generasia:Featured article for 2021 week 8
Ikimonogakari
Ikimonogakari (いきものがかり) is a three member pop-rock band that formed in 1999 in Kanagawa, Japan. Founded by Mizuno Yoshiki and Yamashita Hotaka, the two began doing street performances and decided on their name of "Ikimonogakari". In December of the same year Yoshioka Kiyoe joined as the group's main vocalist. However, nearly one year later the three disbanded in order for Yoshiki and Hotaka to focus on their university entrance exams. Their reformation occurred in March 2002 after the two had gone through their university classes.
The group made their major debut in March 2006 under EPIC Records Japan. Since then, several of their albums have reached #1 on the Oricon weekly rankings. Many of their songs have been featured on various media such as TV commercials, anime shows, TV dramas, films, and events.
Their 33rd single, "BAKU", is released this week on February 24th.
