Masterpieces Produced by Yasushi Akimoto: A Comprehensive Showcase from Idol Anthems to Heartfelt Hits!
Yasushi Akimoto, who began his career as a broadcast writer and helped turn groups like Tunnels and Onyanko Club into hits.
Since the 2000s, he has further expanded his activities by producing AKB48 and the Sakamichi groups and providing songs.
In recent years, he has also focused on television drama production and has been active across various fields, but for music lovers, his work as a lyricist is perhaps the most striking aspect.
In this article, we introduce songs that Akimoto has produced or written lyrics for—from culture-shaping killer tunes to mass-appeal hits and hidden gems!
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Masterpieces Produced by Yasushi Akimoto | A Comprehensive Showcase from Idol Songs to Moving Hits! (21–30)
365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48
An unusual song credited to AKB48 in which Sayaka Yamamoto from the different team NMB48 served as center.
Fans of Yamamoto, who had long been praised for her vocal ability, reportedly cheered, saying, “It’s about time!” There’s even an anecdote that Akimoto had been considering it for some time, saying, “Someday I’ll make a song with Yamamoto as the center.” The song was also chosen as the theme for the NHK morning drama series Asa ga Kita.
In that sense, it became a truly nationwide hit, supported not only by idol fans but by people of all ages.
Yasushi Akimoto’s writing—likening a person’s life to an unsteady paper airplane—is exquisite, and this track once again made me feel the power of Akimoto’s craft.
Oh, early summer rainSakurazaka46
Sakurazaka46, which changed its name from Keyakizaka46 in 2020, released “Samidare yo” as their fourth single in 2022.
Chosen as the commercial song for AEON Card, it reached No.
1 on both the Oricon and Billboard charts.
The lyrics poignantly compare fickle feelings of love to “samidare,” the early-summer rains of the rainy season.
The track is striking for its intro that begins with a powerful solo by center Ten Yamasaki, then builds into a pop tune as the members’ vocals layer and the sound expands.
Masterpieces Produced by Yasushi Akimoto | A Comprehensive Showcase from Idol Songs to Moving Hits! (31–40)
Sing Out！Nogizaka 46
“Sing Out!” won the Excellent Work Award at the 61st Japan Record Awards.
Released by the idol group Nogizaka46 in 2019, it was featured as the song for Coca-Cola’s Fanta “Fantasaka Gakuen: Everyone Let’s Be Honest Bottle” commercial.
The track is notable for its grand drumming and slow claps.
While the group often sings about the delicate emotions of youth, this song serves as a cheer anthem for everyone doing their best.
The lyrics, which evoke the members’ feelings for one another, were written by Yasushi Akimoto.
It’s a vibrant song that makes you want to treasure human connections and bonds.
Futari SaisonKeyakizaka46
Since their debut in 2016, Keyakizaka46 has created a style unlike anything before, influencing not only music fans but the general public as well.
Among their songs, the one that enjoys fervent support from fans is Futari Saison.
Released in 2016 as their third single, it resonates with the powerful positivity of embracing change and the poignant tenderness that makes precious memories feel certain.
Among the songs penned by Akimoto, its strikingly beautiful words are especially memorable, gently accompanying the delicate emotions of youth.
The members’ expressions—dance foremost among them—shift in color from moment to moment, making every instant unmissable.
It’s a masterpiece that portrays the changing heart through the lens of Japan’s four seasons.
Whose flowers are these?STU48
The song “Whose Flower Is This?” by STU48 embodies Yasushi Akimoto’s wish for world peace.
Released in 2022, when tensions between Russia and Ukraine intensified, it drew widespread attention and reached No.
2 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
The music video on YouTube surpassed 5 million views in eight months, becoming a hit.
As the group is centered around the Setouchi region and includes many members from Hiroshima Prefecture, the message of world peace resonates deeply.
Heavy rotationAKB48
It was released in 2010 as AKB48’s 17th major-label single.
The choreography is relatively simple and it’s a song everyone has heard, so it’s perfect for getting everyone excited.
It topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, with Yuko Oshima serving as the center.
The Day Love Was BornFujitani Miwako, Ouchi Yoshiaki
Miwa Fujitani, who flourished as an actress and drew attention for her unique personality, also debuted as a singer—and this smash hit, “Ai ga Umareta Hi” (The Day Love Was Born), was produced by Yasushi Akimoto.
Released in 1994, the song was used as an insert track in the drama “Sono Uchi Kekkon Suru Kimi e,” starring Fujitani herself.
For people of that generation, it’s also a popular karaoke staple.
It’s a love ballad to a cherished person, overflowing with the feeling that “there’s no one in the world who could be better.”
