Ikimono-gakari’s easy-to-sing songs. Popular karaoke recommendations.

YELLIkimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari “YELL” Music Video

This is Ikimonogakari’s 15th single, released in September 2009.

While Ikimonogakari often has many bright, upbeat songs, this one is very gentle and mellow.

Songs like this, which are more like slow ballads, might seem daunting for people who aren’t confident singers, but the song itself isn’t difficult.

Try to approach it by singing gently and carefully.

In the post-interlude section—the so-called D melody—if you sing more powerfully and brightly to create a contrast with the other parts, the overall impression will come across even better.

Whimsical RomanticIkimonogakari

Ikimonogakari “Kimagure Romantic” Music Video

Kimagure Romantic, which was used as the theme song for the drama Celeb to Binbo Taro, was released in 2008 as their 12th single.

It’s a catchy, upbeat love song that straightforwardly expresses the desire to “whisk me away,” and just listening to it will lift your spirits.

I think it’s the perfect track when you want to hype up a karaoke session to the max.

Despite its lively feel, the melody’s vocal range is surprisingly narrow.

Perform it with all your energy!

I feel like going home.Ikimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari “I Felt Like Going Home” Music Video

How about a heart-stirring ballad? “Kaeritakunattayo” was released in 2008 as the ninth single.

It was featured as the theme song for the film Sand Chronicles and used in commercials.

The bittersweet yet warm lyrics—expressing the longing to return to someone dear—really touch the heart.

The expansive, gentle vocals also seem to deepen that message.

As a ballad, the melody is of course on the slower side.

Try to sing it carefully and with attention to detail.

BluebirdIkimonogakari

Ikimonogakari "Blue Bird" Music Video

Blue Bird, which was used as an opening theme for the anime Naruto Shippuden.

Released in 2008 as their 10th single, it’s a work that really highlights Ikimono-gakari’s coolness.

The lyrics, which convey a strong will to “move toward the place you envision,” are memorable.

Yoshioka’s steady, resonant vocals perfectly match that message, too.

While there are some high notes in the pre-chorus, the rest sits in a range that is relatively easy for many female singers.

Thank youIkimonogakari

Ikimonogakari 'Arigatou' Music Video

It’s also well-loved as a classic for graduation songs and wedding BGM.

Released in 2010 as their 18th single, “Arigatou” was a newly written theme song for the drama Gegege no Nyobo that aired the same year.

It’s a moving track featuring the warm tones of acoustic guitar, piano, and strings, and its lyrics, which express gratitude to someone dear, are enough to bring you to tears just by reading them.

The chorus goes a bit higher, but the rest sits in a calm range, so most women should be able to sing it comfortably.

smileIkimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari “Egao” Music Video

It’s a heartwarming song that can serve as a guide for life.

Egao, which was selected as the theme song for the film Pokémon the Movie: Black and White — Genesect and the Legend Awakened (Mewtwo Awakens), was released in 2013 as the 26th single.

Perhaps because Yoshioka sings as if she’s speaking directly to you, each word reaches your ears and your heart without filter.

It’s a message song that gives you the courage to live true to yourself.

The key goes up in the final chorus, so keep that in mind when you sing.

planetariumIkimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari “Planetarium” Music Video

The song “Planetarium,” released in 2008 as the 11th single, served as the theme song for the drama “Cat Street” aired the same year.

Its gentle band sound pairs perfectly with Yoshioka’s clear, straightforward vocals, making it a delight to listen to.

The lyrics, filled with determination to “overcome sorrow and move forward,” give you the courage to face tomorrow.

The range is comfortable for female singers, but watch out for the key change in the final chorus—the key shifts up by a semitone.