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Wonderful Music Rankings

Ranking of Popular Songs by =LOVE, the Idol Group Produced by Rino Sashihara

=LOVE is a 10-member female idol group also known for being produced by Rino Sashihara, formerly of AKB48.

Formed by members who received voice acting training at Yoyogi Animation Academy, they made their major debut in 2017.

True to their identity as a voice-acting unit, their songs layer each member’s uniquely expressive vocals, offering a charm distinct from other idol groups.

This time, we’re introducing a ranking of popular songs that lets you fully enjoy those vocals.

We hope even those who aren’t yet familiar with =LOVE will find it enjoyable.

Popular Song Ranking of =LOVE, the idol group produced by Rino Sashihara (11–20)

Curse me, curse me.=LOVE11rank/position

=LOVE (Equal Love) / 16th Single “Curse and Curse” [MV full]
Curse me, curse me.=LOVE

A song by =LOVE that portrays the moment when love transforms into a curse.

While it begins with a desire to be deeply connected with the one you love, that feeling gradually turns into something heavy and curse-like.

The lyrics carry an unsettling atmosphere inspired by a banquet held in the twilight darkness, leaving a powerful impression on listeners.

Iori Noguchi, who takes center stage, amplifies the song’s worldview with her bold, bitter allure.

Released in March 2024 as =LOVE’s 16th single, the track was also chosen as a tie-in song for the Odaiba Dinosaur Expo 2024.

It’s a recommended listen for those who want to feel the complexities of romance and the depth of affection.

Our Uniform Christmas=LOVE12rank/position

=LOVE (Equal Love) / 2nd Single “Our Uniform Christmas” [MV full]
Our Uniform Christmas=LOVE

A Christmas song released in December 2017 by the idol group =LOVE, produced by Rino Sashihara.

It’s a quintessential Christmas number that depicts a special date starting at dusk! The lyrics overflow with the fluttering feelings of lovers spending time together in their school uniforms and the excitement of their very first Christmas for just the two of them.

As their 2nd single, it reached No.

3 on the Oricon charts and remains a long-standing fan favorite.

With its catchy melody and emotional sound, it’s easy to sing at karaoke.

How about delivering your honest feelings to someone you like by singing it at a Christmas party or end-of-year gathering?

Natsumatope=LOVE13rank/position

=LOVE (Equal Love) / 14th Single 'Natsu Matopé' DANCE ver. [Full MV]
Natsumatope=LOVE

This pop track by =LOVE is packed with the shimmer and energy of summer, evoking the tropical vibes of Hawaii.

Its refreshing melody and bright rhythm, which use onomatopoeia to paint summer scenes, vividly depict blue seas and white sandy beaches.

Just by listening, your senses are awakened and you’ll feel a rush as if you’ve departed for a year-round paradise.

Released in July 2023, the song became a hit, taking the top spot on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

The single also includes the collaboration track with sister group ≒JOY, “Oozora, Byun to,” and their joint event “Ikonoi Joy 2023” held the same month drew a total of 20,000 attendees.

This work is perfect for anyone longing for the tropics or a travel mood, and makes an ideal companion for midsummer drives or seaside outings.

It’s also the perfect song for those who want to create sweet, bittersweet summer memories.

Poisoning by a deleterious drug=LOVE14rank/position

The title track of =LOVE’s 20th single, produced by Rino Sashihara.

It depicts dependency in love and the perilous mix of sweetness and poison.

Even when reason says you shouldn’t, you’re still drawn in—the song expresses that inner conflict with a powerful sound that’s sure to seize listeners’ hearts.

Released for pre-streaming in February 2026 and as a single in April, the track has also drawn attention for featuring Iori Noguchi and Maika Sasaki as double centers.

Their performance on CDTV Live! Live! is still fresh in our minds.

With an addictive melody that sticks in your head after just one listen, it’s perfect for anyone seeking a spark in their everyday life.

The Sea and Lemon Tea=LOVE15rank/position

=LOVE (Equal Love) / 17th Single c/w “Umi to Lemon Tea” [MV full]
The Sea and Lemon Tea=LOVE

From =LOVE, produced by Rino Sashihara, here’s a song where summer scenery intersects with the ache of unrequited love.

