A ballad song about unrequited love

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.

to cry innocently; to weep with a childlike airAKASAKI

[AKASAKI] Adokenaku / Innocently Crying (Lyric Video)

This song resonates with the heart through its tenderness that tries to embrace a pure soul holding back tears, and the bittersweet ache of feelings that aren’t returned.

AKASAKI’s delicate portrayal of emotion and straightforward expression of love are deeply moving.

Released as a single in January 2025, it became a hot topic after being selected as Kiss FM KOBE’s recommended Japanese track for the month.

The intertwining of the desire to protect someone and the loneliness of unfulfilled devotion evokes empathy as an emotion many have experienced.

It’s a song that gently stays by the side of anyone striving to move forward while carrying feelings for someone dear.

Sorry for dreamingAKB48 U-21 senbatsu

[MV Full] Sorry for Dreaming / AKB48 U-21 Selection [Official]

You know that feeling when your head is completely filled with thoughts of the person you like.

This song, performed by AKB48’s U-21 selection, portrays the bittersweet emotions of unrequited love in a pop style.

Included on the single “Koi Tsumunjatta,” released in July 2024, it was also chosen as the ending theme for the drama “Hoshikuzu Telepathy.” The lyrics are striking for the way the singer apologizes with a “sorry” because their feelings are just too strong.

It’s recommended for anyone who wants to feel the bittersweetness of late-summer love or needs a little courage to confess.

If you ever want to reminisce about the faint romances of your youth, give it a listen.

bookmarkAqua Timez

Aqua Timez “Shiori” Music Video

A major hit by Aqua Timez, an artist beloved across generations for their love songs sung with a warm, familiar voice.

It’s a heartbreak song from a man’s perspective, as he remembers the usual meeting spot and the path they used to walk with the lover he broke up with, unable to forget her.

The strong and fleeting onesCocco

Cocco “The Strong and Ephemeral Ones” Music Video

This song portrays a poignant love that sets out on a difficult journey to build something precious for a beloved, only to be confronted with the reality of betrayal.

It depicts, with striking clarity, both the strength to fight for love and the fragility and weakness inherent in being human, while Cocco’s translucent voice resonates deeply.

Released in November 1997, it was featured as the theme song for JAL’s Hawaii campaign commercial.

It’s a piece that offers solace to those who resonate with the turmoil between wanting to protect someone dear and facing an unyielding reality, as well as to those struggling with unrequited love.

Love me, please.GOING STEADY

GOING STEADY – Please Love Me

This song expresses straightforward affection.

The chorus, sung with a soaring voice, feels great to listen to.

GOING STEADY’s way of building excitement is really cool.

When you’ve got an unrequited crush, you end up telling little lies just to look cool, don’t you?

DepartureGReeeeN

GReeeeN – Departure

A classic unrequited-love song by GReeeeN, an artist beloved across generations for their overwhelmingly high-tone vocals and driving melodies that captivate countless listeners.

It’s a heartbreak number filled with feelings for a beloved person who is going far away.