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AKB48 Tearjerkers, Crying Songs, and Popular Tracks Ranking [2026]
We’ll introduce a ranking of AKB48 songs that are the complete opposite of their upbeat dance tracks and cheerful tunes that hype up listeners—these are songs that will naturally bring tears to your eyes.
If you haven’t heard them before, please take this opportunity to give them a listen.
AKB48 Tearjerkers, Crying Songs, and Popular Tracks Ranking [2026]
365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB481rank/position
Many people remember it as a morning staple since it was chosen as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Asa ga Kita.” AKB48’s “365 Nichi no Kamihikōki” (“365-Day Paper Airplane”) was included as the B-side of the single “Kuchibiru ni Be My Baby,” released in December 2015.
It’s a folk-style song with a soothing acoustic guitar sound, carrying a warm message that the process of continuing to fly in your own way matters more than the outcome.
It also drew attention for having Sayaka Yamamoto as the center.
With lyrics that encourage you to move forward at your own pace, it’s perfect for graduation season when stepping onto a new path.
A touching song beloved across generations.
Tears SurpriseAKB482rank/position
When it comes to birthdays, they’re a truly special day.
Amid the ordinary flow of daily life, it’s that once-a-year moment that sparkles.
‘Namida Surprise’ is the perfect song for such a day, with lyrics and a melody that leave a deep impression.
Depicting the joy of surprises and those moving, reflective moments, this track is one you’ll want to give in celebration of someone dear.
Play it as a birthday surprise, and it’s sure to fill the room with a blissful atmosphere.
Why not color an unforgettable memory with a song that seems to speak on your behalf to someone important?
long-distance posterAKB483rank/position
Many songs about long-distance relationships are bittersweet, but this one is a pretty upbeat love song.
That’s because it likens the feelings of being in love with a favorite idol to a long-distance relationship.
It was released in 2010 as a coupling track on the single “Sakura no Shiori.”
Wasted wishesAKB484rank/position
AKB48’s “Negaigoto no Mochigusare” became a hot topic for its tear-jerking music video filmed at Hamamatsu Municipal Kagamiyama Elementary School, which closed in 2017.
The version on Minna no Uta features a cute animated PV, but that one is also quite moving, so I really hope you’ll watch it.
10-year cherry blossomsAKB485rank/position
A heartwarming AKB48 song that accompanies the season of graduations and farewells.
Its lyrics, depicting friends vowing to reunite in ten years, beautifully capture the universal loneliness of parting and the hope for the future.
Released in March 2009, the track became the group’s first to reach the Oricon Top 3.
It’s a gentle push for those taking a new step with the arrival of spring, and is also recommended as background music for send-offs and graduation ceremonies.
GIVE ME FIVE!AKB486rank/position
If you don’t want to end the graduation event with just tears, choose this song! It’s a hit by the popular idol group AKB48, released in 2012 as their 25th single.
Since it was featured in docomo commercials and more, many of you have probably heard it.
Its appeal lies in the refreshing band sound blended with brass.
It has the power to blow away the haze that’s been lingering in your heart.
The message that “graduation isn’t an end, but a beginning” really hits home.
Days of Light and ShadowAKB487rank/position
This song, “Hikari to Kage no Hibi” (Days of Light and Shadow), was the theme song for the 98th National High School Baseball Championship in 2016.
It was included as a coupling track on the single “LOVE TRIP/Shiawase wo Wakenasai,” released in 2016, with Sayaka Yamamoto and Yui Yokoyama serving as double centers.
Everyone who dedicates themselves to baseball every day may sometimes feel moments of doubt.
This is a song I highly recommend for those times—one that feels like you’re asking yourself questions and that makes you want to keep doing your best.
I want to become a cherry blossom tree.AKB488rank/position
Isn’t this a farewell song that can bring tears even to those who aren’t AKB48 fans? I’ve heard many schools sing it at graduation ceremonies.
Using a cherry tree as its motif, the lyrics gently tell those setting off that even if you lose your way, I’ll always be here watching over you.
This kindness speaks to people of every generation.
It’s a landmark farewell song that showcases the skill of lyricist Yasushi Akimoto.
Cherry Blossom BookmarkAKB489rank/position
It was released in 2010 as AKB48’s 15th major single.
The song features Minami Takahashi and Atsuko Maeda in the center positions and reached number one on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
As a choral piece, it was included in some music textbooks in 2011.
Owing to its lyrics, it is often performed as a graduation song at graduation ceremonies.
We won’t fightAKB4810rank/position
AKB48’s 40th major single is a track imbued with a powerful message wishing for peace.
The lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto express the importance of avoiding conflict and understanding one another.
The music video, notable for its intense 12-minute action sequence, also drew attention for being directed by the filmmaker behind the Rurouni Kenshin movie series.
Blending a pop melody with strong lyrics, this work is a moving masterpiece that resonates with Gen Z—and one I highly recommend if you’re looking for a song that brings tears to your eyes.