AKB48 Popular Song Ranking [2026]

Ponytail and ScrunchieAKB488rank/position

[MV full] Ponytail to Shushu / AKB48 [Official]

Released in May 2010 as AKB48’s 16th single, this song captivates with its sparkling, sun-kissed sound.

Told from a boy’s perspective, it tenderly portrays a sweet-and-sour summer romance and the irresistible pull toward a girl with her hair tied in a single ponytail as she dashes by—just listening makes your heart flutter.

It was featured widely across media, including as the ending theme for NTV’s “Naruhodo! High School,” and sold an impressive 513,000 copies in its first week.

It’s a perfect track not only as seaside background music, but also for those moments when you want to reminisce about days of youth gone by.

Loud Voice DiamondAKB489rank/position

[Wotagei] Loud Voice Diamond [Hot-Blooded] [Dābura] [Tenjin Crew]

Released in October 2008, AKB48’s 10th major single “Oogoe Diamond.” The lyrics candidly portray the irresistible impulse to voice your feelings out loud when you can’t hold back your love, and just listening gives you a nudge of encouragement.

The melody surges upward toward the chorus and pairs perfectly with big, arm-swinging moves.

Because the peak moments are easy to follow, it’s highly recommended for anyone looking to start practicing wotagei.

The wind is blowing.AKB4810rank/position

[MV full] The Wind Is Blowing (DANCE! DANCE! DANCE! ver.) / AKB48 [Official]

It is an inspiring AKB48 song whose powerful melody and hope-filled lyrics resonate deeply.

Created to encourage Japan after the earthquake, the piece symbolizes the strength to move forward like the wind.

The lyrics, which portray the determination to overcome hardship and keep walking toward the future, have comforted and encouraged many people.

Released in October 2011, it debuted at number one on the Oricon chart, achieved million-seller status, and is regarded as one of AKB48’s signature works.

Listening to the lyrics while trying the dance might give you the courage to face forward and keep moving ahead.

Everyday, KachushaAKB4811rank/position

[MV full] Everyday, Kachusha / AKB48 [Official]

If you want to instantly liven up a karaoke session and get into a summer mood, how about picking the song that AKB48 turned into a massive hit in 2011? It’s a quintessential idol tune with a pleasant melody and straightforward lyrics that evoke a sunlit seaside.

The song depicts a bittersweet crush—being drawn to the innocent moment of taking off a headband and wishing to spend time together again next year.

Released in May 2011 as their 21st single, it also became familiar through its tie-in with Asahi Soft Drinks’ “WONDA.” One of the great things about AKB48’s songs is how they energize any party when sung.

Why not try this easy-to-sing, refreshing, summer-memory companion of a number?

Halloween NightAKB4812rank/position

[MV full] Halloween Night / AKB48 [Official]

When it comes to fall fun, Halloween is a must—but if everyone’s dressing up and dancing, this disco tune is the perfect choice.

Its sound evokes the glitz of ’70s and ’80s disco, and just like the catchphrase says, “It’s not a club, it’s a disco!”—just listening to it gets you excited.

Centered by Rino Sashihara, it was released as a single in August 2015.

It became widely known as the theme song for Fuji TV’s event Odaiba Yume Tairiku and as a commercial song for Wonda canned coffee.

The choreography by Papaya Suzuki is very easy to learn, so both adults and kids can enjoy it together.

If you want to get the party or karaoke going, this is the track to pick without hesitation.

Cherry Blossom BookmarkAKB4813rank/position

[MV full] Sakura no Shiori / AKB48 [Official]

This work by AKB48, a group that represents the idol scene since the 2000s, is a full-fledged choral piece themed around springtime farewells and new beginnings.

The lyrics liken hope for the future to a “bookmark,” and the beautiful harmonies arranged by Kenichi Mitsuda are captivating—it’s so well-crafted that it’s even sung at real graduation ceremonies.

Released as a single in February 2010, it was also used as the theme song for the TV drama Majisuka Gakuen.

In the music video directed by Shunji Iwai, every member wears a different hakama, with meticulous attention to detail in the staging.

Centered by Minami Takahashi and Atsuko Maeda, this moving song is a perfect fit for March, when people take their first steps into a new chapter.

The Tale of Footwear and UmbrellasAKB4814rank/position

[MV full] The Story of Footwear and Umbrellas / AKB48 [Official]

A song by AKB48 that was broadcast on “Minna no Uta” in 2015.

The video set to the music portrays the story of two elderly women living alone.

They each run their own shop and are very close friends.

However, both of them pass away, and their relatives come to handle the arrangements.

What is revealed about the two women’s feelings is deeply moving.

It might be considered a sad song, but it’s a tear-jerking masterpiece you should listen to at least once—one that conveys inexpressible human kindness and the strength of grandmothers who have lived long lives.

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