AKB48 Youth Songs and Popular Tracks Ranking [2026]

365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB488rank/position

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

AKB48 has led the Japanese idol scene with the concept of “idols you can go meet.” Selected as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Asadora “Asa ga Kita,” this piece, though included as a coupling track on their 42nd single “Kuchibiru ni Be My Baby” released in December 2015, has become a beloved classic across generations.

Its gentle, acoustic guitar-centered sound and lyrics about the importance of moving forward at your own pace softly resonate with listeners.

A mixed three-part choral arrangement has also been created, making it a staple repertoire for school events and graduation ceremonies.

It’s a fitting ballad for new beginnings, tenderly encouraging those who feel anxious about taking their first steps.

Feathers of the UniformAKB489rank/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”?

Color contacts winkAKB4810rank/position

Color Contacts Wink Music Video / AKB48 63rd Single [Official]

This dazzling number was created as the culmination of Yuki Kashiwagi’s idol career, with Kashiwagi—who has long led the group—serving as center for the first time on her own.

You can practically picture the bittersweet scene of unrequited love, where feelings are conveyed not through words, but through glances and gestures.

Released as a single in March 2024, it was composed by Yoshimasa Inoue, the hitmaker behind numerous chart-toppers.

The melody, blending nostalgia and freshness, is sure to set listeners’ hearts dancing.

In the music video, a world surrounded by colorful flowers beautifully portrays the “life of an idol.” Perfect for the spring season, this work gently encourages those embarking on a new chapter.

It’s an ideal track when you want to immerse yourself in a classic idol song.

Halloween NightAKB4811rank/position

[MV full] Halloween Night / AKB48 [Official]

When it comes to autumn fun, many people probably think of Halloween! There are lots of Halloween songs, but among them, AKB48’s 2015 release “Halloween Night” really boosts the Halloween mood and makes you want to start dancing.

Just like its tagline, “It’s not a club, it’s a disco!”, the song leans into a disco sound that gives it a touch of nostalgia.

Perfect for getting into the Halloween spirit, and great as party background music too.

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utatane

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flying getAKB4812rank/position

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

A youthful pop song set on a midsummer beach where a passionate man’s love begins to bloom under the blazing sun.

Fusing Latin music with rock, it features fiery brass and an exhilarating guitar solo.

Released by AKB48 in August 2011, the song won the 53rd Japan Record Award and achieved the remarkable feat of surpassing one million sales on its release day.

It was also chosen as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Hanazakari no Kimitachi e ~ Ikemen Paradise ~ 2011,” and its 18-minute music video directed by film director Yukihiko Tsutsumi became a hot topic.

Perfect for those who want to express their feelings of love honestly or pursue romance proactively.

Also recommended as a summer driving soundtrack.

The uniform gets in the way.AKB4813rank/position

NMB48 seifuku ga jama wo suru

This is a song released in 2007 by the idol group AKB48, with Minami Takahashi and Atsuko Maeda—both members of the original “Kami 7”—serving as centers.

For all the girls wearing school uniforms: have you ever felt that your uniforms restrict your freedom when you’re in love? This song frankly expresses the feelings of a girl who wants to get closer to the person she likes, but can’t because she’s still a student.

Teen girls are sure to relate! And if you’re a student in a relationship with someone already working, you might especially share the kind of inner conflict felt by the girl in this song.

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sasashina

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Uniform ResistanceAKB4814rank/position

Seifuku Resistance (Team K)

It’s a track bursting with energy that makes you want to shed the constraints called “uniforms” and sprint toward freedom! Riding on a fast, exhilarating rock sound, it belts out a spirit of rebellion against the grown-ups who keep saying “Don’t do this, don’t do that!” With just a slight change to a skirt’s length, the world looks different—that sharp, teen-specific sensitivity is vividly portrayed.

The song was first performed at a theater show in March 2010, and later included on the album Team K 6th Stage ‘RESET.’ When you feel stifled by rigid rules or everyday life, doesn’t listening to this song feel like throwing open the windows of your heart? It’s sure to give a strong push to anyone carrying smoldering feelings inside.