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

Yankee rockAKB48

[MV full] Yankee Rock / AKB48 [Official]

It’s a rock number that conveys a rough yet burning spirit.

It’s the coupling track on Type S of AKB48’s single “Green Flash,” released in March 2015, and is also known as the ending theme for the TV drama Majisuka Gakuen 4.

With a straightforward band sound that expresses a rebellious spirit and fighting instinct, it builds a stirring excitement that makes your blood race just by listening! Its structure, which amplifies the afterglow of the story and anticipation for what comes next, is truly made for a drama.

Mermaid in FebruaryAKB48

2gatsuno Mermaid

This AKB48 song paints a romantic scene that makes you want to head to the chilly seaside in lingering-February cold.

It’s memorable for lyrics that liken carefree frolicking by the winter ocean to a mermaid, turning even the cold spray of the waves into shared memories.

Performed as a unit song with Azuki Yagi on vocals at a theater show in December 2024, it was later included on the album “AKB48 ~studio recordings collection~ AKB48 18th Stage ‘Koko Kara da,’” released in December 2025.

This work is a bittersweet love song that captures feelings of affection so strong they make even selfish behavior seem adorable.

It’s the perfect track for gazing out at the quiet winter sea and sinking into a sentimental mood.

Graduation of Unrequited LoveAKB48

Unrequited Love Graduation (Team K Ver.)

Let me introduce an AKB48 number that marks the passage of time at graduation and portrays an unspoken one-sided love.

Released in March 2007 as part of Team K’s 3rd Stage “Nounai Paradise,” it’s a song that has been passed down in theater performances.

You can laugh within your circle of friends, yet say nothing in front of the person you like as graduation day draws near.

Those bittersweet feelings are carefully spun over a gentle, mid-tempo melody.

Rather than flashy production, the arrangement treasures the afterglow of the words, quietly seeping into the listener’s heart.

This work captures a moment of youth swaying between the fear that love might end unfulfilled and the desire to express your feelings anyway.

It’s a number we recommend not only to those about to graduate, but also to anyone who wants to remember who they were back then.

gingham checkAKB48

[MV full] Gingham Check / AKB48 [Official]

AKB48’s 27th single.

Yuko Oshima, who claimed first place for the second time in the General Election, serves as center.

The music video is structured with three parallel storylines, making it very engaging.

Also, don’t miss Atsuko Maeda’s special cameo appearance.

I want to become a cherry blossom tree.AKB48

[MV full] Let's Become a Cherry Tree / AKB48 [Official]

AKB48’s 20th single.

It’s a very calm and mellow song.

The music video shows Jurina Matsui—portrayed as having passed away—quietly observing the lives of her former classmates as she reunites with them after a long time.

The song seems to tell us that even if life leads us apart, friendship is eternal.

Cherry blossom petalsAKB48

AKB48 - Sakura no Hanabiratachi

This was AKB48’s first CD release and their debut indie single.

It’s a song that evokes the start of a new journey, making it truly fitting as AKB48’s very first track.

A key highlight is the fresh, youthful presence of members like Atsuko Maeda, Minami Takahashi, and Haruna Kojima—who would later be known as part of the “Kami 7.”

Tears Surprise!AKB48

[MV full] Namida Surprise! / AKB48 [Official]

AKB48’s 12th single.

It’s a song perfect for birthdays.

It was also used as background music for the birthday celebration segment on the TV show Tensai Terebi-kun.

Atsuko Maeda looks extremely cute in glasses.

Also, this song marked the first selection for Rena Matsui from SKE48 and 4th-generation member Asuka Kuramochi.