Unrequited love songs by bands. Japanese pop/rock love songs.
I love band performances and love songs! For those who feel the same, I’ve put together a collection of unrequited love songs by bands.
Japan has many popular bands like RADWIMPS, SEKAI NO OWARI, and Official HIGE DANDism, with countless great tracks.
I’m sure you’ve heard their love songs at least once.
In this article, I’ll introduce masterpieces that capture the feelings of unrequited love among love songs.
From heart-wrenching tunes to songs that give you the courage to confess, there’s a lot to explore—so be sure to give them a listen!
Unrequited love songs by bands. Japanese love songs (1–10)
Supporting-role starNEW!TRACK15
A bittersweet love song for those who feel they can’t be the leading role in love.
It’s a track by the guitar rock band TRACK15, released in 2025 as the first song on their mini-album “season.” It also drew attention when it was used in connection with the CS program SPACE SHOWER TV “it.” Sung by vocalist Ren, this pop-rock number blends aching sorrow with soaring exhilaration, with beautiful string tones that tug at the heart.
The lyrics gently reassure listeners who fear they might be just a supporting character to the one they care for—saying, “I’m truly seeing you.” Men nursing a one-sided crush will likely see their own awkwardness reflected and be moved to tears.
It’s a song that gives you the courage to take a step forward.
Setagaya Love StoryNEW!back number
Who hasn’t felt their heart tighten with the frustration of words left unsaid on the walk to the station just before the last train? Sung by the rock band back number, this song is a medium-tempo ballad that vividly portrays the clumsy feelings of a man.
Within the brief time between leaving an izakaya and heading to the station, the protagonist’s hesitation and earnest longing—his inability to take that one extra step—are woven into everyday scenes.
Included as the closing track on the album “Love Story,” released in March 2014, it was later adapted into a short film in January 2015 by director Isao Yukisada, earning praise for its evocative world.
It’s a masterpiece I hope anyone struggling to find the right words at a parting with someone they love will listen to.
Youth is alwaysNEW!moon drop
This is a down-to-earth number that resonates with a man’s heart, crafted by moon drop, a band that thrives under the concept of “singing nothing but love songs—about love and romance.” The track closes out their March 2024 album, “Kimi ni Mita Kisetsu,” and a live version was later released.
Set to a straightforward guitar rock sound, it vividly captures both the impulse to convey “I love you” head-on and the bashfulness that comes with it.
The clumsy desire to be honest—not guided by reason, but by simple sincerity—is sure to strike a chord with any man nursing a crush.
Its slightly nostalgic melody and the band’s high-energy ensemble nestle up to a lovestruck heart and gently give it a push.
It’s a song you’ll want to play when you’re ready to be true to your feelings.
More than anyoneNEW!reGretGirl
This is a track by the Osaka-based three-piece rock band reGretGirl, released digitally in May 2022.
It’s an emotional piece that portrays the feelings of someone unable to let go of an unrequited crush.
The detailed everyday imagery crafted by vocalist-guitarist Masahiro Hirabe vividly brings to life the pain of a love that won’t reach its destination.
An Album Ver.
was also included on their 2023 release, “tear.” Even knowing the other person has a partner, the narrator can’t give up and stays close as a friend, a pain the song expresses.
If you’re struggling with a love that won’t be returned, you may find deep resonance in the lingering words and the band’s sound.
Love keyNEW!yangusukinii
Told from a male perspective, this track portrays a clumsy love that longs for the other person yet can’t quite be honest.
Many will relate to the contradiction of hurting each other precisely because you care.
Set against Young Skinny’s weighty band sound, the unstable emotions unique to romance are laid bare.
Released in November 2021, the song was later included on the mini-album “If I Have to Act, I’d Rather Be Myself.” Though it hasn’t had any major tie-ins, it has captured the hearts of many listeners through live performances and more.
It’s a song that will gently stay by your side on nights when you feel self-loathing over your own weakness and selfishness.
A must-listen for anyone struggling with a love that just won’t go right.
Your colorNEW!Da-iCE
Have you ever felt the frustration of a distance that feels so close yet just out of reach, even though you’re in love? This unrequited love song perfectly captures bright yet bittersweet emotions for the end of summer.
Created by Da-iCE, it was released as a single in August 2017 and selected as the official tie-in song for Takara Tomy Arts’ “Bunch O Balloons.” It was later included on the album “BET,” reaching as high as No.
4 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.
Despite its comfortable mid-up tempo sound, the warm, wistful melody resonates deeply and naturally paints vivid scenes as you listen.
It’s a must-hear for men experiencing the frustration of unrequited love who can’t quite take the step to confess.
Come, springNEW!the shes gone
the shes gone is a rock band that gently weaves music to accompany everyday life.
Released for streaming in January 2023 and on a physical mini-album in February 2023, this track included on the mini-album HEART features a breezy band sound that feels wonderfully refreshing.
It expresses, brightly and straightforwardly, the emotions of that frustrating yet most enjoyable phase of unrequited love.
Rather than dwelling on the darker anxieties love can cast, it’s a rock number that directly portrays the happiness of thinking about the one you like.
It embraces a pure, growing feeling of love from a sincere male perspective.
It’s a song we hope those at the start of a romance—wanting to confess their feelings but finding it hard to take the first step—will listen to.
It gently gives a supportive push toward a positive outlook.