What do you expect from Ikimono in 2014?

I personaly think it's time to do something new. I would like to see collaborations with other artists to combine their sounds.

A collabo with Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra for example. There are two collaborations left for their 25th anniversary in 2014. Bands are unknown yet.

And of course finally a world tour. ^^

I completely agree that it is time to shake things up and look for new sounds and new endeavors.
I think Iki has finally settled down, a couple of years ago, as a staple of the Japanese music scene but being in that position means that they probably are to be making the same material that they have recently and I do not believe that is a good idea. The band used to try different things when they were starting up and I think they should try new things now.

A collaboration with new artists seems like a good idea, maybe even for a collaboration album. Having said that, I doubt much will change in the coming years as I think they will probably focus on Japanese tours and putting out a single or album once in a while. =/

Oh, speaking of tours, a world tour would be great. Economically impractical but without a doubt that going to the main western spots where Japanese music can fill an auditorium (small as it may be) would probably be a great experience for them as a band and broaden their horizons. Also, it would elevate their profile on the west. I'd say they should try England, France, Germany, Brazil and maybe the USA.

As long as they are under Sony Music there will be no change i think. It's all about what sells best and that is routine Ikimonogakari music everybody loves. Sony Music probably wouldn't take a risk. So as long the records selling well. ^_^

^ Precisely. I believe the same as well.

Edit:
I just remembered the case of Yui and how she talked about going on hiatus when in fact what was left behind was pretty much "Yui" as was being perceived by the general public under the Sony label (if I'm not mistaken). Flower Flower is not just a new band, I think. It is also the freedom for her to try new things, sounds and work with new people.

tao priest wrote:As long as they are under Sony Music there will be no change i think. It's all about what sells best and that is routine Ikimonogakari music everybody loves. Sony Music probably wouldn't take a risk. So as long the records selling well. ^_^

Also as long as they keep working with Seiji Kameda (he knows pop, but Ikimonogakari it's not only pop).
IMO they will have to re discover themselves, bring back the combination of rock and acoustic music.  It's funny how the older they get the more child oriented it's music has become (not all songs tho).  

They have an amazing singer who I love to listen almost anything, and can sing most genres.
And they (the label) typecast her.  I don't know how long is Iki's recording deal with Sony, but hopefully once it ends they find someone that gives them more musical/artistic freedom.

The world tour?  If L'Arc-en-Ciel has visited France and the USA... hopefully when Ikimonogakari it's 20 years old they can reach us too.

I couldn't say anything more...you two got most of my thoughts.

Collaboration is the only way to go to create something new. Kiyoe had proven that she can pretty much collaborate with any artists. But i would want Iki to collab under rock or hiphop genre. Hehe

World tour? possible but would take years for that to happen. Its all about the management, y'know...  

I just want to share this info I read online just in case you guys don't know yet "Ikimonogakari's Mizuno Yoshiki announces his marriage".
and here's the link
http://www.tokyohive.com/article/2013/08/ikimonogakaris-mizuno-yoshiki-announces-his-marriage

Thx! So we wish them of course all luck they derserve in 2014. ^^

His marriage was already discussed here:
http://www.ikimono-world.com/t1980-mizuno-yoshiki-is-a-married-man