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| Summer, Sunshine and Nostalgia: BNK48’s ‘Ponytail to Shushu’ Becomes a Viral Hit. (YouTube) |
The timing could hardly be more perfect. As temperatures rise across much of Asia, BNK48 has delivered a bright burst of summer nostalgia with the release of the music video for “Ponytail to Shushu”, the title track from the group's sixth album. Released on 30 May 2026, the colourful MV has quickly gained attention not only in Thailand but also among international idol fans, many of whom are discovering the song’s cheerful energy for the first time. Sometimes the internet spends days arguing about serious topics. This week, it appears many people have simply decided to enjoy sunshine, ponytails and catchy melodies instead.
The song is a Thai adaptation of AKB48’s iconic 2010 single “Ponytail to Shushu”, originally released in May of that year and remembered by many fans as one of the most recognisable summer songs in the history of the Japanese sister-group franchise.
More than a decade later, the track has found a new audience through BNK48, proving that some songs age remarkably well while others disappear faster than a summer holiday plan made in a group chat.
Produced by creative studio SCENESCREEN and directed by Kenngades, the music video embraces vibrant colours, outdoor scenery and the carefree atmosphere that made the original version so beloved.
Rather than attempting to modernise every aspect of the classic track, the production leans into its nostalgic identity. The result feels fresh enough for younger audiences while still offering longtime fans a familiar sense of comfort.
The musical foundations remain equally strong. The song was originally written by legendary producer Yasushi Akimoto, with composition by Shinya Tada and arrangement from Ikuta Machine.
For the Thai version, lyric adaptation was handled by Tanupop Notayanont, helping the song connect more naturally with local listeners while maintaining the playful spirit that made the original release a major success.
For this comeback, BNK48 assembled a senbatsu line-up featuring members from Team BIII, Team NV and the group's newest trainees.
Familiar faces including Hoop, Janry, Marine, Monet, Emmy, Pancake and Yoghurt take centre stage throughout the music video, while younger members such as Galeya and Nammonn add fresh energy that reflects the group's ongoing evolution.
The combination of experienced performers and rising talents has been widely praised by fans, with many noting that the line-up successfully captures both the present and future of BNK48.
Much of the discussion online has centred on the MV’s distinctly summer-themed aesthetic. International viewers across social media platforms have described the video as refreshing, nostalgic and surprisingly addictive.
Several fans commented that the release reminded them of the golden era of classic Japanese idol music, while others admitted they had replayed the chorus far more times than they originally intended. A recurring reaction has been simple disbelief that a song first released in 2010 can still feel so current in 2026.
Not every reaction has been identical, however. Some longtime followers naturally compared BNK48’s version with the original AKB48 release, debating differences in styling, choreography and overall presentation.
Others welcomed the comparison, arguing that reinterpretation is part of what keeps sister-group culture alive. Even among differing opinions, most discussions have remained focused on appreciation for the song’s upbeat atmosphere and the members’ performances.
The excitement surrounding the release extended beyond the digital world. On the same day as the MV launch, BNK48 performed “Ponytail to Shushu” live for the first time during “BNK48 & CGM48: On Cloud 9 Festival” at MCC Hall, The Mall Lifestore Bangkae.
The performance gave fans an immediate chance to experience the track on stage and added further momentum to an already successful release day.
For BNK48, the viral response highlights the enduring appeal of classic idol music when paired with a new generation of performers. For fans, it is a reminder that sometimes a straightforward summer song can still cut through the endless stream of online content.
Whether you grew up with the original AKB48 version or discovered the track through BNK48 this week, one question remains: does this new interpretation surpass your expectations, or does the 2010 classic still hold the crown? The debate is already underway, and fans seem more than happy to keep it going.