Masterpieces Produced by Yasushi Akimoto: A Comprehensive Showcase from Idol Anthems to Heartfelt Hits!

Placard of the HeartAKB48

[MV full] Kokoro no Placard / AKB48 [Official]

A truly homey song with Mayu Watanabe—who won the AKB48 37th Single General Election—at center.

Rina Ikoma from Nogizaka46, who made the senbatsu at the time, also gave a tearful speech that was incredibly moving.

The lyrics are excellent, capturing a maiden’s heart that can’t express her feelings directly: “The placard I always hold up in my heart.

I’d be so happy if you noticed it.” It’s a song that conveys producer Akimoto’s warmth, written especially for the somewhat reserved Watanabe.

The music video, where the members reveal their own placards, has also been well received!

Migratory birds cannot see the sky.NGT48

Music Video 'Wataridori-tachi ni Sora wa Mienai' ~Before Dawn ver. of the Girls~ / NGT48

NGT48, the group based in Niigata City, released The Sky Is Invisible to Migratory Birds in 2022.

It’s their eighth single and reached No.

1 on the Oricon Singles Chart.

The song was chosen as the theme for the joint mini-drama by Niigata’s four TV stations, The Girls Before Dawn.

Its lyrics, which liken migratory birds traveling long distances with all their might to young people in their youth, are deeply moving.

Be sure to check out the music video, which features a digest edit of the drama!

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Tears SurpriseAKB48

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

A highly acclaimed song even among the fans who supported AKB48 during their early golden era.

This track is almost always used as background music for surprise moments on TV shows, like when someone shouts “Happy Birthday!!,” so keep an ear out if you get the chance.

The composer is Yoshimasa Inoue, who has churned out hit after hit in partnership with Yasushi Akimoto.

The concept—“Let’s get all the classmates together and make it the best birthday ever”—perfectly captures that youthful vibe and is pure fun.

Definitely consider using it as BGM for your own birthday parties, too.

And of course, the center is the legend herself, Atsuko Maeda.

It’s truly a song you’ll want to listen to over and over again—highly recommended!

MonopolyNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 "Monopoly"

Nogizaka46’s 34th single, released in December 2023, is a track themed around a powerful desire to monopolize the one you love.

Set to a fast-paced, exhilarating sound, it portrays the intertwined feelings of the two members serving as double centers, drawing listeners into its heartrending story.

The song also drew attention for being composed by Katsuhiko Sugiyama, known for works like “Kimi no Na wa Kibou,” and it sold approximately 539,000 copies in its first week on the Oricon chart.

It’s a pop tune with a slightly more mature allure.

Same numbersNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 “Same numbers” MUSIC VIDEO

From an intro grounded in piano and strings to a chorus that swells in richness, the dynamic progression is striking.

Released in July 2025, it’s the title track of Nogizaka46’s 39th single.

Centered on the theme of matching numbers we encounter in everyday life, the introspective lyrics resonate as they frame the process of effort—where dreams can’t be achieved in a single try—and the layering of coincidences as something inevitable.

In the music video, center Haruka Kaki expresses prayer and inner conflict through dance, and the immersive feel makes the story of her being moved to tears during filming entirely believable.

This work is a beautiful J-pop-leaning ballad that gently stays close to hearts wavering between hope and reality.

Labrador RetrieverAKB48

[MV full] Labrador Retriever / AKB48 [Official]

AKB48’s summer songs are something all the fans look forward to.

Past summer releases like “Manatsu no Sounds good!” and “Everyday, Kachuusha” are still passed down as legendary tracks.

Carrying those high expectations, the 2014 summer song “Labrador Retriever” was released, with the eternal beauty Mayu Watanabe as the center.

Aki-P’s gaze feels gentle as he likens a beautiful summer encounter to a labrador retriever.

The restrained, youthful motifs—perhaps they reflect Aki-P’s feelings for Mayu Watanabe.

The composition is by Manabu Marutani, who teamed up with Aki-P on works like “Eien Pressure” and “Heart Ereki.” It’s a song you want to listen to when summer arrives.

You’ll make a fool of yourself when you fall in love.AKB48

[MV] When You Fall in Love, You Look Like a Fool (Short ver.) [Team B] / AKB48 [Official]

Mikuru Tanabe, a member of AKB48, is from Omihachiman City in Shiga Prefecture.

She participated in Team B’s song “Koi wo Suru to Baka wo Miru,” included on AKB48’s 44th major single “Tsubasa wa Iranai,” which was released in 2016.

In 2011, she was appointed as Shiga Prefecture’s Hometown Traffic Safety Ambassador.