Some BAD news: Ikimono Gakari to take a break in 2011

Ikimono Gakari to take a break in 2011

Ikimono Gakari vocalist Kiyoe Yoshioka (26) announced on Wednesday night that her weekly radio show "Ikimono Gakari Yoshioka Kiyoe no All Night Nippon" will be ending with its December 21 broadcast. More importantly, she apparently confirmed that the band will be taking a break from performances during the first half of 2011.

A rumor was published in newspapaers last month that the band would be going on hiatus for the first half of 2011, but the band and their record label issued public denials at the time. The band's leader, Yoshiki Mizuno, previously said that the members had discussed focusing on writing new songs, but that they would continue with their live activities.

It is now being reported that Ikimono Gakari will indeed be focusing on writing, but will not be doing any concerts or live performances. The length of the "hiatus" has not been decided, but a source says that it will be half a year at most, and that the band will fully resume activities by July. Their performance at Kohaku Uta Gassen on December 31 has been declared as their "last" for now.

The timing of the decision seems odd, given that they are currently at their peak with their recent best album "Ikimono Bakari ~Members BEST Selection~" getting certified by the RIAJ as reaching 1 million copies shipped. However, Yoshioka said, "We've run too far so we would like to take a rest. Please forgive our selfishness."

Ikimono Gakari has three more concerts left in their current tour, beginning with one on Thursday. It is expected that they may deliver more details to their fans at those shows.

Source: Tokyograph (http://www.tokyograph.com/news/id-7131); Sankei Sports (original Japanese article - http://www.sanspo.com/geino/news/101209/gnj1012090507016-n1.htm)

We're going to feel sad that they're going on hiatus for the first half of next year. Already we lost ayaka last year (she's on hiatus), and earlier this year Utada announced hiatus indefinitely.

So, what do you think about this announcement? I was quite surprised - and also sad - about their announcement to go on hiatus for the first half of next year.

they said they take a break only in live performance. and they want to focus in writing song. so for me it would be fine cos they still productive though there'll be no performance in next 6 month

why??? huhu.... well if they need rest.. they sure deserve it.. maybe in the next 6 month, they'll make a grand come back with more epic song..

It's not good for promotion, since they're now literally on their peak, but...

they're artists, and I respect and appreciate this decision. Many other bands I admire once went on hiatus (The Beatles for God's sake! ). So, I hope everything turns out well and this break helps them.

Go Iki, we'll always support you guys.


Thanks for the information, bigtop! Apparently it made me kinda sad, too.

i already hear about their hiatus, its good the choose it after the best album, after 5 years hard work in major label, they deserved it.

their human side need rest too, if you guys notice the last song of the best album they just wanted to go home(kaeritaku natta yo)..............

i hope they will get back with more spirit and create more good song for us to enjoy..............

thanks for everything ikimonogakari, hontouni arigatou gozaimas!!!!

Well, this is kinda sad especially coz now their really undoubtedly famous but they deserve it.......All those live performances would have been pretty exhausting! 'Specially for dearest Kiyoe........let's look on the bright side at least they won't split!

well that`s good, of course they need to rest..
keep supporting ikimono gakari..

yes this is some bad news, but yeah they deserve the rest they need after all their hardwork...

Bigtop wrote:Yoshioka said, "We've run too far so we would like to take a rest. Please forgive our selfishness."

It's alright kiyoe, the fans would be the one being selfish if we don't want you guys to take a rest ...
You can get a free massage from me hehehe


Well, let's just wait for them, and i'm sure they'll return with even greater music than what greatness they already have.

They may be on a hiatus in the industry, but they will never be in our hearts... c=

I myself think this is a good news. rest=more creating energy.
I've always worried about their non-stop working.
That will squish them.

I'm sooo sad ! but I look forward more to Kohaku ! but it's only 6 months ! i hope in July they'll make a huge come back !
Keep on supporting them ! yoshh !

yeah i'm also sad we won't be hearing from them but i'm glad they'll rest and write more incredible music!!

It's a sad news and 6 months hiatus is way too long. I agree with bananafish, they are on peak so i believe that this is the perfect time for them to really show who they are to the world. But, we have to respect their decision...So, hope to receive good news from them on July 2011..maybe a new album with more kiyoe's touch

Lav!tz wrote:...the eventuality of a new release being only in Spring?

Why did I have to say that?...




Now, seriously, I think it's the right move to make. Yes, they achieved a nice position and status and could capitalize on that but hten again, a rushed job almost always ends badly. The "Best Of" album was a good mark to achieve before a rest and as Ikimo said, the more they rest and dive into their creative side, the more we can expect them to deliver a quality release.

They just released 3 new songs on their best album, so that can appease fans for the hiatus. And their 20th single is coming up, they may make it really spectacular.
Besides, the longer you wait for something, the more precious it becomes.

i agree with ikimo, they should get some rest...they have been working very hard for the past few years and they deserve this small hiatus... probably after their hiatus, they will very active again like they were this year... i just hope to be able to hear their new songs when they have their come back...

My emotions and thoughts about this one is somewhat in the middle.

It's true that they're on their peak but if i try to think about it...probably leaving fans with their best album is the best choice before taking a break.

After years of hardwork, its just reasonable for them to have a rest. Remember guyz, more time means more good songs will be produce.

Kiyoe also needs to rest her voice and have a beauty rest as well. hehe. And of course have time for love life. (yes! moment ive been waiting for!...lol)

Maybe hotaka will visit the Philippines again for his vacation.

masterjz wrote:
Kiyoe also needs to rest her voice and have a beauty rest as well. hehe. And of course have time for love life. (yes! moment ive been waiting for!...lol)

masterjz wrote:
Maybe hotaka will visit the Philippines again for his vacation.

hope the other member come here too for vacation.

masterjz wrote:My emotions and thoughts about this one is somewhat in the middle.

It's true that they're on their peak but if i try to think about it...probably leaving fans with their best album is the best choice before taking a break.

After years of hardwork, its just reasonable for them to have a rest. Remember guyz, more time means more good songs will be produce.

agree with masterjz

best selection song..is the best decision before taking break..i wonder maybe they've intended this before, so, they've to give us "something to hear' for this 6 months :p

Kiyoe also needs to rest her voice and have a beauty rest as well. hehe. And of course have time for love life. (yes! moment ive been waiting for!...lol)

don't ever think about it master...she's mine

awww... hopefully they will continue to be writing songs like it says and maybe release a single. But, they are an amazing band for coming this far and they do deserve a good, well rest until they resume again. But don't worry, they will come back sometime and when they do, I'm sure it's going to be a really big hit
arigatougozaimasu ikimono gakari.

ahh,unfortunately...
they must take a break,but i'll wait for the great song again from ikimono gakari
they must back although for the long time
i'll wait you ikimono gakari
please rest for a moment hehe

My friend told me about this at school when it hit the news, but since I'm stuck in finals hell the wave of emotions just hit me now!

I'm sad, of course, but they need to take their well-deserved break. Plus, 6 months is nothing compared to Utada Hikaru and ayaka's indefinite hiatuses... >_<

With any luck I can run into one of the members while I'm in Tokyo (...yeah right, I wish! lol)

^ Possible...why not...but most likely it will be in some resto or bars where celebrities use to go...or some place where privacy can be bought by money.

If a 6 month rest means new songs for a new album, then I'm behind them 100%!!

it's sad... six months without ikimono but they will be back and they can show us why we like them so much
finally, ikimono gakari are humans too... i'll be waiting

ohhh....... this is SO Sad........!!
six months is too long for me......
But.., they focus to write a song..,, it's ok..,,
I will await for the results.........