A song about falling for a celebrity. A love song you want to listen to when you’re truly smitten.

two peopleaiko

aiko - “Futari” music video

A work that beautifully portrays a brave, self-restrained love telling itself, “I’m glad I realized it before I fell any deeper,” is the song released in March 2008 by singer-songwriter aiko.

Set to an up-tempo, exhilarating sound, you can picture the protagonist getting elated and crushed by the tiniest gestures of the person they like.

Even while knowing that person’s gaze is directed at someone else, the aching sadness of feelings that won’t stop comes through vividly.

The song was a hit, reaching No.

3 on the Oricon weekly chart, later included on the acclaimed album “Himitsu,” and it resonated with many as the theme for a Hoyu commercial.

Even when you know it’s a love that won’t come true, you can’t help but think of them.

This is a number that gently stays by the side of anyone struggling with such a complicated unrequited love.

In loveHY

HY - “In Love” (Theme song for the film ‘366 Days’) Music Video

A poignant love song that portrays the pure feeling that even if you are not chosen by the other person, the love itself becomes a precious memory.

Written as the theme song for the film “366 Days,” releasing in January 2025, it is included on the album “TIME.” Positioned as an answer song to the 2008 classic “366 Days,” it gently expresses the resolve to look forward after heartbreak.

While continuing to think of the other person, it delicately depicts the subtle emotions of accepting those feelings as cherished memories.

Many listeners will surely relate to the emotions that waver between pure feelings and reality.

playing loversmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu 'Pretend Lovers' MV

Knowing they’re not real lovers, yet unable to bring the relationship to an end—this Macaroni Empitsu song captures the frustrating everyday life of such a pair.

Amid a routine where “I’m home” and “goodbye” coexist, it beautifully expresses the regret and lingering feelings born from love left unspoken.

Released in February 2020, the track was also featured in a Honda campaign.

Growing tired of the time spent together and becoming aware of the relationship’s heaviness… This is a song that gently supports those holding onto a fading love, unsure of what to do next.

even ifHirai Ken

Ken Hirai 'even if' MUSIC VIDEO

It’s a song by Ken Hirai that conjures up the image of a man at a bar counter, tilting his glass and hiding his true feelings as he sits beside someone gazing at their lover’s ring.

You can almost feel the protagonist’s painful frustration as he wishes they’d miss the last train, yet swallows the words instead.

Released in December 2000, the track reached No.

3 on the Oricon weekly chart and is also included on the classic album “gaining through losing.” For those entangled in a forbidden love—knowing it won’t come true yet unable to stop their growing feelings—this song may quietly keep you company.

By your side.riria.

riria. / By Your Side [Music Video]

Many people have probably fallen for someone who’s popular and kind to everyone, and felt restless with jealousy.

Riria’s new work portrays the sweet yet bittersweet longing of wishing that person would look only at you.

You might even see yourself in the protagonist, who wants to have them all to herself but can’t be honest about it.

The song was included on the May 2022 EP “Kiroku” (“Record”) and served as an insert track in a romantic reality show, quietly watching over the twists and turns of love.

If you’re struggling to confess your feelings to someone you like, why not let this song give you a gentle push?

wanderingAKASAKI

[AKASAKI] Wandering / HAIKAI (Lyric Video)

A bittersweet love story portrayed as if wandering through the city at night.

With the purity of youth and a delicate sensibility, AKASAKI sings of a heart swayed by love.

Together with a chorus that soars in the hook, it becomes a gem of a ballad that beautifully conveys guilt and yearning.

Released in April 2025, this work, though arranged simply with piano and guitar, resonates with young listeners thanks to its richly expressive vocals.

Not every love story is pure and straightforward.

This song accompanies those who wrestle with the feelings smoldering deep in their hearts and those who hesitate to find the courage to take a step forward.

Me too,YUTORI-SEDAI

YUTORI-SEDAI – Me Too, [Official Music Video] (Theme Song for the Drama “I’m Being Toyed With by a Younger Virgin Guy”)

A ballad that poignantly portrays an unrequited love, set to the aching timbre of a piano.

Upon learning that their crush is dating a close friend, the protagonist carefully weaves their feelings as they have no choice but to give up while keeping their emotions hidden.

The more they think about the person they love, the more the pain intensifies—an experience many share as a bittersweet memory that lingers in the heart.

Included on YUTORI-SEDAI’s major first EP “blanket,” released in April 2025, this song was also chosen as the ending theme for MBS’s Drama Tokku series “I’m Being Toyed With by a Younger Virgin.” It’s a track that gently accompanies the hearts of those in one-sided love, where simply thinking of someone makes your chest tighten.