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

balladKetsumeishi

Ketsumeishi “Ballad”

Ketsumeishi’s “Ballad,” a hugely popular affair song, is a masterpiece that brings you to tears from the very first notes of the intro.

The song portrays the aching feelings of a man who can do nothing but wait to hear from the woman he loves.

An affair is a relationship where even contacting each other feels forbidden… yet he truly wants to see her, to hold her—an unbearably bittersweet love that brings you to tears.

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sasashina

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Happinessback number

Happiness / back number (cover)

Rather than evoking an affair, this song centers on the theme of an “unattainable love.” It poignantly expresses feelings that make you wonder whose “happiness” the title refers to.

It feels like witnessing the person you love loving someone else, and it tightens your chest.

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utatane

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Someday, the two of usMr.Children

Mr.Children / Someday, the Two of Us

A bittersweet love ballad sung by Mr.Children, “Itsu no hi ni ka Futari de.” It’s an unrequited love song about a younger man who falls for an older woman.

It’s unclear whether she’s simply not interested or already married, but because they can never be more than friends, the man soothes his heart by dreaming of the day they’ll be together.

His thoughts are consumed by her, his longing to see her keeps growing… The lyrics are achingly poignant, resonating with any man experiencing a love that won’t come true.

It’s a song you should listen to on those days when you just can’t see the one you love.

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sasashina

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Quivering with sweet sighsNEW!Yoshii Kazuya

Kazuyoshi Yoshi - Trembling Sweet Sighs

A song that weaves forbidden love and a longing that sinks deep, carried by a sound draped in a Showa-era kayō taste.

Kazuya Yoshii’s sultry vocals and unhurried sense of timing further accentuate the anguish of an unattainable love.

The piece was released in October 2025 as the theme song for the NTV drama DEEP: “From There On Is Hell,” a story of love and hate.

You can feel the mature allure of Kazuya Yoshii—also active with THE YELLOW MONKEY—in his solo work here.

It’s a track for those who have stepped into a secret relationship they can tell no one about, burdened by the fear that there’s no turning back.

Even when you know your feelings won’t be rewarded and still can’t let go, this song will gently stay by your side.

A Song Dedicated to the Worst YouNEW!Yuuri

Yuuri “A Song for the Worst You” Official Music Video

Even knowing it’s a convenient relationship, I just can’t walk away.

This medium-tempo ballad by Yuri poignantly captures that inner struggle.

Though the head understands the partner is the worst, the lyrics portray the complex psychology of being swayed by their slyness and becoming dependent.

The raw depictions of an unattainable love—like displays of affection used to hide true feelings—are sure to pierce the heart.

Released as a single in November 2025, it sparked buzz after being performed on the opening night of the Asia tour.

It’s a song that offers solace to those suffering from a forbidden love or wishing to break free from a toxic relationship.

In loveNEW!HY

HY - “In Love” (Theme song for the film ‘366 Days’) Music Video

A jewel-like ballad that gives you the courage to take one step forward from the depths of sorrow at the end of a secret love you can’t tell anyone about.

HY, a band from Okinawa, wrote it as the theme song for the film “366 Days,” released in January 2025.

The track was released in December 2024 and is also included on the album “TIME,” which came out in January 2025.

Created as an answer song 16 years after the masterpiece “366 Days,” which etched the pain of unrequited love, this work features beautiful male and female harmonies that resonate together, gently affirming that even deeply wounding experiences have meaning.

It’s a song that will likely resonate with those who, while carrying the memories of a love that brought no reward, are trying to face forward and start walking again.

I like indigo.NEW!indigo la End

indigo la End – Love for Indigo

This song portrays the frustration of being stuck in an ambiguous relationship, unable to get closer or farther apart.

The nocturnal atmosphere that seems to conjure vivid scenes—crafted by Enon Kawatani—and the supple band ensemble beautifully color the aching feelings of love.

Released digitally in advance in May 2016 and included the following month as the opening track of indigo la End’s album “Aiiro Music,” it expresses not a dramatic confession or ending, but those inexplicable emotions that linger right beside everyday life.

It may resonate with those harboring a secret love they can’t tell anyone about, or those troubled by an unattainable romance.