Blue Bird (Ikimonogakari song)

"Blue Bird" (Japanese: ブルーバード, Hepburn: Burūbādo) is a song recorded by Japanese pop music trio Ikimono-gakari for their third studio album, My Song Your Song (2008). It premiered on July 9, 2008, as the second single from the album in Japan. It was written and composed by the group's guitarist Yoshiki Mizuno, whilst arrangement was handled by Ryo Eguchi. The track was used as the third opening theme for the anime Naruto: Shippuden, and appeared on its compilation album soundtrack respectively. Musically, "Blue Bird" is a fast-paced pop rock and folk rock song. Lyrically, it speaks to the idea of facing challenges and finding strength in overcoming them, mirroring the journey of the characters in Naruto, and uses blue bird as a metaphor.

Upon its release, the track garnered positive reviews from music critics. Many critics highlighted the track as one of Ikimonogakari's best singles, and commended Kiyoe Yoshioka's vocal abilities and the track's lyrics. It was also successful in Japan, peaking within the top five on both the Oricon Singles Chart and the Billboard Japan Hot 100. It was certified five times by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) in different categories, including triple platinum for digital sales, double platinum in chaku-uta (ringtone), gold in physical shipments, and gold in streaming. In order to promote the single, Ikimonogakari performed it on several nationwide concert tours, and added it to greatest hits albums including Ikimonobakari: Members Best Selection (2010) and Chou Ikimonobakari Tennen Kinen Members Best Selection (2016).