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!
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- Unrequited love songs that strike a man's heart. Love songs from a male perspective that really hit home.
- [J-Pop] A Collection of Unrequited Love Songs That Stay Close to Your Heart
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- [From a woman's perspective] Cute unrequited love song
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- A ballad song about unrequited love
- Classic and popular songs about unrequited love
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- Heart-Touching Unrequited Love Songs: Masterpieces That Sing of Hidden Affections
Unrequited-love songs by bands. Japanese love songs (21–30)
Love letterTHE BLUE HEARTS
This is a song that expresses a bittersweet feeling with letters as its theme.
Released in February 1989 as THE BLUE HEARTS’ fourth single, it’s one of the tracks included on the album TRAIN-TRAIN.
Written and composed by Hiroto Kōmoto, this ballad is characterized by its effective use of falsetto chorus and strings.
In 2004, it was featured in a KDDI (au) commercial, and in 2006 it was used as an insert song in the film Love Letter: Aoi Renga.
Singing of lingering feelings for an unfulfilled love and a pure wish for the other person’s happiness, this song is recommended for those who want to entrust their feelings for someone special to a letter.
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.
Unrequited love songs by bands. Japanese love songs (31–40)
snowNakanomori BAND
When I thought the lyrics felt a bit realistic from a male perspective, it turned out the song was written by The Blue Hearts’ Masashi “Mashi” Kishimoto, wasn’t it? I wonder if the protagonist of this song has locked away feelings that seem unlikely to be fulfilled.
The reason such straightforward, simple lyrics resonate as a heartrending, slightly sad love song must be Ayako Nakanomori’s expressive power.
with a happy endingTRACK15
Have you ever had that aching experience of knowing a love won’t be returned, yet being unable to stop your heart from being drawn in? Released in July 2025 and crafted by TRACK15, this piece is a love song that portrays an irresistible longing and the strength to keep trying anyway.
Its message—thinking straight and true about someone no matter how it ends—really hits home.
The refreshing sound is another reason why.
It’s a wonderful rock number that gently stays by the side of anyone troubled by a love that just won’t go right.
Unrequited loveGENERATIONS from EXILE TRIBE
A coupling track to the debut single “BRAVE IT OUT,” released in November 2012, and also included on the classic album “GENERATIONS.” When you like someone, even the smallest reactions can weigh on your mind, right? This song beautifully captures the heart caught in a frustrating struggle—so wrapped up in the other person that you can’t take that first step.
The fresh vocals from GENERATIONS at the time of their debut also invite empathy, and their pure resonance is truly moving.
If you’re in the midst of a love you can’t confess, this track will stay close to your heart.
The words penned by their senior, EXILE ATSUSHI, gently permeate with the ache of a bittersweet love.
Try loving—it’s not like you’ll lose anything.neguse.
A one-sided crush song from a woman’s perspective crafted by Neguse., depicting unreciprocated feelings and complex emotions.
Released in April 2023, the track gained traction on social media, and by September its music video surpassed 2 million views.
In contrast to its poppy, catchy sound, the lyrics convey the weight and ache of saying “I like you.” It’s a song that offers comfort to those struggling with emotional distance or anxiety in love—highly recommended for anyone who relates to the frustration of a bittersweet crush.
presentJITTERIN’JINN
It’s a super catchy classic that even people who don’t know JITTERIN’JINN firsthand have probably heard.
The brisk tempo paired with the equally snappy lyrics will stick in your head and loop on repeat after just one listen! The lyrics themselves are actually very sad.