Mutual love, unrequited love, familial love... classic songs that sing about affection

More than friends, less than loversAsa

ASA – More Than Friends, Less Than Lovers [Official Music Video]

This is a song by ASA that delicately portrays honest feelings and inner conflict.

The emotions swaying on the boundary between friendship and love are so relatable that they may feel like your own experience.

Released digitally in September 2022, the track is marked by a warm, gently enveloping vocal and an emotionally rich melody line.

Because you care so much about the other person, you can’t take that step forward—this tender, aching feeling slowly seeps into your heart.

You don’t want to lose either love or friendship.

That’s why the wish to protect the relationship as it is resonates deeply with listeners.

It’s a song I especially recommend to those struggling with their feelings for someone they like, or those who’ve realized how much a close friend means to them.

more than anyoneBE:FIRST

BE:FIRST / Stronger Than Anyone -Lyric Video- (Theme song for the film “Hold Me Tighter Than Anyone”)

A heartfelt ballad that tenderly follows the contours of the soul, portraying a straight, unwavering love for someone dear.

This track stands out for BE:FIRST’s finely nuanced emotional expression and the harmony woven by all the members.

The lyrics were co-written by RYOKI, who also stars in the film, and producer SKY-HI.

Commissioned as the theme song for the film “Hold Me Tighter Than Anyone” (releasing in February 2025), it reflects the complex inner world of a protagonist living with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Included on BE:FIRST’s single “Spacecraft / Sailing,” the song offers sincere empathy and encouragement to all who carry thoughts of a loved one in their hearts as they move through life.

catDISH//

DISH// (Takumi Kitamura) – Neko / THE FIRST TAKE

This is a moving song that overlays the end of a bittersweet love with the ephemeral freedom of a cat.

Written and composed by singer-songwriter Aimyon, it beautifully harmonizes with DISH//’s musical style to create a true masterpiece.

Released in August 2017 as the B-side to the single “We Did It,” it was later featured in 2020 as an insert song in the drama “Cat.” That same year, it received the Excellence Award at the 62nd Japan Record Awards and was included on the album “X.” Embracing listeners who have experienced parting with someone dear, this heartwarming track gently holds universal feelings of loss and lingering attachment, while nurturing the strength to keep looking forward.

I wonderDa-iCE

Da-iCE /「I wonder」Performance Video

There’s a drama that features a fantastic theme song, right? Da-iCE’s track was actually written specifically as the theme for the TBS Tuesday drama “Kururi: Who Did I Fall in Love With?” It’s a moving song themed around love and self-discovery, depicting a protagonist who has lost their memory searching for their true self.

Da-iCE’s sharp dance moves and powerful vocals are captivating, and as you listen, you get drawn deeply into the world of the drama.

Released in April 2024, this song is recommended for anyone trying to reclaim their true self through love.

Only youDani.

Dani. – “Only You Alone” [Lyric Video], love song, ballad

A gem of a love song where inorganic, Auto-Tuned vocals blend beautifully with passionate lyrics about pure love.

Dani.’s delicate voice gently embraces the vow of eternal love.

Rather than someone out in the world, the lyrics plainly trace the changing emotions brought about by meeting that one special person.

Released in November 2024 as a track on the album “Unmei tte.” (“Fate, you know.”), the song drew wide attention on social media and reached No.

2 on Spotify’s Viral Chart.

It’s a warm, comforting track that stays close to your heart when you want to reaffirm your feelings for a cherished partner or feel grateful for meeting your destined person.

I like you, please.FRUITS ZIPPER

[MV] FRUITS ZIPPER “Suki, Onegai”

A heartwarming love song that captures the pure feelings of a girl who dreams of an ideal romance, like the heroine of a drama.

It delicately portrays the shift in her emotions—from sweet bedtime fantasies each night to a love that becomes real—set to a tender melody.

Released by FRUITS ZIPPER in February 2025, the song was written as the opening theme for ABEMA’s popular dating reality show “Koisuru ♥ Shuumatsu Homestay 2025 Winter.” It’s a track that gently supports the heart of a girl swaying between ideal and reality, wishing to nurture love one step at a time.

Perfect for anyone who keeps feelings for someone they haven’t confessed to yet, or who dreams of a wonderful, drama-like romance.

Love LetterGReeeeN

GReeeeN – Love Letter

This song is themed around a heartwarming love letter.

Released in November 2011, it was used as the opening theme for a TV Tokyo music program.

Since the members of GReeeeN have pursued music while working as dentists, the lyrics convey a sense of cherishing the small, everyday moments.

Filled with deep affection and gratitude toward a loved one, the words are relatable to anyone.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you want to express your feelings to someone special or on an anniversary with your partner.

Be sure to listen to it together with someone important to you.