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

10-year cherry blossomsAKB48

[MV full] 10nen Zakura / AKB48 [Official]

This is AKB48’s 11th major-label single, released in March 2009.

While it may sound like a graduation song, it’s said to actually revolve around the theme of life and death, with the music video including imagery that hints at this.

The MV is also a rare chance to see Mariko Shinoda with long hair! This was the last song before Mai Oshima, who supported AKB in its early days, graduated.

Midsummer Sounds Good!AKB48

[MV full] Midsummer’s Sounds good! (Dance ver.) / AKB48 [Official]

AKB48’s 26th single.

It was released with a large selection of 36 members.

This song marked the first selection for several members, including Miori Ichikawa—who became widely known for the “Fresh Lemon” phrase.

It’s also famous for being the last AKB track featuring Atsuko Maeda, who had long served as the group’s center.

Fortune Cookie in LoveAKB48

[MV full] Koi Suru Fortune Cookie / AKB48 [Official]

AKB48’s 32nd single, released in August 2013.

Rino Sashihara of HKT48, who won first place in the general election, served as center for the first time.

With its 1980s-inspired sound and catchy choreography, it sparked a boom that became a social phenomenon, making it one of AKB48’s most popular songs.

365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48

Paper Airplane of 365 Days – AKB48 (Full)

An unusual song credited to AKB48 in which NMB48’s Sayaka Yamamoto served as center.

Fans who had long praised Yamamoto’s vocal ability reportedly rejoiced, saying, “It’s about time!” There’s also an anecdote that Akimoto had been considering “making a song with Yamamoto as the center” for some time.

The track was also chosen as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Asadora “Asa ga Kita.” In that sense, it became a truly national hit supported not only by idol fans but by people of all ages.

Yasushi Akimoto’s masterful lyricism shines as he likens a person’s life to a precarious paper airplane.

Late-blooming cherry blossomsNEW!AKB48

Nagorizakura

AKB48 is an idol group launched in 2005 under the overall production of Yasushi Akimoto, and after passing the major milestone of its 20th anniversary, it has begun carving out a new chapter in its 21st year.

Their 67th single, “Nagori Zakura,” released in February 2026, has drawn attention as a track that features Momoka Ito from the recently joined 19th generation in her first-ever center position.

The lyrics weave past and present together as they depict nostalgic scenes of school routes and classrooms—something many people facing the season of graduation and new departures are sure to relate to.

It’s a perfect springtime sakura song that blends wistfulness with forward-looking resolve, bolstered by footage brimming with the energy of their Budokan performance and a diverse selection of coupling tracks that are also highlights to enjoy.

I can only face forwardAKB48

[MV full] We Only Look Forward / AKB48 [Official]

AKB48’s 35th single powerfully propels a step toward the future.

Released in February 2014, the song also drew attention as the final title track before Yuko Oshima graduated from AKB48.

It debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon chart and set an astonishing record with first-week sales of approximately 1.09 million copies.

When you’re uncertain about which direction to take, its lyrics and melody may give you the push you need to take a new step forward.

Are you watching the sunset?AKB48

AKB48 Are You Watching the Sunset? [2007]

The image of someone singing with gratitude as they gaze at the evening sky is striking.

Released in 2006 as AKB48’s seventh single, this song performed well on the Oricon charts.

It was also used in a canned coffee commercial, making it popular with a wide audience.

Its gentle melody soothes a tired heart, and the lyrics inspire hope for tomorrow.

It’s a healing track that, when listened to on the way home from work or school, naturally makes you think, “I’ll do my best again tomorrow.”