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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- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- [A Cheer for Myself] A pep song dedicated to you who are doing your very best
- Akiko Okamura’s classic and popular songs
Masterpieces Produced by Yasushi Akimoto | A Comprehensive Showcase from Idol Songs to Heartwarming Hits! (41–50)
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.
GIVE ME FIVE !AKB48
It was released in 2012 as AKB48’s 25th major single, with Atsuko Maeda serving as the center.
The song also drew attention for featuring members actually playing instruments in a band format.
It conveys a hopeful view of graduation—parting from friends—expressing the resolve to do our best until we can meet again.
The me who isn’t expecting anythingKeyakizaka 46
The lead track included on the classic album “Hashiridasu Shunkan,” from back when Hinatazaka46 was still Hiragana Keyakizaka.
Its dynamic melody and the members’ fragile yet powerful unified expression are deeply moving.
The shifting patterns of the sky overlap with the inner turmoil of the heart.
Among Mr.
Akimoto’s lyrics, this one feels relatively indirect, conveying that the world on the surface isn’t the only truth and singing about the beginning of not setting expectations.
It’s a masterpiece that can be called the group’s starting point, where the inner fire of these girls—who, as Hinatazaka46, have continued to soar with unstoppable momentum—truly shines.
Run! BicycleNogizaka 46
It’s Nogizaka46’s ‘Hashire! Bicycle.’ They are an idol group produced by Yasushi Akimoto.
‘Hashire! Bicycle’ was used as the commercial song for House Foods’ ‘Mega Shaki,’ and Nogizaka46 members have also appeared in the commercials since November 2012, starting with ‘Mega Shaki Nogizaka46 Appearance Version.’
I can’t help but love you.AKB48
AKB48 is a nationally beloved idol group.
In 2023, they released the pop song “Doshitemo Kimi ga Suki da” (“I Just Can’t Help Loving You”).
The lyrics were written by Yasushi Akimoto, depicting the blazing passion of student romance and the bittersweetness of love.
The composition was handled by NASCA, resulting in a track full of exhilarating momentum.
It’s also appealing for its expansive worldbuilding, including phrases that evoke their past hits.
Be sure to listen to it alongside their other songs.
Extinct Black-Haired GirlNMB48
Kei Jonishi, a member of NMB48, and Rina Kondo, a former member, are from Shiga Prefecture, and this song was released in 2011 as NMB48’s debut single.
Miyuki Watanabe served as the center for the track, which was used as the ending theme for NMB48’s flagship variety show “Docking 48,” broadcast on Kansai TV.
Goddess of the TheaterAKB48（TeamB）
An AKB48 song that reminds you of the feeling of passionately supporting someone.
It’s a charming work with warm, fan-perspective lyrics that liken the idols shining on the theater stage to “goddesses.” You can feel the heat of the theater—this special space that is the group’s origin—and the strong bond with the fans.
The song is a popular theater setpiece by Team B and is included on the album “Team B 5th Stage ‘Theater no Megami’ ~Studio Recordings Collection~,” released in January 2013.
The fact that Ayaka Murayama, who holds the record for the most theater appearances, was called the “Theater Goddess” also shows just how symbolic this song is.