A song of forbidden love. A love song about feelings that can't be stopped.

That’s not fair.NEW!Ochiai Wataru

Wataru Ochiai – That's Unfair (Music Video)

Even knowing it won’t be reciprocated, you’re drawn to those gentle hands and that soft voice, unable to walk away…

This song vividly portrays the emotional turmoil of being trapped in such an ambiguous relationship.

Sung by Wataru Ochiai, a singer-songwriter from Osaka, it’s a track overflowing with heartache.

Released in May 2021, it’s known as one of his signature works, alongside albums like “Nonfiction,” where he has expressed a down-to-earth view of love.

The weakness and jealousy of clinging to someone even while realizing you’re being treated as a convenient option come through raw and real over an acoustic sound.

A ballad for anyone who can’t break free from a painful, forbidden love they want to end but can’t.

A Kiss of Affected SplendorNEW!shallm

[shallm] Kiss of Pretenses (Music Video) – Opening theme for the nationwide Yomiuri TV/Nippon TV Thursday drama “Love Prohibited”

A song you’ll want to listen to on nights when you’re tormented by relationships that can’t be smoothed over with pretty words and emotions you can’t show anyone.

Set to a thrilling arrangement that fuses jazz and rock, it portrays the true feelings behind superficial words and the aching emotions you long to say but can’t.

This track was released in July 2025 by shallm, who had put out the album “charme” in October 2024.

It was written as the opening theme for the Thursday drama “Love Prohibited.” Give it a listen when you’re lost in the fate of an unattainable love and wishing someone would quietly stay by your side.

FUCK LOVENEW!chanmina

FUCK LOVE

A poignant track that bares a wounded heart and loneliness behind the tough front of “I don’t need love.” It’s a song by Chanmina, who showcases a wide range of expression as both a rapper and a singer.

It’s included on her fourth album, “Naked,” released in April 2023.

The piece powerfully conveys the raw feeling—akin to resignation—that lurks behind aggressive words, a sense of “whatever happens, happens.” If you’re exhausted by a futureless, secret relationship yet still unable to cut ties and struggling with those lingering feelings, give it a listen.

It’s sure to resonate deeply with the pain of an unrequited love.

Shura-banbanNEW!Yao

[MV] Hachio “Shurabanban (Shoot a bomb bomb!!)” Theme song for 2025 July cour drama DEEP “Complete Adultery — The Aesthetics of Concealment, the Resolve to Expose —”

A thrilling pop number that channels the anger and biting sarcasm of being cheated on into humor.

Crafted by Yao, known for a cynical and distinctive perspective, the song delivers the bitterness of betrayal and a thirst for revenge through powerful vocals.

Released to the world in March 2025 as the opening track of the album “Hajimari no Uta,” it was chosen as the theme song for the NTV drama DEEP “Perfect Adultery — The Aesthetics of Concealment, The Resolve to Expose.” A drama-specific version was later released in July of the same year.

It’s the perfect track for anyone deeply hurt by a forbidden love or a partner’s betrayal, carrying an overwhelming sense of frustration, who wants to feel a refreshing sense of catharsis.

pink bloodnarumiya

Pink Tide of Blood – Narumiya

Released in September 2025, this song uses the folktale Momotaro as its motif to depict a “forbidden love” that can never be fulfilled.

The band ensemble carries a gently nostalgic feel that’s truly lovely and draws you in.

It’s an emotional rock tune marked by a poignant story of two people drawn to each other despite being destined to be enemies.

I think it will especially resonate with younger listeners!

MELROSE ~A Promise Not to Love~EXILE ATSUSHI

EXILE ATSUSHI / MELROSE ~A Promise Not to Love~

A ballad that portrays the bittersweet feelings of a man and a woman drawn to each other despite a promise not to fall in love.

The wavering heart caught between reason and emotion pairs beautifully with EXILE ATSUSHI’s deeply expressive vocals.

Released in December 2012 as his third solo single, the song is included on albums such as Music and Love Ballade.

It was also featured as the ending theme for NTV’s Sukkiri!!, garnering widespread attention.

This is a track that resonates deeply with those who relate to the complexities of adult romance or who are striving to move forward while carrying a sense of longing.

just a littleIgarashi Haru

Haru Igarashi – A Little (Official Music Video)

A song whose heartrending, soul-stirring vocals move every listener.

With delicate wording, it weaves a poignant love swayed by the whims of fate—encounters that come at the wrong time.

Haru Igarashi is a singer-songwriter with the unusual background of being a former police officer.

Released in March 2024, this work has drawn major attention, topping the Billboard JAPAN Heatseekers Songs chart for two consecutive weeks.

The line about pretending to like what the other person likes just to stay by their side is so earnest it tightens the chest.