幾田りら — Biography and Discography
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Biography
Lilas Ikuta, also known as ikura, is a prominent Japanese singer and singer-songwriter from Tokyo. Active since 2016, she is a versatile artist specializing in J-Pop, Pop Rock, and Alternative Pop. She has achieved massive cultural significance through her dual role as a solo performer and as the vocalist for the highly successful music unit YOASOBI.
Ikuta’s musical foundation was built early through training in piano, guitar, and trumpet, as well as participation in musical theater. She began her songwriting journey in elementary school and progressed to street performing and live house appearances during her middle school years. Her early career saw her participating in Sony Music’s “the LESSON” training program and releasing her first demo album, 15 no Omoi, in 2016. She also gained recognition as a member of the acoustic session unit Prasonica between 2017 and 2021.
Her career reached new heights following the 2019 formation of YOASOBI with producer Ayase. As “ikura,” she provided the vocals for the breakout hit “Yoru ni Kakeru,” which garnered hundreds of millions of streams. Parallel to this, her solo career flourished with releases such as the mini-album Rerise and Jukebox, and her first original album Sketch. Ikuta has also expanded into voice acting for films like Belle and Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction, and has appeared multiple times on the prestigious NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.
Ikuta’s musicality is characterized by a wide range of styles, from the intimate acoustic sounds of her early work to the polished, genre-blending pop of her recent releases. Her ability to navigate diverse projects—ranging from high-profile anime themes like “Hyakka Ryouran” to major commercial collaborations like “Omokage”—demonstrates her adaptability. Her work often bridges the gap between traditional singer-songwriter sensibilities and contemporary digital-era pop.
As of mid-2026, Ikuta continues to be a major force in the industry, currently conducting her first international tour, “Lilas Ikuta LIVE TOUR 2026 ‘Laugh’,” which includes stops in Seoul. Whether performing as a solo artist or as part of YOASOBI, her influence spans music, film, and animation, solidifying her place as a central figure in modern Japanese music.
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Discography
Jukebox
Released in late 2019, Jukebox serves as the debut mini-album for 幾田りら, establishing her individual musical identity during the formative years of her solo career. The album is defined by a poignant, introspective atmosphere that explores the bittersweet complexities of maturity and the lingering ache of past romances. Tracks such as おまじない and ラブレター delve into the transition from childhood innocence to adult strength, while 真夜中の君と and 通り雨 capture the profound loneliness and sensory triggers of heartbreak. This collection showcases her capacity for turning vulnerability into evocative storytelling, setting a stylistic foundation for her subsequent discography.
おまじない
Moving from the passive wishes of childhood to the active strength of adulthood, 幾田りら explores the bittersweet reality of growing up in “Omajinai.” The song subverts the idea of “spells” or charms, suggesting that true liberation comes from embracing life’s imperfections rather than waiting for magic. This analysis delves into the powerful metaphors of blank spaces and broken illusions, revealing how finding strength in our own vulnerability can lead to a more vivid way of living.
ラブレター
“ラブレター” (Love Letter) is a poignant exploration of unrequited love and the quiet maturity that comes from letting go. Through the metaphor of a letter addressed to someone from the past, the song captures the bittersweet essence of moving on while still honoring the “distorted” and precious memories of youth. It delves into the beauty of things left unsaid and the strength found in living with a gentle sense of restraint. This analysis explores how the song transforms the pain of unspoken feelings into a graceful act of selfless wishing.
真夜中の君と
幾田りら explores the heavy, quiet weight of heartbreak in “真夜中の君と,” a song that captures the profound loneliness found in the middle of the night. Through haunting imagery—from the unreachable glow of the moon to a discarded dress that seems to weep—the lyrics trace the exhausting cycle of nocturnal longing. This analysis delves into the song’s emotional shift from desperate yearning to the bitter, quiet realization of futility, revealing the hidden layers of a memory that refuses to fade.
通り雨
How do we truly move on from a past we have tried so hard to bury? In her bittersweet ballad “Tooriame” (Passing Shower), 幾田りら explores the involuntary resurfacing of suppressed memories triggered by a single, sudden sensory moment. Through poignant metaphors like the “cloth of time” and an “unsewn pin,” the song delves into the tension between the desire to forget and the inescapable ache of a love that remains. It is a moving reflection on the lingering, damp aftermath of a romance that arrives and vanishes like a summer rain.
