Mutual love, unrequited love, familial love... classic songs that sing about affection
There are many different kinds of love, aren’t there?
Of course there’s the love between couples and spouses, but also the love between parents and children, and the love shared among friends and companions.
In this article, we’ll be introducing lots of songs that sing about these various forms of love!
From lovey-dovey mutual-love tracks to bittersweet unrequited-love songs, and heartwarming tunes themed around family love—you’re sure to find songs that capture the kind of love you’re looking for!
As you listen, try reading along with the lyrics and feel the emotions poured into each song!
- Songs to give to your lover or someone you like. Love songs devoted wholeheartedly to your boyfriend or girlfriend.
- Songs of pure love. Recommended masterpieces and popular pure-love love songs.
- [Family Love] Masterpieces of Japanese songs that sing about one’s wife
- [Couple's Song] Love Songs to Listen to on Good Couple Day and Anniversaries
- [To Those in Love] Relatable Love Songs to Listen to When You’re Crushing Hard
- [Must read] Songs with great lyrics. Moving songs you’ll want to listen to while reading the lyrics
- [Mutual Love Songs] A curated selection of sweet and bittersweet love songs about mutual affection!
- [Unrequited Love] Heart-wrenching Love Songs | A Roundup of Tear-Inducing Crush and Breakup Tracks
- [A Song That Makes Love Come True] Carefully selected love songs perfect for those who want to make their unrequited love come true!
- J-Rock love songs: timeless and popular romance tracks that resonate with the heart.
- [Classical] A comprehensive introduction to famous love pieces: recommended popular works
- [Song of Destiny] Love songs to listen to when you meet your destined person
- [Songs to Hear on Anniversaries] Love Songs for Couples That Deepen Your Bond
Mutual Love, Unrequited Love, Family Love… Classic Songs About Affection (181–190)
You’re unfair, you know.riria.
This song poignantly expresses the feelings of unrequited love.
Released in December 2024, it is also included on the album “Kiseki,” out in January 2025.
With a clear, airy vocal that paints wintry Christmas scenes, the track features a warm arrangement incorporating piano and strings.
The lyrics convey pure emotions toward a one-sided crush, something teens in particular are likely to relate to.
It’s a perfect winter song for elevating a romantic mood.
A bouquet of happinessMarushii
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
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.
Why not me?Misaka Saki
This song delicately portrays the bittersweet feelings of unrequited love.
They were close as friends, but before he knew it, romantic feelings had begun to grow.
Those complex emotions of a boy are expressed through a clear, transparent singing voice.
Released in February 2021 as the theme song for ABEMA’s popular romance reality show “Kyo, Suki ni Narimashita” (Today, I Fell in Love), it resonated with many listeners.
It’s a perfect track for anyone struggling with their feelings for a crush.
Listening to this song might give you the courage to take a step forward.
LA LA LA Love SongKubota Toshinobu
An R&B masterpiece ballad that lifts your spirits like a carousel.
It beautifully captures both the sweetness and the ache of romance.
Toshinobu Kubota’s silky vocals and Naomi Campbell’s whisper-like chorus blend in exquisite harmony.
Released in May 1996, it became a breakout hit as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Long Vacation,” selling 1.856 million copies and winning the Japan Record Award for Excellence.
With a warmth that gently wraps the rain in your heart, this song is perfect for those newly in love and for adults who cherish precious memories.
The day we stopped being loversYuuri
Released as a digital-only single in February 2023, it was also included on the album “II,” which came out in March of the same year.
Judging by the title alone, you might assume this is a breakup song, but the lyrics actually feature two different “days we stopped being lovers.” The first is the day they broke up, which is what most people would imagine.
The couple in the song does part ways once.
However, they can’t forget each other, and when they meet again, they get back together.
Determined not to be alone this time, a proposal follows, and they become husband and wife—this is the second “day they stopped being lovers.” It’s a truly lovely story, and I imagine many readers were deeply moved by the lyrics.
Goodbye-byeTomioka Ai
A delicate song by Ai Tomioka that sings of a love so pure it almost hurts.
The transparent vocals capture the frustrating feeling of almost closing the distance with someone, yet never quite getting there.
Even while knowing the other person has someone special, the complicated emotions of being unable to let go resonate deeply.
Released in September 2023, it captured many hearts, reaching the Top 10 on Spotify’s Viral charts in six Asian countries.
The song is memorable for its blend of English and Japanese lyrics and its catchy melodic line.
It’s a track that comforts anyone holding onto unspoken feelings for someone they love, or struggling with a love that may never come true.