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

To the seaSenchimirimentaru

センチミリメンタル『海へ』Music Video

Created as an insert song for the animated film “Given: Umi e” (Given: Into the Sea), this piece is a gemlike love song that delicately portrays memories and parting, with lyrics, composition, and arrangement by Centimillimental’s Atsushi.

It weaves together the loneliness of growing distant from someone you love, the bittersweet ache of recalling them, and the desire not to forget—rendered as universal emotions that feel like experiences shared by everyone.

The song is included on the album “for GIVEN,” released in February 2025.

It’s a track that will resonate with anyone who thinks of someone dear and wishes to preserve those memories forever.

ConclusionSenchimirimentaru

Sentimental『Last Words』Music Video

A profound love story chronicling meetings and partings that cannot last forever.

Born from the desire to capture memories with a loved one in music, this heartrending ballad emerged after nine years in the making.

Crafted with heartfelt care by Atushi from Centimillimental, the song was chosen as the theme for the September 2024 release Given The Movie: To the Sea, drawing attention for its beautiful harmony with the film’s world.

It’s a song that gently stays by the side of anyone struggling with a relationship and carrying a bittersweet ache in their heart.

I loved you.Naoto Intiraymi

Naoto Inti Raymi “Aishiteta” Music Video

A single marked by a wistful melody that lingers in the heart and a voice full of tenderness.

Though they love each other, the two are forced to part, and their questioning of fate leaves a deep afterglow.

Each word Naoto Inti Raymi weaves carries profound love and the sorrow of farewell.

Released in March 2012 and used as the ending theme for TV Asahi’s “Onegai! Ranking,” the song reached No.

8 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and was also included on the album “Fūka Caravan.” It’s a track that resonates with those who relate to a bittersweet love story where, despite pledging eternal love, parting becomes the only choice.

JulianPurinsesu Purinsesu

Princess Princess 'Julian'

This is a ballad that sings of a bittersweet, aching love.

Released by Princess Princess in November 1990, this gem of a song delivers a cathartic performance of unfulfilled feelings, vividly portraying the complex emotions toward someone precious who is slipping away.

With lyrics by Kanako Nakayama and music by Kaori Okui, it drew attention as the band’s first ballad single and was also featured in a commercial for Citizen’s Lighthouse.

It reached No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and ranked 13th on the 1991 year-end chart.

For anyone experiencing the pangs of unrequited love or harboring deep feelings for someone important, this song will surely offer gentle solace.

A bouquet of happinessMarushii

Marcy – Bouquet of Happiness (Official Music Video)

A warm song by Marcy that richly colors springtime love.

Its lyrics, which liken happy moments and memories spent with a loved one to a bouquet of flowers, are especially memorable.

Vocalist Ukyo Yoshida says the song reflects his wish that people cherish both the joy of receiving love from someone and the joy of giving it.

Released as a digital single in October 2022, it was also chosen as the theme song for a dating reality show.

If both you and your partner can keep asking yourselves, “Am I only receiving love? Am I truly giving it, too?” then a sad parting should never come.

This track reminds us that a caring heart is the most important key to building happiness together.

waiting in vainrokudenashi

Rokudenashi “Left Waiting” / Rokudenashi – Stood Me Up [Official Music Video]

This is a work by Rokudenashi, who began activities in 2021, delicately depicting the emotions of unrequited love.

The subtle shifts of a heart that can’t quite face the other person’s kindness, and the loneliness of being able only to watch them talk with someone else, leave a strong impression.

The vocals woven by Ninjin carry a warmth that feels like it gently heats the heart on a quiet winter night.

Written and composed by Hifumi, the song was released as a single in October 2021.

It’s a track that stands beside those troubled by love, offering empathy and comfort.

For anyone who holds a painful feeling they can’t confess to anyone—their love for someone dear—this song is meant for you.

selling oneselfRosu

selling oneself

Set in a red-light district, this narrative song portrays a courtesan bearing an aching love for a man she adores.

With delicate wording, it weaves the emotions of a woman wavering between her unrequited feelings for someone who won’t even meet her gaze and the reality of living as a courtesan.

Ros’s protean vocals vividly express the poignancy and sorrow.

Released digitally in March 2022 and included on the album “Yoru no Shito,” the piece has also been tied to projects such as the drama series “My Beautiful Man.” It will resonate deeply not only with those suffering from impossible love, but with anyone who knows the bittersweet ache of loving someone relentlessly.