Sketch
Released in 2023, Sketch marks a pivotal era in the artist’s career as her first major collection of original material. The album maintains a deeply introspective and bittersweet mood, exploring themes of emotional resilience and the beauty found in fleeting, mundane moments. Tracks such as 吉祥寺 and レンズ use delicate metaphors to navigate nostalgia and devotion, while songs like 宝石 and JUMP transform individual struggles into sources of luminous strength. This work establishes a cohesive foundation for her solo identity by balancing personal vulnerability with an enduring sense of hope.
Answer
In “Answer,” 幾田りら delivers a deeply personal musical diary about the struggle to find clarity amidst self-doubt and the weight of expectations. Moving beyond simple optimism, the song explores the raw tension between feeling like a “coward” and the resilient desire to keep dreaming. It is a poignant exploration of embracing imperfection, suggesting that the true answer lies not in reaching a perfect destination, but in the courage to keep weaving your story even when you feel incomplete.
JUMP
“JUMP” by 幾田りら is much more than a sports anthem; it is a profound exploration of how we transform paralyzing anxiety into unstoppable momentum. The song traces an emotional arc from the solitary, frantic battle against a “demon” heartbeat to the powerful realization that our heaviest burdens can actually become our greatest strengths. This analysis explores how the track reframes the meaning of failure, turning individual struggle into a shared, luminous connection with the world.
Midnight Talk
Explore the magic of the quiet hours with an analysis of Midnight Talk by 幾田りら. Rather than a time of loneliness, the song reimagines the late-night hours as a sanctuary where heavy emotions can dissolve into the “night sea” through simple, intimate connections. From midnight walks to the tenderness of watching a loved one sleep, discover how this track finds profound meaning in life’s most trivial and fleeting moments.
サークル
Does your daily routine feel like a never-ending loop of predictable moments? In her song “サークル,” 幾田りら explores the heavy exhaustion of modern repetition, using metaphors of digital “predictive text” and mental “reboots” to capture the feeling of burnout. However, the song offers a profound shift in perspective, reimagining the stagnant circle of life as a rising spiral. Discover how this moving track transforms mundane cycles into the momentum needed to leap toward an unpredictable and bright future.
スパークル
Ikuta Lilas explores the bittersweet ache of unrequited love in “Sparkle,” framing one-sided affection not as a tragedy, but as a fleeting, brilliant moment of beauty. Through delicate metaphors of falling petals and vanishing shooting stars, the song captures the tension between the fear of rejection and the courage to feel deeply. It is a poignant tribute to anyone who has ever found meaning in a love that was never meant to stay.
ヒカリ
Exploring the delicate balance between vulnerability and reconnection, Hikari serves as a moving anthem for enduring hope. Inspired by the transition from isolation to seeing one another clearly once more, the song uses the metaphor of a steady, guiding light to navigate the darkness of separation. This analysis dives into how 幾田りら weaves nostalgic imagery with profound emotional truths, revealing a story about the courage required to protect our shared dreams and the beauty of finding each other again.
レンズ
Using the delicate metaphor of photography, 幾田りら explores the tender and bittersweet nature of devotion in the ballad “レンズ.” The song captures the emotional tension between the warmth of cherished memories and the quiet ache of solitude, illustrating how the heart instinctively “focuses” on a single person. It is a poignant reflection on the desire to preserve fleeting moments and the hope that two separate stories might one day merge into a shared life.
ロマンスの約束
Beyond a simple love ballad, 幾田りら’s “ロマンスの約束” explores the profound resilience required to sustain a lifelong bond. By weaving together intimate imagery of “sleepless nights” and the inevitable “tipping of the scales,” the song examines how love survives through hardship and the changing tides of time. This analysis delves into the song’s deeper connections to survival and commitment, revealing why it serves as a powerful anthem for anyone navigating the beautiful, imperfect journey of staying together.
