Ikimonogakari plans a hiatus for 2011

Locking down 2010 as one of the most successful years in their career, the members of Ikimono Gakari feel like they can take a well-deserved break in 2011.

The group’s vocalist, Kiyoe Yoshioka, announced on December 9th through her weekly radio show that the trio would be taking a performing hiatus for the first half of 2011. She also confirmed rumors that her radio program, “Ikimono Gakari Kiyoe Yoshikoa no All Night Nippon” would draw to its close on December 21st.

Details about the length of the hiatus have yet to be determined, but a source close to the group estimates it to be six months at the most; the band should fully resume their activities come July. Currently, it’s been decided that their performance for the “Kohaku uta Gassen” on the 31st will be their “last” for a while.

So why take a break when their career is escalating to such great heights? Many fans are baffled the trio’s decision, particularly since they recently received certification from RIAJ for selling over a million copies of their “Ikimono Bakari ~Members BEST Selection~” album.

Leader Yoshiki Mizuno explained, “We’ve stretched ourselves too thin, so we’d like to take a rest.”

With three more concerts remaining in their tour, many are anticipating additional details regarding the hiatus during the shows.