AKB48 Unrequited Love Songs: Popular Song Ranking [2026]

Fortune Cookie in LoveAKB481rank/position

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

This is a song released by AKB48 in 2013, with Rino Sashihara serving as center.

Its relaxed tempo and disco-inspired sound are striking, and the matching choreography also drew attention.

The lyrics portray a girl living with unrequited love, expressing her resolve to take a brave step forward despite deep feelings of inferiority.

It conveys an encouraging message to blow away negative feelings and move toward the future.

Overall, it’s a fresh, fun track that lifts your spirits and turns your heart in a positive direction.

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Loud Voice DiamondAKB482rank/position

[MV full] Oogoe Diamond / AKB48 [Official]

When it comes to idol songs, many of them are about love, aren’t they? A quintessential idol group, AKB48, released their 10th single “Oogoe Diamond” in 2008, with Atsuko Maeda and Jurina Matsui in the center positions.

Unrequited love tends to make you moody and overthink things, even feel down.

This song blows away those feelings, making you feel a pure, straightforward “I just really like that person!” If you ever lose sight of the essence of love, give it a listen.

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utatane

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Placard of the HeartAKB483rank/position

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

Famous for its “Paiya-ya-ya-ya-ya!” catchphrase! This is AKB48’s 37th major single, released on August 27, 2014.

It reached No.

1 on the weekly Oricon chart and sold over one million copies, making it a huge hit.

A classic that expresses the feelings of a boy too shy to confess.

The melody is catchy, and the music video is super cute.

Highly recommended.

I want to become a cherry blossom tree.AKB484rank/position

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

Released as AKB48’s 20th single, this song is from the time when Acchan was still in the group.

I think it’s such a classic that some schools even sang it as a choral piece.

The lyrics really resonate with students.

It’s a perfect song for spring.

Unexpected StoryAKB485rank/position

A song about falling for someone you weren’t interested in at all.

It carries a message that there’s no point overthinking the future since things never go exactly as expected, so you might as well take the plunge.

It also stands out because it features AKB48’s vocal selection, a lineup of members chosen for their singing ability.

Heavy rotationAKB486rank/position

[MV full] Heavy Rotation / AKB48 [Official]

AKB48, which sparked a massive boom with the concept of “idols you can go meet,” released this as their 17th major single.

With its rock-tinged sound and pop melody, the song gained support from a wide audience.

Released in August 2010, it features Yuko Oshima as the center, with members selected through the general election.

The lyrics compare the feeling of being in love to “heavy rotation,” something anyone can relate to.

Its catchy chorus and memorable dance make it a guaranteed hit at karaoke—truly a modern, quintessential idol song.

Feathers of the UniformAKB487rank/position

[MV full] The Wings of the Uniform / AKB48 [Official]

You can almost picture that bittersweet scene of a secret crush: watching you run across the schoolyard from the classroom window.

This song, which sings of the hope and heartache of sprouting invisible wings on your uniformed back and taking flight toward the future, will make listeners’ hearts skip a beat.

Included on the single “Kibouteki Refrain Type D,” released in November 2014, this track is a special one for Team 8—their very first music video was made for it! When graduation approaches and you feel anxious about becoming an adult, doesn’t this song gently nudge you forward with a reassuring “It’s going to be okay”?