Unrequited love songs by bands. Japanese pop/rock love songs.

I’m in love right now.≒JOY

≒JOY (Nearly Equal Joy) / “I’m in Love Now” [MV full] Vertical video

A bittersweet summer love song told from a male perspective about unrequited feelings.

It captures a rush that makes you want to take off on a bicycle, along with the frustrating distance of watching someone from afar, striking a chord with its purehearted romance.

With lyrics by Rino Sashihara, it was released in August 2025 as part of a “Summer Special Song” project.

The vertically shot school-set music video also drew attention, with its story-driven visuals vividly enhancing the song’s world.

While wishing happiness for the dazzling person they love, the singer laments the ache of not being able to be part of that story.

It’s a must-listen for anyone holding feelings they can’t convey right now, or for those who want to savor the sweet-and-sour taste of love.

Many listeners are sure to relate.

B-b-but.≒JOY

≒JOY (Nearly Equal Joy) / 2nd Single c/w 'Dadada, Datte.' [MV full]

From the peppy rhythm of the intro, this song instantly sweeps you into a bittersweet world of youth.

Included as the B-side of the single “First Love Cinderella,” released in October 2024, it became a hot topic as the group’s first unit track.

Sung by Ayumi Ichihara, Mizuki Oshida, and Yuka Murayama, this love song uses onomatopoeia-like phrases to express the fluster of a love that leaves you lost for words, making your heart skip a beat every time you listen.

The down-to-earth lyrics penned by Rino Sashihara are deeply relatable, and the music video’s must-see storyline cheers on its clumsy protagonist.

This work is an anthem that gives you courage when you feel timid about love.

Why not listen to it when you want to confess your feelings to someone you like, or when you need a little push forward?

You don’t listen to rock.aimyon

Aimyon – You Don’t Listen to Rock [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

A signature song by Aimyon that blends the sweet tang and faint bitterness of youth, gripping listeners’ hearts and never letting go.

Released in August 2017 as her third single, this track portrays a clumsy crush: trying to convey one’s feelings to someone who isn’t into rock through a beloved record.

Many will likely see their younger selves in the earnest “I,” wishing to close even a little of the distance.

Upon release, it earned power-play rotation at 42 radio stations nationwide, catapulting her recognition.

When you’re wrestling with the frustration of unrequited love, why not listen to this song for a dose of courage?

to youMONGOL800

To You by MONGOL800

A signature number from MONGOL800 that blends the warmth and exhilarating drive of Okinawa’s breeze.

The lyrics, written in straightforward words, convey overflowing feelings for a loved one directly, heating listeners’ hearts.

Released in September 2001, it’s included on the classic album “MESSAGE,” which sold over 2.8 million copies.

Though not a single, it has been featured in a detergent commercial, the film “Utatama♪,” and the drama “Ososaki no Himawari,” and has been loved for many years.

Its appeal is also evident from covers by artists like Mrs.

GREEN APPLE.

Its unadorned words give a push to one-sided love and help deepen the bond between two people.

I’ll end up hating you.Kaneyori Masaru

Kaneyori Masaru [You’ll Make Me Hate You] Music Video

Kaneyori Masaru is a three-piece all-girl rock band based in Osaka.

Released in July 2024, this song is a summer love tune that captures the sweet-and-sour ache of a one-way crush.

Produced with music producer Junji Ishiwatari, it features a simple, catchy beat and an exhilarating melody.

Many listeners will likely relate to the lyrics, which weave together possessiveness and an earnest plea—wishing that love with anyone other than oneself won’t come to fruition.

The track is also included on the mini-album “To Us Who Won’t Live Yesterday,” released in January 2025.

It’s a number that gives a gentle push to those in love.

Unrequited love for lifeGarakuta

Garakuta – Unrequited Love for a Lifetime (Official Music Video)

This is a song by Garakuta, a four-piece band based in Nagoya, that portrays unrequited feelings of love in a down-to-earth, relatable way.

If confessing would risk ruining what we have now, I’d rather keep my feelings to myself.

Many listeners will likely feel their hearts tighten at the blend of bravado and honest emotion in the lyrics.

Featured as the first track on their EP released in March 2024, “May it be my song that fills the gaps in your heart,” this piece is perfect for anyone stuck in a love they can’t quite step forward into, despite how strongly they feel.

I hope I can be your lover.Kaneyori Masaru

Kaneyori Masaru [I Hope I Can Be Your Lover] Music Video

A song by Kaneyori Masaru that candidly sings about a bittersweet love—dreaming of a future with someone you like even while knowing it’ll never come true.

You feel like you’re just one of many to them, and yet you can’t help but hope that tomorrow will be different; that pure, earnest feeling squeezes your heart.

The driving rock sound powerfully propels those pent-up emotions forward.

This track appears on the mini-album “To Us Who Won’t Live Yesterday,” released in January 2025, and also drew attention as the theme song for the film “Yoyogi Johnny’s Melancholy After School.” It went viral on TikTok and became one of the signature hits of 2025.

It’s sure to resonate deeply with anyone who can’t confess their feelings before graduation or who’s struggling with the pain of unrequited love.