Hotaru no Hikari

Released on July 15, 2009, the J-pop group Ikimonogakari delivered Hotaru no Hikari as their fourteenth single. Written by band members Yoshiki Mizuno and Kiyoe Yoshioka, the track blends upbeat pop rock with distinct guitar riffs and harmonious vocals. The song served as a major commercial breakthrough for the trio, eventually earning Gold certification in Japan.

The single gained significant international traction when it was selected as the ending theme for episodes 128 through 153 of the anime series Naruto Shippuden. This placement introduced the melody to a global audience and sparked numerous cover versions by artists like Rainych and AmaLee. While the title shares its name with an 1881 Japanese folk song used for graduations and store closings, this specific recording stands as a distinct modern hit that defined the band's mid-career peak. [edit]