[Songs of Infidelity] A collection of forbidden love songs about unattainable romance

Don’t Stop LoveKōda Kumi

Kumi Koda / “Don’t Stop Love” (from the new album “WINTER of LOVE”)

From pop vibes to grand love ballads, Kumi Koda has released many love songs.

Among them, the one that sings of an unattainable love is “Ai wo Tomenaide” (“Don’t Stop Love”).

Released in 2011 as her 51st single, she performed this song at that year’s Kohaku Uta Gassen.

After a breakup, there are times when you can’t move forward because you keep thinking about your ex over and over.

You know it’s impossible, but you still want to see them one more time—this song poignantly depicts that unshakable longing for someone you can’t give up on.

LAT.43°N 〜forty-three degrees north latitude〜DREAMS COME TRUE

LAT.43°N ～forty-three-degrees north latitude～ (from THE DREAM QUEST TOUR 2017 Live Ver.)

“LAT.43°N ~forty-three degrees north latitude~” is a song by DREAMS COME TRUE that seems to capture the feelings of an illicit affair.

While DREAMS COME TRUE are known for many hugely popular pop songs, they also have tracks like this that portray rather tangled relationships.

The tune evokes Japanese pop from the ’70s, and it almost sounds like something you’d hear in a daytime TV drama about infidelity.

The lyrics depict a woman trying to steal a man who already has a partner, while expressing her frustration that he won’t truly love her.

A Place in the SunHamada Shogo

A Place in the Sun - Lines - RYUBAND 2016 Osaka FINAL - Shogo Hamada Tribute

Released in 1981, this is Shogo Hamada’s 12th single, a ballad about an extramarital affair.

While many of his works hint at infidelity or can be interpreted as one-sided love, this song depicts, in a straightforward manner, the emotions of a man who is cheating.

The two know they each have separate lives, yet when they are together, they resolve not to show any trace of that reality.

It’s not something that can be condoned, and beyond mere pleasure, you can feel the constant presence of suffering mixed in.

Being drawn to someone may be unavoidable, but a dangerous love that robs someone else of their happiness is something we should still try to avoid.

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yuri

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If It SnowsDREAMS COME TRUE

DREAMS COME TRUE – “If It Were Snow”

Unable to spend Christmas with the one I love…

why is that? This song by DREAMS COME TRUE, a popular band that has long been at the forefront of the Japanese music scene, was released in 2006 as their 37th single.

I want to see you, but I just can’t… The lyrics are packed with the protagonist’s pent-up frustration, and as you listen, you may find yourself in tears.

Yoshida’s crystal-clear vocals fill your ears—an achingly beautiful Christmas song.

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Araki Jakkan

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Naniwa boatNakamori Akina

Wrecked Ship - Akina Nakamori

Released by Tokiko Kato in 1984, this song was covered and released in 1987 as Akina Nakamori’s 19th single, becoming a major hit.

It’s said that Tokiko Kato herself earnestly wished for Akina Nakamori to sing it, which led to the song being offered to her.

Cover versions were subsequently released by prominent artists such as Kaori Momoi, Tomomi Kahala, and Fuyumi Sakamoto, cementing its place as a classic of the Showa era.

My lover has left, and I’ve lost everything, yet the city remains unchanged.

Perhaps it’s important not to put on a brave face, and to allow ourselves to fully grieve a heartbreak.

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yuri

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Manhattan KissTakeuchi Mariya

Manhattan Kiss (Mariya Takeuchi cover) / Fujiko @ Osaka

There are surprisingly many songs themed around forbidden love by singer-songwriter Mariya Takeuchi.

The subtle, uniquely female perspectives and emotions she portrays often feel very real and pierce the heart.

The song introduced here is Manhattan Kiss.

Released in 1992, it also served as the theme song for a film of the same name that premiered at the same time.

The lyrics read like the thoughts of a woman left alone in the hotel where she always meets her married lover.

It’s a track that makes you empathize with the protagonist’s inability to make a clean break and say goodbye.

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Yoimachi Jēn

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Supporting Actress Syndrome 2back number

[With Lyrics] Supporting Actress Syndrome 2 / back number (Cover)

Back Number’s “Supporting Actress Syndrome” is often called a hidden gem.

“Supporting Actress Syndrome 2” is its sequel.

In the first song, a woman is portrayed as becoming whatever is expected of her, dancing in the palm of a man’s hand just to be loved.

But the sequel depicts the two of them breaking up.

It seems the woman couldn’t bear it any longer—the man’s lack of sensitivity, the fact that while she loved him, to him it was just a fling.

This is a song that stands by women going through pain and cheers them on.

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sasashina

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