いきものがかり

いきものがかり (Ikimonogakari) is a three member Pop rock band that formed in 1999. They made their mainstream debut in March 2006 with Epic Japan Records.

Official website is at ikimonogakari.com

Ikimono Gakari formed in February 1999 as an indie band based in Kanagawa, Japan. Founded by Mizuno Yoshiki and Yamashita Hotaka, the two began doing street performances and decided on their name of "Ikimono Gakari". 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 occured in March 2002 after the two had gone through their university classes.

Four years after their formation, their first album was released on an indies label. They were signed to Epic Japan Records and released their first mainstream single SAKURA in March 2006. The title song was used in NTT East Japan commercials and heard on various televised programs.

Their 2nd single, HANABI, was used as the 7th ending song for the Studio Pierrot anime release, Bleach.
Their 10th single, Blue Bird, was used as the 3rd opening for Naruto Shippuden.

List of duplicates on last.fm : Ikimonogakari, Ikimono-Gakari, Ikimono Gakari.