 as their seventh single, it was featured in au’s “LISMO!” commercial and served as the ending theme for tvk’s “saku saku.” It’s a perfect track for long autumn nights, one that makes you want to listen while reminiscing about your school days.

SAKURAikimonogakari7rank/position

Ikimono-gakari “SAKURA” Music Video

A classic Japanese ballad brimming with sentiment, the kind you’ll want to listen to alongside the gentle warmth of spring.

It’s the major-label debut single released in March 2006 by Ikimono-gakari, a three-piece group that was active around Atsugi and Ebina in Kanagawa Prefecture.

Chosen as the CM song for NTT East’s “DENPO115” in its service area, it quickly captured the hearts of many.

The lyrical melody that sings of encounters and farewells was later included on the album “Sakura Saku Machi Monogatari,” becoming a long-loved standard.

It’s also a great track to play as a cheer for yourself in this season of new beginnings.