Included as a coupling track on the single “Zettai Idol Yamenai de,” released in July 2024, this piece drew attention among fans for featuring Hana Oba as center for a full-group song for the first time.

The memories of a summer gone by and a faint love you can’t forget press upon the heart atop a somewhat wistful melody.

In the music video, the protagonist returns to their hometown and reunites with the senior they once had feelings for, portraying a fleeting summer that rekindles their heart; subtle touches also shine through, such as a poster for the “24th Fireworks Festival,” a nod to Oba’s birthday, decorating the set.

It’s the perfect number for a seaside drive or those moments when you suddenly find yourself feeling nostalgic.

Your third button=LOVE16rank/position

=LOVE (Equal Love) / 16th single B-side “Your Third Button” [MV full]
Your third button=LOVE

When it’s graduation season, the sight of cherry blossoms brings back bittersweet memories, doesn’t it? At times like these, I find myself wanting to listen to songs by the idol group =LOVE, produced by Rino Sashihara.

They delicately portray that uniquely youthful, complex feeling of choosing to swallow the words “I like you” precisely because you want to remain friends.

Kiara Saito, who takes center position, delivers a fresh, expressive vocal that seems to gently embrace those unspoken feelings of love.

This track is included as a B-side to the single “Norotte Norotte,” released in March 2024.

It’s a warm song that quietly stays by the side of anyone facing graduation without the courage to confess, or those taking a new step forward while holding their precious memories close.

Komorebi Mezzo-forte=LOVE17rank/position

=LOVE (Equal Love) / 19th Single c/w “Komorebi Mezzo-forte” [MV full]
Komorebi Mezzo-forte=LOVE

This piece sings of a gentle love, like autumn sunlight filtering through the trees.

It’s a track by =LOVE, produced by Rino Sashihara, included on their 19th single “Attacked by a Love Song,” released in October 2025.

From a casual moment in a café, it carefully depicts how sincere feelings for the other person gradually grow.

The calm melody line and the members’ soft vocals are soothing, warming the heart.

It’s perfect for listening in the clear air of autumn.

Search for Diamond Lily=LOVE18rank/position

=LOVE (Equal Love) / 5th Single “Sagase Diamond Lily” [MV full]
Search for Diamond Lily=LOVE

Cherry blossoms, an old school building, a uniform button—packed with such scenes of spring, this =LOVE song is the group’s fifth single, released in April 2019.

With lyrics written by Rino Sashihara and a fresh melody crafted by multiple composers, it pairs a bright tempo with lyrics that gently ache with the passage of time.

It reached No.

2 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and earned a Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan.

The track was also featured in Mr.

Fusion’s programming school “Prosta Kids” commercial.

In its story-driven music video, the turmoil of parting with friends is portrayed with care.

It’s recommended not only for those approaching graduation, but also for anyone who struggles to put their gratitude for friends into words.

Listen as spring arrives, and you’ll feel moved to cherish the time you have with the people who matter most.

The 5th=LOVE19rank/position

=LOVE (Equal Love) / 10th Single “The 5th” [MV full]
The 5th=LOVE

=LOVE is a female idol group produced by Rino Sashihara.

The title track of their 10th single, released in December 2021, is an after-story told five years after the group’s second Christmas song, “Bokura no Seifuku Christmas,” which came out in 2017.

Through imagery like a ring on the ring finger and lovers nestled together in snowy landscapes, it portrays a special moment shared by two people who have grown up.

In the music video, where white costumes and illuminations look stunning, the members’ individual Christmas stories intertwine with dance scenes, and the choreography—polished down to the fingertips—leaves a strong impression.

With its dreamy sound that colors winter romance, it’s a romantic Christmas number.

Yearning for the summer festival=LOVE20rank/position

=LOVE (Equal Love) / 9th Single B-side 'Natsumatsuri Koimou' [MV full]
Yearning for the summer festival=LOVE

While summer festivals are often seen as fun times spent with friends, many people also use these big events as a turning point to express their feelings.

This song depicts a love story tied to a summer festival, capturing the emotional movement and resolve of someone trying to confess their feelings.

The way the group sings in unison about their romantic determination conveys an image of friends cheering on someone’s love.

With its overall bright sound, the song evokes a sense of charging straight toward love and a powerful resolve.