It's been announced that Yamashita Hotaka will be parting ways with Ikimonogakari this summer. 

The band is currently in the middle of their nationwide tour 'Ikimonogakari no Minasan, Konni Tour!! THE LIVE 2021!!!' Their last live with three members will be the tour finale on June 10 and 11 at Yokohama Arena.

After his withdrawal, Yamashita will focus on creative activities such as composing music and writing. As for Ikimonogakari, they will continue their activities with Mizuno Yoshiki and Yoshioka Kiyoe. 

The group reached this decision after discussing it many times because they felt that there was a change of heart among the members. "We tried grazing (hiatus) and going independent. While continuing our journey of ups and downs, we felt that Yamashita and the other two members' feelings toward music as well as the group started to differ little by little," they revealed. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Yamashita put in his request to leave the band, and so, they decided to go their separate ways. Yamashita commented, "Who knows what will be created in the future. It would make me happy if you would please watch over me warmly. It will be a little strange to see Ikimonogakari with just two members, but I also look forward to their journey." 

Childhood friends Yamashita and Mizuno started their musical activities in 1999. Yoshioka joined in November that same year officially beginning their activities as Ikimonogakari. They made their indies debut in 2003, then their major debut with the single "SAKURA" in March of 2006.