吉祥寺
In “Kichijoji,” 幾田りら transforms a specific Tokyo district into a vivid map of personal history. This deeply nostalgic track explores the bittersweet intersection of physical places and fading memories, tracing the journey of returning to one’s roots to find a connection with a past self. Through evocative imagery of swaying cherry blossoms and familiar train lines, the song captures the gentle loneliness of watching the world move on while certain moments remain frozen in time. It is a poignant reflection on the beauty of our “special yet ordinary” days and the universal struggle to hold onto them.
宝石
How do we find the courage to walk away from the places and people that define us? Ikuta Lilas explores this bittersweet tension in “宝石” (Gem), a poignant anthem about the necessity of departure and the pursuit of self-discovery. Through the evocative metaphor of turning memories into luminous gemstones, the song reframes the heavy burden of loss into a source of internal strength. It is a beautiful, hopeful guide for anyone standing at a crossroads, proving that even when we walk alone, we carry the light of our shared past with us.
蒲公英
As the theme song for the NHK drama Ooku, 幾田りら’s “蒲公英” (Tanpopo) serves as a profound anthem for anyone feeling trapped by societal expectations or the weight of duty. The song explores the tension between a stifling, repetitive existence and the innate desire for authentic connection, using the dandelion as a powerful metaphor for resilience. Through a journey of suffering and strength, the lyrics reveal how even the most broken spirits can transform their pain into seeds of hope for the future.
Laugh
Serving as her second full-length studio album, Laugh represents a profound period of self-actualization and artistic maturity for 幾田りら. The collection navigates a rich emotional spectrum, moving from the rhythmic liberation of Latata to the tender, quiet observations of daily connection found in Cafe Latte and With. Through anthemic tracks like Voyage and the deeply personal DREAMER, the album explores themes of resilience, authenticity, and the courage required to pursue one’s true identity. By weaving together vibrant pop sensibilities with raw, vulnerable storytelling, Laugh solidifies her standing as a singular and essential voice in her solo career.
Actor
Does the persona we present to the world make us dishonest, or is it actually a profound act of kindness? Exploring the intersection of social masks and genuine connection, this analysis dives into 幾田りら’s “Actor” and its deep ties to the world of SPY×FAMILY. We uncover how the song reframes our daily performances not as lies, but as a way to protect those we love amidst the beautiful, messy chaos of life.
Cafe Latte
How does a simple cup of coffee capture the depth of a lifelong romance? “Cafe Latte” explores the beauty of love found in mundane daily rituals, moving beyond grand gestures to find meaning in the quiet warmth of a shared morning or a tired evening greeting. By weaving together metaphors of sweetness, bitterness, and the fleeting nature of foam, the song examines the delicate balance required to keep a relationship from growing cold. It is a poignant reflection on how the most ordinary moments can become the strongest anchors for a love that has survived the test of time.
DREAMER
What does it mean when music ceases to be a hobby and becomes an inseparable part of your identity? In her deeply personal anthem DREAMER, Ikuta Lilas explores the thin line between creative passion and an unstoppable, almost overwhelming compulsion. Through visceral metaphors of celestial light and natural survival, the song captures the journey from childhood vulnerability to the fierce resolve of a creator. This analysis dives into how the track serves as both a character study and a raw self-portrait of an artist finding her true voice.
Latata
“Latata” is more than just an upbeat dance track; it is a rhythmic manifesto for self-compassion and liberation. Through the metaphor of letting go on the dance floor, the song explores how we can release daily anxieties and the pressure to be perfect to find our true selves. Discover how the infectious beat and clever lyrical imagery transform a personal moment of dancing into a powerful, communal celebration of authenticity.
P.S.
Through the metaphor of an unfinished letter, 幾田りら explores the bittersweet reality of unrequited love and the beauty of connection that doesn’t necessarily lead to a romantic union. The song captures the delicate tension between two people living at different emotional tempos, finding dignity in the “mismatched” rhythms of life. It is a poignant reflection for anyone who has ever found growth in a love that remained unsaid, revealing how even the most silent feelings can shape who we become.
Sign
How do we find our way back to ourselves when we have spent too long hiding behind a mask? In “Sign,” 幾田りら explores the heavy emotional toll of living a life of self-deception and the feeling of becoming “transparent” in a crowded world. Through evocative metaphors of overflowing glasses and sinking shadows, the song charts a raw journey from profound isolation toward a resilient search for authenticity. This analysis dives into the song’s hidden layers, uncovering the small, painful guideposts that lead us toward a self we can truly love.
