AKB48’s classic and hit songs: Relive your youth! A comprehensive introduction to their popular tracks

Unexpected StoryAKB48

A song about falling for someone you weren’t interested in at all.

It carries a message that there’s no point overthinking the future since things never go exactly as expected, so you might as well take the plunge.

It also stands out because it features AKB48’s vocal selection, a lineup of members chosen for their singing ability.

An Unexpected ConfessionAKB48

Unexpected Confession Music Video / AKB48 65th Single [Official]

A refreshing coming-of-age story that begins with a sudden confession.

Set for release in April 2025 as AKB48’s first single of their 20th anniversary year, the track is crafted by Yasushi Akimoto, Masahiro Mizoguchi, and Yuichi Nonaka.

With a lively, springlike melody, the lyrics depict the feelings of a shy protagonist in love who, though flustered by an unexpected turn of events, takes a brave step forward.

The choreography features the adorable “Vegetable Pulling Pose,” expressing the joy of being chosen and confessed to from among many—a music video that’s sure to make you smile just by watching the dance.

It’s a perfect song for anyone starting a new chapter this spring.

Wasted wishesAKB48

[MV full] Negai-goto no Mochigusare / AKB48 [Official]

“Negaigoto no Mochigusare” is a song by the popular idol group AKB48.

Its slightly melancholic triple meter makes it a great way to add variety to the selections for a choral concert.

The song was also chosen as the required piece for the Junior High School division of the 2017 NHK All-Japan School Music Competition.

There is a mixed three-part choral arrangement that makes it easy to practice authentic choral singing, so be sure to check it out.

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365 Days Paper AirplaneAKB48

[MV] Paper Airplane of 365 Days (Short ver.) / AKB48 [Official]

A single released by AKB48 in 2017.

It was used as the theme song for a morning drama and became a big hit.

In our daily working lives, not everything goes well.

There are times when all you can do is sigh and say, “Haa…” But when things aren’t going smoothly, why not try changing your perspective to, “This is just a preparatory phase for moving on to the next step”? It’s a song that helps calm your mind in that way.

LOVE TRIPAKB48

[MV full] LOVE TRIP / AKB48 [Official]

This is the 45th single by the national idol group AKB48.

It has also been used as a theme song for dramas and other programs.

In the music video, the members are shown helping people confess their love in an effort to spark a romance boom, which has generated a great deal of buzz.

First Step OndoAKB48

[MV] First Step Ondo (Short ver.) / AKB48 [Official]

It feels like AKB48 has finally ventured into the genre of “ondo,” huh… That’s the vibe.

It’s a song that flows with a slow, “ha—sore!” kind of groove.

With Yasushi Akimoto on lyrics, even though it’s called an ondo, the romantic storyline is depicted clearly.

Days of Light and ShadowAKB48

[Vietsub-Kara] Days of Light and Shadow / Hikari to Kage no Hibi AKB48

It’s being used as TV Asahi’s support song for the Summer High School Baseball (the theme song for Nettou Koshien).

Since it serves as the theme song for programs related to the 98th National High School Baseball Championship, the selected members are referred to as the “High School Baseball Selected Members.”