Japanese music unit Ikimonogakari, known for their heartfelt ballads and catchy tunes, made a notable appearance on TBS Radio's "Pansa Mukai no #Buratto" on May 7, 2025. During the show, members Yoshiki Mizuno, Kiyoe Yoshioka, and former member Hotaka Yamashita shared the fascinating story of how the group was formed, revealing the serendipitous events that led to their rise in the music industry.
Formed in 1999, Ikimonogakari began their journey with street performances, a path that Mizuno and Yamashita, both 42 years old, embarked on after they became friends in elementary school. Yoshioka, who is now 41, joined the duo when they were in their second year of high school, while she was still in her first year. Reflecting on their early days, Yoshioka recounted, "The members (the two boys) were in their second year of high school, and I joined when I was in my first year."
At the time of their street performances, the influence of popular male duos like Yuzu was evident, leading Mizuno to express concern about standing out. "There were many male duos influenced by Yuzu, and it became a bit embarrassing for us," he admitted. To differentiate their act, Mizuno suggested adding a female vocalist to their lineup, thinking it would help them gain more attention.
The idea to include Yoshioka came about through a twist of fate. Mizuno explained, "There was a singer-songwriter named 'Suzuki-san' nearby, but we couldn't get in touch... While we were looking, it turned out that Yoshioka was Yoshioka-kun's sister." Yoshioka, who had been in the chorus club, was eager to join the group, stating, "I want to do street performances. Let me join!" She expressed her enthusiasm for performing, saying she had been inspired by Yuzu's success and wanted to try her hand at street performances.
Interestingly, Yoshioka was not the only candidate for the role. Mizuno mentioned, "There were other candidates besides Yoshioka. There was a singer-songwriter named 'Suzuki-san' nearby, but we couldn't get in touch with her." Yoshioka humorously added, "I'm glad the phone didn't connect. If it had, I wouldn't be here." This light-hearted reflection on their formation highlights the unexpected nature of their success.
Ikimonogakari's journey continued to evolve as they released hit songs like "Arigatou," the theme for the morning drama "Gegege no Nyobo," and "YELL," which became an anthem for school music competitions. Their major debut came in March 2006 with the song "SAKURA," and since then, they have become a beloved group in Japan, appearing on the prestigious "NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen" 11 times. In 2012, they even had the honor of closing the show as the final performers of the red team.
On May 4, 2025, the group appeared on the program "Nichiyoubi no Hatsumimigaku," where they candidly discussed their history and the emotional weight behind their music. Mizuno shared the pressures he felt while writing their hit song "Arigatou," admitting, "I had no confidence in the song. When we recorded and released it, I was anxious and shared my worries with Yamashita. Only Yoshioka seemed to sing with confidence." Yoshioka echoed this sentiment, recalling how the audience reacted during their first tour, saying, "At first, everyone looked stunned, but as time went on, the song gained popularity across all age groups."
As they navigated their career, Ikimonogakari faced challenges, including a brief hiatus declared in 2017. Mizuno explained, "I was a little tired..." while Yoshioka remarked, "We had stopped joking around like we did in high school. We thought it would be good to change the atmosphere once." After 1 year and 10 months of inactivity, they returned in 2018 with a "re-herding declaration." However, in 2021, Yamashita decided to leave the group, leading to speculation about discord among the members. Mizuno addressed these rumors, stating, "The grand purpose of the hiatus was to take back our own pace for our own lives, but Yamashita chose a different path, and I wanted to respect that."
Despite contemplating dissolution at one point, Mizuno shared that both he and Yoshioka felt a strong desire to continue. "We had worked together so hard up to that point, and we couldn't just quit so easily, so we decided to try it!" Yoshioka added, emphasizing their commitment to their music and their fans.
The heartfelt discussion resonated with viewers, generating a wave of responses on social media. Fans expressed their gratitude for the duo's perseverance, with comments like, "I'm really glad you continued after considering disbandment," and "Ikimonogakari has been a significant part of my youth, and I appreciate hearing your honest feelings." Such sentiments reflect the deep connection the group has forged with their audience over the years.
As Ikimonogakari continues to release new music, including their latest album "Asobi" on April 30, 2025, they remain a cherished part of the Japanese music landscape. Their journey from street performers to national icons showcases the power of perseverance, talent, and the unexpected twists of fate that can lead to extraordinary success.
