Ikimonogakari Celebrates Debut 20th Anniversary with New Single 'Goodbye Lara,' Opening Theme for the TV Anime 'Goodbye, Lara'
The song is available now together with the official music video
Tokyo, Japan — Celebrating their debut 20th anniversary, beloved Japanese pop duo Ikimono-gakari has released their brand-new single "Goodbye, Lara," the opening theme song for the TV anime Goodbye, Lara. The track is now available on all major streaming platforms worldwide.
Inspired by the emotional themes of the anime, "Goodbye, Lara" captures the courage to choose one's own path, embrace encounters and farewells, and continue moving forward despite the uncertainty of one's fate. The song serves as the opening theme for Goodbye, Lara, a modern fantasy that reimagines the timeless tale of a mermaid princess searching for true love across centuries.
The official music video also premiered today on July 15 at 9:00 PM JST, following the digital release of the single.
Since debuting, Ikimono-gakari have become one of Japan's most beloved pop acts, known for their heartfelt songwriting and memorable anime theme songs. Marking their 20th anniversary debut in 2026, the duo continues to connect with audiences through music that blends emotional storytelling with uplifting melodies.
"Goodbye, Lara" adds another significant chapter to the group's celebrated career, pairing their signature sound with one of this season's most anticipated anime series.
Artist Comment
"Choosing your own story and living it is truly difficult. You leap into new encounters, discover your own voice, face your destiny, and even choose your farewells. It takes courage, determination, and the desire to pursue a life that is truly your own. And eventually, everything returns to a quiet calm, as though nothing had happened.
Through our encounter with Goodbye, Lara, we wrote the song that only we could create at this moment. We hope you'll enjoy listening to it together with the anime."
About Goodbye, Lara - Introduction
Long, long ago, there lived a mermaid princess named Lara. She was raised with love by her father, the king of the sea, and her sisters.
One day, Lara fell in love with a human prince who lived on land. It was a forbidden love — one that was not allowed in the world of mermaids. Still, Lara journeyed to the surface. With a potion, given to her from the witch Grace, she became human.
But the potion came at a cost — if she failed to find true love, she would turn into foam and vanish into the ocean. Though she was a princess of the sea, Lara chose love. Yet, her wish went unfulfilled and she vanished into the sea.
Two hundred years later, Lara awakens once more, in Lake Biwa, to finally search for her true love.
Release Information
Artist: Ikimono-gakari
Title: Goodbye, Lara
Release Date: July 15, 2026
Opening Theme: TV Anime Goodbye, Lara
Listen now: https://erj.lnk.to/uBLs02
Anime Opening (Non-Credit): https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Official Music Video: Premieres July 15, 2026 at 9:00 PM JST (Link TBA)
About Ikimonogatari
Ikimono-gakari was formed on February 1, 1999, by Yoshiki Mizuno and Hotaka Yamashita, who attended the same elementary, middle and high schools. The band's name was inspired by their role in first grade as the class "animal caretakers" (Ikimono-gakari in Japanese), responsible for looking after their classroom's pet goldfish.
The duo began performing on the streets of their hometowns, Atsugi and Ebina, along the Odakyu railway line. On November 3, 1999, Kiyoe Yoshioka, the younger sister of one of their classmates, spontaneously joined one of their street performances, transforming Ikimono-gakari into a three-piece band. With Kiyoe's powerful vocals, the group continued performing extensively in their hometowns and gradually built a loyal following, eventually selling out their solo performances at live houses.
On March 15, 2006, Ikimono-gakari made their major-label debut with the single "SAKURA." They went on to release numerous hit songs, including "Arigatou," "YELL," "Blue Bird," and "Kaze Ga Fuiteiru," establishing themselves as one of Japan's most beloved pop acts of the 21st century. On June 2, 2021, the group announced that Hotaka Yamashita would leave, and Ikimono-gakari has continued as a duo.
In November 2024, as part of their 25th anniversary year, Ikimono-gakari held their first solo performance at Nippon Budokan, one of Japan's most iconic concert venues and a major milestone for domestic artists, with a capacity of approximately 10,000.
On April 30, 2025, they released their 11th studio album, ASOBI, which the members described as their second "first album." Beginning on June 7, 2025, they embarked on a nationwide arena tour across Japan, with performances selling out one after another. In October, they headlined Day 2 of WONDERLIVET 2025.
2026 marks Ikimono-gakari's debut 20th anniversary year as they continue their music journey with “Goodbye, Lara” and a nationwide all 47 prefecture Japan tour.
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