Japanese pop duo Ikimonogakari has released their new single “Goodbye Lara,” the opening theme song for the TV anime Goodbye, Lara. The song is now available on major streaming platforms worldwide.
Released as part of the duo’s 20th anniversary debut celebrations, “Goodbye Lara” reflects the anime’s emotional story of love, hope, and moving forward. The official music video also premiered on July 15.
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.”
Ikimonogakari “Goodbye Lara” (Original TV Anime ‘Goodbye Lara’ OP Theme) Music Video
Key Visual:
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.
Artist photo:
About Ikimonogatari:
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” (ikimonogakari 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.
■ Ikimonogakari links:
YouTube: いきものがかり Official YouTube Channel – YouTube
X (Twitter): https://x.com/ikimonoofficial
Instagram: いきものがかり (@ikimonogakari_staff)
Official website: いきものがかり OFFICIAL WEBSITE
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ikimonogakari_official?lang=ja-JP
Source: Press release
© Avex Music Creative Inc.
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