AKB48 Love Songs: Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

10-year cherry blossomsAKB4815rank/position

[MV full] 10nen Zakura / AKB48 [Official]

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.

Sayonara CrawlAKB4816rank/position

[MV full] Sayonara Crawl / AKB48 [Official]

A lively, pop-infused summer tune! This music video is super cute too, right? It’s colorful and bursting with summer vibes.

Released on May 22, 2013, it’s AKB48’s 31st major single.

Total sales exceeded 2 million copies, earning a “Double Million” certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan.

Placard of the HeartAKB4817rank/position

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

I totally understand the pure feelings of a boy who thinks, “If only I could write my feelings on a placard and show them, confessing would be so easy…” AKB48 sings those cute, innocent emotions with a bright melody and dance.

It really gives you courage.

Love, I’m checkmated.AKB4818rank/position

Love Is Checkmated Music Video / AKB48 64th Single [Official]

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.AKB4819rank/position

[MV full] Let's Become a Cherry Tree / AKB48 [Official]

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.

Stolen LipsAKB4820rank/position

[MV full] Stolen Lips / AKB48 [Official]

AKB48 is a girls’ group that has been at the forefront of the idol scene since the 2000s, releasing numerous hit songs.

“Stolen Lips,” included as a B-side on their 16th major single “Ponytail to Shushu,” was performed by the Under Girls, a musical unit formed to sing a single’s coupling tracks.

Its emotional lyrics evoke the image of summer romance, and many listeners may find themselves relating to it.

With a melody and ensemble that carry a hint of wistfulness, it’s a memorable track perfect for summertime listening.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Midsummer’s Sounds good!AKB4821rank/position

[MV full] Midsummer’s Sounds good! (Dance ver.) / AKB48 [Official]

Set against a midsummer beach scene, this is a quintessential AKB48 summer song that vividly captures youthful romance.

Sprinkling in classic summer staples like suntan oil and swimsuits, it breezily sings about the heart‑pounding moment of falling in love.

Yoshimasa Inoue’s bright, energetic melody fully conveys the liberating feel of summer.

Released in May 2012, it also became familiar as the theme song for NTT Docomo’s “Ouen Gakuwari” student discount commercials.

Perfect for amping up leisure moments like drives with friends or a day at the beach.

Clap along and sing together, and the atmosphere will instantly shift into full-on summer mode.