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AKB48 Ballad Songs: Popular Song Rankings [2026]
AKB48, the idol group famous for staple dance numbers like “Koisuru Fortune Cookie” and “Heavy Rotation”! While their bright, poppy songs are their trademark, this article will intentionally spotlight AKB48’s ballads.
How many of AKB48’s ballads do you know? In fact, they have several popular ballad songs, including graduation songs and wedding songs.
Take this opportunity to check out AKB48’s ballads too!
AKB48 Ballad Songs: Popular Song Rankings [2026]
Cherry Blossom BookmarkAKB481rank/position
This song was released in 2010 as AKB48’s 15th single.
The center positions were held by Minami Takahashi and Atsuko Maeda.
With a choral-like arrangement, it’s a perfect track for graduation season.
In the music video, the members wear school uniforms and hakama over kimono, evoking the theme of graduation.
365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB482rank/position
AKB48 is a girls’ group that has risen to the top of the modern idol scene with an innovative style built on the concept of “idols you can meet.” 365 Nichi no Kamihikōki (365 Days of Paper Airplanes), created as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Asadora Asa ga Kita, is a ballad that, despite being included as the coupling track on their 42nd major single, Kuchibiru ni Be My Baby, garnered overwhelming support.
Its lyrics, which teach us that the journey matters more than the outcome, may help ease the anxieties of those about to graduate.
With a gentle, simple melody that also makes it ideal for choral performance, this beloved classic transcends the boundaries of idol songs.
Love, I’m checkmated.AKB483rank/position
AKB48, a female idol group born in 2005 and based in Akihabara, introduced the innovative format of “theater performances” to Japan’s music scene.
Centered on J-pop and idol pop, they also showcase a wide musical range, including rock and ballads.
They have released a steady stream of singles and albums, setting numerous records on the Oricon charts.
The group has appeared on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen and has won many music awards, including the Japan Record Awards.
Produced by Yasushi Akimoto, they launched the groundbreaking “General Election,” in which fans vote.
Without ever disbanding, the group continues to deliver a fresh appeal by repeatedly welcoming new members and graduating others.
AKB48, which brought a fresh breeze to idol culture, is recommended for those who enjoy lively, upbeat songs and dances.
I want to become a cherry blossom tree.AKB484rank/position
A gentle medium-tempo ballad by AKB48 that portrays the beauty of spring and memories of graduation.
As it likens eternal love watching over those who set out on a new journey to a cherry tree, it warmly sings of the courage and hope to take the first step forward.
Depicting the touching image of young people heading toward a bright future while carrying their anxieties, this work was released in February 2011.
It was used as the theme song for the drama “A Letter from the Cherry Blossoms” and also gained attention as a CM song for UHA Mikakuto.
With a message perfect for graduation season and a gentle melody line that evokes the arrival of spring, it will wrap you in the desire to revel in cherished memories.