Ikimonogakari Celebrates 20th Anniversary by Joining tiny desk concerts JAPAN; Special Arrangement of Beloved Track 'Blue Bird' Out Now on YouTube
Tokyo, Japan – Following the recent Japanese television broadcast of IKIMONOGAKARI's tiny desk concerts JAPAN and the full performance release worldwide via NHK WORLD-JAPAN Video on Demand, their special arrangement of the iconic opening theme “Blue Bird” for the hit anime Naruto: Shippuden is set to premiere on the official NHK World YouTube channel on Monday, August 3 at 5:30 PM JST.
Watch "Blue Bird" – tiny desk concerts JAPAN:
https://youtu.be/_8NQY9M_Z54
The release comes as the anime series NARUTO continues to enjoy renewed global attention. Throughout July, new videos shared by manga publisher JUMP Music Videos featuring "Blue Bird" and "Hotarunohikari" were released. Meanwhile, "NARUTO Music Dancer," a new immersive music and dance attraction inspired by the anime franchise, opened at Tokyo JOYPOLIS. Adding to the excitement, a short reel preview from NHK WORLD-JAPAN has already generated over 2.8 million views across social media, building anticipation for the full performance.
Originally released in 2008 as one of the opening themes for Naruto Shippūden, "Blue Bird" has become one of IKIMONOGAKARI's most beloved songs worldwide. Its official music video is also on the verge of reaching 100 million views on YouTube, further cementing its enduring popularity across generations of fans.
For this performance, tiny desk concerts JAPAN presents "Blue Bird" in a special arrangement created exclusively for the series. Staying true to the spirit of the original while embracing the intimate atmosphere that defines the Tiny Desk format, the performance highlights the subtle interplay between the musicians and delivers a fresh, up-close interpretation that cannot be experienced anywhere else, offering both longtime fans and new listeners the chance to rediscover one of IKIMONOGAKARI's signature songs from an entirely new perspective.
The complete episode of tiny desk concerts JAPAN featuring IKIMONOGAKARI is also available worldwide through NHK WORLD-JAPAN Video on Demand:
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/
Meanwhile, IKIMONOGAKARI is currently celebrating the band's 20th anniversary with their nationwide 47-Prefecture Tour, a special concert series that will take the duo all across Japan throughout 2026–2027.
“Blue Bird” Release Information
Artist: IKIMONOGAKARI
Title: Blue Bird
Release Date: July 9, 2008
Opening Theme: TV Anime Naruto: Shippuden Cour 3
Listen now:https://erj.lnk.to/
Official Music Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Latest Release Information
Artist: IKIMONOGAKARI
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: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
About IKIMONOGAKARI
IKIMONOGAKARI 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 IKIMONOGAKARI 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, IKIMONOGAKARI 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 IKIMONOGAKARI has continued as a duo.
In November 2024, as part of their 25th anniversary year, IKIMONOGAKARI 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 IKIMONOGAKARI'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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