Voyage
“Voyage” by Ikuta Lilas is a stirring anthem that embraces the beautiful messiness of pursuing a dream. Through the metaphor of a turbulent sea journey, the song explores how to find strength in half-baked ambitions and trembling hands. This analysis uncovers the deep emotional layers of the track, moving from the weight of daily monotony to an explosive breakthrough of resilience, revealing why even our most uncertain steps are essential to changing our scenery.
With
In an increasingly digital world, 幾田りら’s “With” finds profound beauty in the slow, sincere rhythms of human connection. This analysis explores how the song moves from the sudden miracle of a meeting to a deeply mature vow of staying present through life’s smallest moments and inevitable changes. Discover how the lyrics use the imagery of the mundane to transform ordinary days into a sacred promise of lifelong devotion.
タイムマシン
What if you could use a time machine to erase the pain of a heartbreak, even if it meant losing the memories of the love itself? In “タイムマシン,” 幾田りら explores the bittersweet paradox of memory and the desperate urge to undo the past. This analysis dives into the song’s journey from regretful “what ifs” to a profound, mature acceptance of loss. Discover how the track transforms the sting of betrayal into a meaningful milestone for anyone learning to make peace with their own history.
ハミング
In a world that often feels set to “hard mode,” how do we find the space to simply breathe? 幾田りら’s “Humming” serves as a gentle manifesto for self-compassion, reframing rest not as laziness, but as a vital necessity for survival. Through relatable metaphors of digital glitches and the quiet ease of a yawning cat, this analysis explores how the song helps listeners navigate the tension between constant productivity and the need to unplug. Discover how a simple melody can become a powerful tool for reclaiming happiness in a noisy world.
恋風
How do we find the courage to love again after heartbreak has left us feeling paralyzed? Ikuta Lilas explores this delicate emotional recovery in “Koi Kaze,” a song that moves from the heavy ache of past trauma to the light, sparkling sensation of a new beginning. Through beautiful metaphors of shifting winds and dancing leaves, the track captures the transformative moment when a steady gaze helps a wounded heart finally start moving again. Discover how this gentle breeze turns hesitation into the strength to take a decisive step forward.
百花繚乱
Can beauty and self-discovery truly bloom from the center of a chaotic mystery? This exploration of Ikuta Lilas’s “Hyakka Ryouran” examines how the song uses vibrant floral metaphors to navigate the tension between whimsy and intrigue. Discover how clever medicinal wordplay and a shifting emotional landscape turn this opening theme into a profound exploration of personal transformation.
青春謳歌 ( feat. ano )
Amidst the chaos of a crumbling world, how can the most trivial, seemingly useless moments become our greatest strength? This analysis of Ikuta Lilas’s “Seishun Ouka” explores the song’s defiant celebration of mundane existence and the radical power of human connection. From the metaphor of flat soda to a cinematic embrace of the apocalypse, discover how this anthem transforms fear into a rebellious manifesto for finding meaning in the everyday.
Singles
夢見る16歳
“夢見る16歳” captures the intoxicating and often bittersweet tension between youthful passion and the protective boundaries of adulthood. Through a unique musical dialogue, the song explores the feverish intensity of a first crush and the inevitable nostalgia that follows the passing of time. It is a poetic journey through the delicate threshold of growing up, revealing the hidden emotional layers of what it truly means to be sixteen.
ロケット・トゥ・ザ・ムーン～信じた世界へ～ (Netflix 映画『フェイフェイと月の冒険』より)
Explore the emotional bridge between scientific curiosity and deep-seated yearning in “Rocket to the Moon To the World I Believed In.” This analysis dives into how the song captures the protagonist Fei Fei’s journey from the heavy weight of grief to the exhilarating courage of pursuing her own truth. Discover how the lyrics weave together metaphors of space travel and ancient mythology to prove that the things we feel are just as real as the things we can see.
