[Love Songs] A roundup of classic and latest hits about love that can’t be honest

Unraveling Loveyama

yama 'Unraveling Love' MV

This is a song by yama that portrays, from a unique perspective, the complex emotions of anxiety and regret that arise when you begin to question your relationship with your partner.

It delicately expresses the wavering feelings of someone troubled by their bond with the one they love—considering letting go as one possible choice, yet never losing their feelings for the other person.

The track is included on the album Shikisai, released in November 2022.

It’s a song that gently stays by the side of those who struggle with relationships with someone important to them, even as they find it hard to be honest with their own feelings.

Eine KleineYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Eine Kleine

A J-pop number by Kenshi Yonezu that delicately portrays the subtleties of a heart that can’t be honest.

His vocals, filled with tenderness and longing for a precious presence right before you, blend with the clear resonance of an acoustic guitar to deeply touch the heart.

You want to express your feelings, yet can’t quite weave the right words.

Those fragile emotions meld with a beautiful melody infused with elements of alternative rock.

Chosen as the CM song for Tokyo Metro’s 2014 advertising campaign “Color your days.” and included on the album YANKEE, this piece closely resonates with anyone who struggles to speak their true feelings or wishes to express love for their family.

If only I could say I love youKERENMI & atarayo

KERENMI & Atarayo - If Only I Could Say I Love You (Music Video) Theme Song for the Film “Kokan Uso Nikki” (The Liar’s Exchange Diary)

This is a collaborative track by KERENMI and Atarayo that delicately weaves a portrait of hearts that can’t easily be honest.

It captures the subtle emotions of high school students exchanging diary entries with exquisite nuance, and the fusion of classic J-pop melodies with a nostalgic sound vividly depicts a coming-of-age unique to today, where analog and digital coexist.

Released digitally in July 2023, the song drew attention as the theme for the film “Kokan Uso Nikki” (The Exchange Diary of Lies).

It’s a must-listen for anyone who can relate to the flutter of falling in love for the first time, the feelings swelling inside, or those who want to convey their precious emotions to someone special.

You don’t get it.WurtS

WurtS – You Don't Get It (Music Video)

WurtS’s song, which sings of a love that can’t quite be honest, poignantly portrays a heart swaying between an unchanging reality and feelings it can’t understand.

This track sets the protagonist’s struggle—torn between deep compassion for the other person and the painful distance that keeps them from truly understanding each other—to a lively beat and catchy melody.

Released as a digital single in May 2021, it was later included on the December 2021 album “Once Upon a Revival.” It also gained major traction on TikTok, even being nominated for the platform’s 2021 Buzzword Awards, becoming a huge hit across social media.

If you’re someone who wrestles with being honest in love, this is a song that will resonate—give it a listen.

usmilet

milet 'us' MUSIC VIDEO (Theme song for the Nippon TV Wednesday drama 'Gisou Furin' [Fake Affair])

A heartrending love song by milet that earnestly sings about cherishing the present moment, even while feeling anxious about possibly losing a relationship by confessing one’s feelings.

She conveys the interplay of courage and fear in taking a step forward through her signature husky voice.

Born from the album “us,” released in August 2019, this track also perfectly captures the world of the NTV Wednesday drama “Fake Affair,” for which it served as the theme song.

It gently accompanies those who struggle to express their feelings honestly to someone, or who hesitate out of a desire not to change a precious relationship.

I Want to Be Honest feat. KagechiyoHisame

Hisame / I Want to Be Honest feat. Kagechiyo (Official Music Video)

A duet by Hisame and Kagechiyo that sets the complex emotions of a girl in love to a pop melody.

While hiding her feelings, she can’t help but be preoccupied with the person she likes—her wavering heart is delicately portrayed over a light, buoyant rhythm.

Released in March 2025, the music video has garnered hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube.

It’s a must-listen for anyone who’s experienced that frustrating kind of love where you like someone so much you just can’t be honest about it.

passing by each otherSoala

Soala – Passing Each Other [Official Music Video]

A heartrending love song by Soala that delicately portrays the clumsy emotions of falling in love.

It beautifully captures the fragile moment of parting born from the inability to be honest with the one you love.

Many will relate to the protagonist, who regrets their actions even as they recognize their excessive possessiveness and self-centered behavior.

Released in July 2023, the song drew attention with its airy vocals and comfortable R&B vibe, racking up 20 million streams in just six months.

The warm voice that seems to wrap around a troubled heart and the down-to-earth lyrics truly resonate.

It’s a recommended track for anyone who has ever caused distance by caring too much, or who is struggling with their relationship with a beloved partner.