Recommended love songs for college students: Japanese love songs you should listen to when a romance begins

Your favorite songUVERworld

UVERworld 'The Song You Like'

This song was released in 2007.

I’m sure many people have been influenced by the things their crush likes.

When you listen to the songs that someone you like often listens to, it can feel as if the distance between you shrinks, even just a little.

Listening to this track might give you the courage to take a step forward.

It’s a song you’ll want to hear when you find yourself stuck in love.

Boys Don’t CryYOAKE

YOAKE 'Boys Don't Cry' Official Music Video

YOAKE’s 2023 track “Boys Don’t Cry” sings about the hazy feelings of unrequited love and the desperate wish for that love to come true.

It captures emotions everyone with a crush has felt: getting carried away by a tiny hint of a positive reaction—thinking this might be it!—or sinking into despair as if life were over when there’s no response at all.

Still, what all people with unrequited love share is a burning desire for their feelings to be fulfilled.

Let this song remind you to cherish those soft, youthful stirrings of first love.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

SAKI

Report a problem

I’ve fallen in love.YUTORI-SEDAI

YUTORI-SEDAI – I Fell in Love [Official Music Video]

A heartrending song that portrays an unstoppable longing, even while knowing you shouldn’t move forward.

It’s a rock track YUTORI-SEDAI delivers in July 2024.

With a sense of urgency like a racing heartbeat, it captures the emotional sway of not being able to suppress your feelings, even as you worry you might just be getting played.

The song was selected as the 50th anniversary commercial track for Aeon Topvalu, and the music video features Rio Kitano, a TikTok sensation.

It’s sure to resonate with anyone who can’t stop thinking about that special someone.

Being a little short is just right.YUTORI-SEDAI

YUTORI-SEDAI – Just Enough by Being a Little Short [Official Music Video]

The lyrics sweetly and poignantly portray a girl’s feelings of love—truly memorable! YUTORI-SEDAI’s song is a love anthem that stands by the hearts of high schoolers dealing with unrequited feelings.

Its unique take on romance—“love that’s a little lacking is just right”—has resonated with many.

Released in October 2023, the track became a viral hit on TikTok, and the music video featuring cast members from a popular dating show also drew attention.

It’s the perfect song for those in the midst of youth, to listen to while thinking of someone they like.

High school students struggling with love—why not listen to this song and find a bit of courage?

Leading someone on is a serious offense!arekunn

Teasing Is a Serious Crime! / Are-kun [Official Music Video]

This song is a love ballad that portrays the feelings of a woman who falls for a man with a teasing, misleading attitude.

It’s sung by Are-kun, known for hits like “Baka.” and “Suki ni Saseta Kuse ni.” Beyond the straightforward cry of “Please fall in love with me!!,” many listeners will relate to the lyrics that declare, as the title says, “Leading someone on is a sin!!” If you’re currently nursing a crush—especially on someone who keeps sending mixed signals—this is a must-listen.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hane Keisuke

Report a problem

Love is hard.riria.

riria. / Love Is Difficult. feat. Aru. from Miteinohanashi [Music Video]

This song gently accompanies the start of love, portraying the bittersweet feelings within.

It interweaves the perspective of a girl who struggles because she can’t read the other person’s feelings and a boy who can’t quite express his own, vividly capturing the miscommunications of romance.

Riria’s clear, translucent voice and Aru.’s gentle vocals match exquisitely, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released digitally in November 2023, it sparked a big response, especially on social media.

It’s a must-listen for high school students wrestling with love.

If you listen while thinking of someone you like, you’re sure to find moments you can relate to.

DistansNishino Kana

Kana Nishino 'Distance (short ver.)'

Kana Nishino’s love songs are hugely popular among women of her generation.

Even among her unrequited-love songs, there are tracks like “Aitakute Aitakute” and “GO FOR IT!!” that express feelings straightforwardly.

But for college students who are beginning to experience that ambiguous distance between being friends and being something more, I recommend this song as well.

It conveys the aching sadness of chasing and chasing yet never reaching.

Many listeners seem to relate to the pain of wanting to lock their hearts but being unable to stop their feelings.