Aitai
“Aitai” is a poignant exploration of the agony found in impossible, unrequited love and the desperate desire to remain in the orbit of someone who cannot fully love you back. This analysis dives into the song’s themes of self-sacrifice and the psychological trap of being a second priority, examining how the lyrics capture a cycle of intermittent kindness and crushing loneliness. Whether through the original dramatic ballad or 幾田りら’s ethereal reimagining, discover the hidden layers of heartbreak within this haunting plea for connection.
SWEET MEMORIES
What does it mean to feel a “nostalgic pain” for a love that has long since passed? Exploring the bittersweet concept of natsukashii itami, this analysis dives into how “SWEET MEMORIES” transforms the sharp sting of loss into something beautiful and distant. We examine the tension between the intense, burning passions of youth and the quiet stability of adulthood, revealing how time refines our most painful mistakes into sweet, idealized memories.
いのちの名前
A lyrical meditation on the sanctity of existence, 幾田りら’s rendition of “いのちの名前” explores the delicate tension between the fear of the unknown and the beauty of being alive. Through evocative imagery like sunlight filtering through trees and the metaphor of reclaiming one’s “name,” the song traces a journey from physical anxiety to deep spiritual realization. It is a poignant reflection for anyone who has ever felt lost in the flow of time, seeking to rediscover their true self amidst the chaos of life.
In Bloom
In Bloom by Ikuta Lilas serves as a stunning musical bridge between the opulent beauty of the Imperial Harem and the lethal mysteries hidden within its shadows. This analysis explores how the track uses clever botanical metaphors to mirror a journey of resilience and the relentless pursuit of truth. Discover the hidden layers within the lyrics and see how the song evolves from a sense of disorientation into a powerful anthem of self-discovery.
Cafe Latte (English Version)
Using a cafe latte as a central metaphor, this analysis explores how “Cafe Latte (English Version)” transforms a simple morning ritual into a profound statement on devotion. The song weaves together the sweetness and bitterness of companionship, mirroring the sweeping, cyclical destiny found in the drama Surely Tomorrow. Discover how the lyrics shift from quiet domestic intimacy to a powerful realization that true love isn’t just a feeling, but an active choice that must be nurtured every single day.
パズル
How do the small, imperfect moments of a crush eventually click into place to become something undeniable? In her song “パズル,” 幾田りら uses the delicate metaphor of a jigsaw puzzle to explore the gradual, often messy process of falling in love. This analysis dives into the song’s journey from hesitant attraction to the courageous moment of emotional realization. Discover how the lyrics transform the “bumpy” edges of human imperfection into a beautiful, completed picture of connection.
Stay with me
Explore the gentle, healing power of companionship in Ikuta Lilas’s “stay with me.” Moving beyond grand gestures, this song celebrates the quiet comfort of simply having someone exist by your side through the chaotic rushes of daily life. Through a delicate use of sensory Japanese onomatopoeia, the analysis delves into how the song provides a sanctuary for vulnerability and the profound relief found in life’s most ordinary moments.
Collaborations
Sing along!!! (feat. 幾田りら)
“Sing along!!!” is a high-energy anthem that celebrates the unyielding passion of anyone who lives for music. Written by Rira Ikuta for the film Paripi Koumei THE MOVIE, the song explores the transformative journey from childhood dreaming to the realities of artistic pursuit. Through evocative imagery of hairbrushes turned into microphones and heartbeats becoming rhythms, the lyrics delve into what it truly means to be a “Music Lover.” It is a soulful tribute to the dreamers who find their identity in every melody and rhythm.
Free Free Free feat.幾田りら
How can we break free from the paralyzing weight of modern logic and over-analysis? “Free Free Free” serves as a powerful anthem of liberation, charting a journey from the isolation of the pandemic toward a future driven by raw intuition and soulful longing. This analysis explores how the song encourages us to stop overthinking our lives and instead embrace the “playful” spirit needed to turn even our wildest delusions into reality. Discover how this track transforms collective trauma into a triumphant celebration of hope and human connection.
LIKE、重ねていく (feat.幾田りら)
Does the truth even matter when you simply want to believe in someone? This sophisticated duet explores the tension between objective reality and the overwhelming desire to feel, portraying love as a rhythmic accumulation of moments that are as essential as breathing yet as fleeting as an illusion. Through striking lyrical wordplay and a deep dive into the duality of affection and existence, the analysis uncovers the hidden layers of a song that captures the bittersweet beauty of loving deeply despite the inevitable end.
