AKB48 Popular Song Ranking [2026]

365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB481rank/position

[MV full] 365 Nichi no Kamihikōki / AKB48 [Official]

Sung by AKB48, this piece is a warm song with a pleasantly soothing tone.

Its message—that you don’t need to compare yourself to others and can move forward at your own pace—gently encourages listeners.

Although it was a coupling track on the single “Kuchibiru ni Be My Baby,” released in December 2015, it became widely loved as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Asa ga Kita.” As it has also taken root as a choral piece, it’s recommended as a song to celebrate the start of a new chapter during graduation season, when anxiety and excitement are intertwined.

Fortune Cookie in LoveAKB482rank/position

[MV full] Koi Suru Fortune Cookie / AKB48 [Official]

AKB48’s signature song released in August 2013 became a massive hit with its uptempo sound rooted in ’80s disco and easy-to-remember choreography.

Boasting first-week sales of about 1.33 million copies, videos of people of all ages dancing together became a hot topic across the country.

The lyrics carry a message of turning unlucky days around with a positive attitude, and the calls in the chorus create a sense of unity.

The simple choreography by Papaya Suzuki makes it easy to dance to even at karaoke, and with a singable vocal range and catchy melody, it’s sure to get everyone hyped.

Its outstanding name recognition also makes it a great pick when you’re unsure what to choose.

Heavy rotationAKB483rank/position

[MV full] Heavy Rotation / AKB48 [Official]

Released as their 17th single in 2010, this song became a national hit as one of AKB48’s signature tracks, something you’d hear almost daily on karaoke and TV.

Its cute lyrics, set to a brisk rock tempo, sing honestly about a straightforward crush, capturing the fluttery excitement of love that everyone experiences at least once.

The way it surges from the chorus is irresistibly catchy, making you want to sing along, and it’s designed so friends and groups can enjoy the chorus and dance together.

It was heavily aired as the CM song for UHA Mikakutou’s “Puccho,” and in karaoke it set a record by ranking No.

1 for a total of 81 weeks in 2012.

It’s the perfect number for sharing that love-struck feeling with everyone or getting the whole room hyped at karaoke.

flying getAKB484rank/position

[MV full] Flying Get (Dancing Version) / AKB48 [Official]

This song, which set the historic record of selling a million on its first day, celebrates the boldness of seizing love before anyone else.

Its powerful sound fuses Latin and rock elements.

Released in August 2011, it retained its momentum, with a catchy, easy-to-dance chorus choreography that makes it perfect for year-end and New Year parties.

It was also used as the theme song for the drama “Hanazakari no Kimitachi e ~ Ikemen Paradise ~ 2011,” and won the Japan Record Award’s Grand Prize, making it a nationwide hit.

With Atsuko Maeda as center, the song invites call-and-response participation that gets everyone hyped—guaranteed fun for all! Match your outfits and dance, and the venue will heat up in no time.

Tears SurpriseAKB485rank/position

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

If you’re planning a surprise birthday party, make sure to use this song as the BGM! It’s a track by the beloved national idol group AKB48, released in June 2009 as their 12th single.

Set in a classroom, the heartwarming theme centers on friends working together to celebrate a birthday with a surprise.

The moment the synth brass and handclaps burst in during the intro, the party has already begun! You can practically see the look of surprise as the guest of honor appears, and the tears of joy that follow.

Use it to help create a once-in-a-lifetime memory as everyone celebrates a dear friend’s birthday together!

GIVE ME FIVE !AKB486rank/position

[MV full] GIVE ME FIVE! / AKB48 [Official]

AKB48, who built an era as “idols you can go to meet” and hold numerous glittering records.

Released in February 2012, this song drew major attention for featuring the members taking on instrumental performance as the band “Baby Blossom.” Although the title doesn’t include the word “sakura,” it centers on springtime farewells and new departures, delivering an uplifting message that resonates: wipe your tears and share a high-five with a smile.

Its 34-minute, drama-style music video and use in various advertising campaigns also became hot topics.

Graduation season can feel somber, but this is a go-to cheer song that gives a push toward a new world—perfect for getting everyone fired up with friends at a reunion karaoke session.

Midsummer’s Sounds Good!AKB487rank/position

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

This is AKB48’s summer anthem, packed with the liberating feeling of summer and the fluttering excitement of a romance just beginning.

Set to a brisk, refreshing uptempo sound, it portrays a bittersweet love story unfolding on a sun-drenched beach.

It conveys, in a straightforward way, the irreplaceable time spent with friends and the positive desire to take the next step in love.

Released in May 2012 and winner of the 54th Japan Record Award that same year, this track is guaranteed to elevate any summer drive or barbecue.