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| AKB48 Enters a New Era With 67th Single “Nagori Zakura” as Ito Momoka Takes Centre Stage (Photo: AKB48) |
As cherry blossom season slowly fades into memory, AKB48 is ready to capture that exact feeling with their upcoming 67th single, “Nagori Zakura (名残り桜)”. Announced during the emotional final day of the group’s 20th Anniversary concert at Nippon Budokan, the new release doesn’t just introduce a song — it signals the official start of AKB48’s next chapter. With a younger centre, a refreshed senbatsu, and a strong mix of nostalgia and momentum, the group is clearly stepping into its 21st year with intent.
The 67th single “Nagori Zakura” is scheduled for release on 25 February 2026. The title translates loosely to “Lingering Cherry Blossoms”, a theme that naturally fits AKB48’s long-standing connection with springtime imagery and emotional graduation songs.
Fans are already comparing it to past sakura-themed classics, setting expectations high even before the first audio preview drops.
One of the biggest talking points is the centre position. Ito Momoka has been officially named centre for “NagoriZakura”, marking her first time leading a title track and making her the first 19th generation member to do so.
Her promotion from trainee status to centre symbolises a bold generational shift. During the announcement, her emotional speech and clear determination immediately resonated with fans, many of whom see her as the face of AKB48’s next phase.
The senbatsu line-up consists of 16 members spanning multiple generations, blending experience with fresh energy. The selected members are Mukaichi Mion, Yamauchi Mizuki, Taguchi Manaka, Hashimoto Eriko, Sato Airi, Oguri Yui, Kuranoo Narumi, Yagi Azuki, Akiyama Yuna, Arai Sae, Kudo Kasumi, Ito Momoka, Hanada Mei, Kawamura Yui, Chiba Erii and Shitao Miu.
Notably, Kawamura Yui and Kudo Kasumi are entering senbatsu for the first time, a move widely praised for giving newer faces a chance to shine.
Beyond the main track, the single offers a packed tracklist across multiple editions. “Nagori Zakura” appears on all versions with Ito Momoka at the centre. The First Press Limited Editions Type A, B and C include “Mukaikaze”, which serves as Mukaichi Mion’s graduation song, placing her once again at centre for a meaningful send-off.
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Coupling tracks vary by edition, including “Cecile” centred by Kuranoo Narumi, “Tan! Sai! Borg!” led by Kawamura Yui for the 19th generation, and “Up the stairs” featuring the Under Girls with Nagatomo Ayami at centre.
Regular and Official Shop editions also include trainee songs from 20th and 21st generation members, as well as “Omoide Scroll” with Ito Momoka returning to the centre position.
Fan and netizen reactions have been mixed but lively, which is exactly what AKB48 thrives on. Many praised the decision to push a younger centre, calling it a necessary reset after the anniversary year.
Others expressed bittersweet feelings over Mukaichi Mion’s graduation song, with comments highlighting how “Mukaikaze” feels like both a farewell and a passing of the torch. On social media, Ito Momoka’s visuals and stage presence became a trending topic, with some viewers admitting they only noticed her properly during recent music show appearances.
At the same time, a few long-time fans are cautiously watching how the new senbatsu balance will play out, especially with several familiar names stepping back while newer members move forward.
Still, the overall mood leans hopeful. Many agree that “Nagori Zakura” feels deliberately positioned as a bridge between AKB48’s legacy and its future rather than a safe, nostalgic repeat.
With a spring release date, emotionally charged theme, and a centre who represents the next generation, AKB48’s 67th single is shaping up to be one of the group’s most closely watched releases in recent years. Whether “Nagori Zakura” becomes another iconic sakura song or sparks a new sound direction, one thing is clear: AKB48 is not slowing down after 20 years.
What do you think about Ito Momoka taking centre for this crucial single? Does the senbatsu line-up feel right to you, or were there names you expected to see?