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

Feathers of the UniformAKB48

[MV full] The Wings of the Uniform / AKB48 [Official]

You can almost picture that bittersweet scene of a secret crush: watching you run across the schoolyard from the classroom window.

This song, which sings of the hope and heartache of sprouting invisible wings on your uniformed back and taking flight toward the future, will make listeners’ hearts skip a beat.

Included on the single “Kibouteki Refrain Type D,” released in November 2014, this track is a special one for Team 8—their very first music video was made for it! When graduation approaches and you feel anxious about becoming an adult, doesn’t this song gently nudge you forward with a reassuring “It’s going to be okay”?

Sayonara CrawlAKB48

[MV full] Sayonara Crawl / AKB48 [Official]

AKB48’s 31st single.

As of now, it is the best-selling song among AKB48’s tracks.

The centers were four members: Mayu Watanabe, Yuko Oshima, Tomomi Itano, and Haruka Shimazaki.

A highlight is the latter half of the music video, where two close members flirt playfully.

Hopeful RefrainAKB48

[MV full] Kibō-teki Refrain / AKB48 [Official]

AKB48’s 38th single.

Sakura Miyawaki became a center for the first time, serving as a double center alongside Mayu Watanabe.

In the music video, members who have previously been centers appear in roles where they pass along a bag containing a microphone.

Ryoka Oshima and others were selected for the lineup for the first time.

A somewhat embarrassing conclusion I reached after thinking for a few days, in my own way, about how our relationship might change if, on the sycamore-lined path, I were to say, “I dream of your smile.”AKB48

[MV full] On the road lined with zelkova trees, if I were to say, “I dream of your smile,” how would our relationship change? After thinking about it for a few days in my own way, it’s something like a slightly embarrassing conclusion / AKB48 [Official]

AKB48’s 34th single.

Jurina Matsui, who won the Janken (rock-paper-scissors) selection, is the center.

It has the longest title among all AKB48 songs released so far and is commonly called “Suzukake Nanchara.” The song itself is relatively standard.

It is also the first and only song in which Mizuki Tsuchiyasu, originally a 15th-generation member who has since graduated, was selected.

The Strongest Twin-TailsAKB48

[MV full] The Strongest Twin-Tails / AKB48 [Official]

Performed by members aged 16 and under dressed in adorable pink and frilly outfits, this track is a B-side included on the Type D [First Press Limited Edition] of the single “NO WAY MAN,” released in November 2018.

Sung by the special unit U-16 Selection 2018, it’s a poppy and cute song that perfectly expresses a love for the twin-tail hairstyle adored by mass-produced-style girls.

Its bright, upbeat rhythm and fresh, innocent vocals are charming and uplifting just by listening.

Highly recommended for those who love cute things or are looking for a fresh idol song!

Skirt flutteringAKB48

Skirt fluttering

AKB48’s second CD release and their second indie single.

It sings about the feelings of a girl who can’t confess her love.

The C-melody solo by Atsuko Maeda is a must-hear for any AKB48 fan.

In the music video, a key point is that they actually flip their skirts during the chorus.

Fortune Cookie in Love / AKB48 [Official]AKB48

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

Isn’t this the song that everyone’s heard at least once and that’s easy to dance to and sing along with? It would also be cute to prepare outfits like school uniforms.

Even just coordinating the clothing colors among the people performing together, or adding sparkly ties, should be enough to create the right vibe.

There are plenty of choreography tutorial videos as well, so be sure to look them up.