TIME TO LUV (feat. 幾田りら)
What does it mean to truly live in a world obsessed with permanence and long-term planning? Through “TIME TO LUV,” ピーナッツくん and 幾田りら explore the concept of presentism, rejecting the pressure of a “100-year life” in favor of the raw, fleeting intensity of the now. Using evocative metaphors like the delicate flicker of a sparkler, the song delves into the tension between chronological time and the weightless, supernatural feeling of authentic connection. This analysis uncovers the hidden layers of a track that urges us to stop recording our lives and start actually feeling them.
おもかげ (produced by Vaundy)
What happens when the things we lose actually lead us to something more real? Through a beautiful collaboration between milet, Aimer, and Ikuta Lilas, “おもかげ” explores the profound paradox that loss, memory, and even sadness can reveal an invisible kind of love. This analysis dives into how the song transforms vulnerability into a source of strength, turning the heavy weight of “curses” into a luminous, shared human truth.
たりないすくない (feat.幾田りら)
“たりないす少ない (Tarinai sukunai)” is a sophisticated exploration of the tension between intense intimacy and the fleeting nature of time. Through sensual imagery and poetic wordplay, the song captures the desperate, beautiful hunger for connection that arises when we realize how quickly precious moments vanish. Dive into our analysis to discover how the artist uses classical Japanese elements and a “witch-like” atmosphere to turn a single night into a profound meditation on love and human insufficiency.
SHINSEKAIより
“SHINSEKAIより” (From the New World) explores the intense, almost possessive bond between two individuals amidst a landscape of existential dread and societal chaos. Moving beyond traditional romance, the song captures a sense of profound alienation and the desperate urge to find one absolute truth when the rest of the world feels nonsensical. Discover how the lyrics navigate the thin line between nihilism and fierce devotion, offering a hauntingly beautiful sanctuary for those seeking connection in an unpredictable reality.
ばかまじめ
What does it mean to be “stupidly serious” in a world that feels endlessly repetitive and exhausting? This anthem celebrates the stubborn, clumsy individuals who keep moving forward even when life feels like a series of small, messy failures. We dive into the lyrical journey of the song to uncover how the very grind that wears us down can eventually be reframed as a source of profound resilience and purpose.
宝石( feat.幾田りら)
“宝石 (Housheki)” explores the bittersweet reality of moving on and the courage required to step into the unknown. Through the evocative metaphor of memories as sparkling gems, 幾田りら transforms the ache of departure into a profound sense of empowerment. This analysis delves into the song’s emotional journey from loneliness to self-discovery, uncovering how our past experiences become the light that guides us forward.
絶絶絶絶対聖域 (feat.幾田りら)
What happens when the world ends, but the only thing that matters is the messy, imperfect person standing next to you? This analysis explores the chaotic layers of 絶絶絶絶対聖域, a song that juxtaposes planetary destruction with the intimate sanctuary of human connection. Through a blend of aggressive distortion and internet slang, the track captures the surreal experience of finding meaning in a collapsing reality. Discover how this sonic collision of nihilism and devotion redefines what it means to protect something truly sacred.
線香花火 feat. 幾田りら
“線香花火” captures the bittersweet essence of a summer romance that feels as fragile and fleeting as a glowing ember. Through a clever “show, don’t tell” lyrical technique, the song evokes the visual magic of a sparkler without ever actually naming it, inviting listeners to project their own memories onto its light. Explore how the track moves from dreamy nostalgia to a raw, heartfelt plea to keep the heat of a perfect moment from fading away.
DUET
What happens when the gritty textures of Korean Hip-Hop collide with the melodic magic of Japanese Pop? “DUET” explores this high-energy chemical reaction through a vibrant collaboration between ZICO and IKURA. Using metaphors of mixing paints and fitting puzzle pieces, the song celebrates how contrasting styles can blend into a single, harmonious masterpiece. Discover how this cross-cultural journey moves from a cool, rhythmic groove to a festive celebration that bridges the gap between Tokyo and Seoul.