Unrequited love songs recommended for college students: classic and popular Japanese tracks

loveback number

back number – Love (Short ver.)

This is a song released in 2012, and like the later-released “Takane no Hanako-san,” it’s about unrequited love where the boy can’t get close to the girl he likes.

It doesn’t have the same passionate vibe as “Takane no Hanako-san,” but instead feels like quietly watching from a slight distance, giving you that heart-fluttering sensation.

The musical style is more of a ballad, sung softly and tenderly.

The lyrics include those startling, striking expressions that are their signature.

Ref:rainAimer

Aimer “Ref:rain” MUSIC VIDEO (5th albums “Sun Dance” and “Penny Rain” released simultaneously on Wednesday, 2019/04/10)

This is a song whose delicate piano tones and Aimer’s enveloping voice sink deep into the heart.

Released in 2018, it captured many listeners as the ending theme of the TV anime “After the Rain.” It quietly sings of feelings that don’t reach their destination and unrequited love, naturally resonating with anyone who has loved someone but couldn’t be honest about it.

Especially in difficult times, let yourself be cradled by the warmth of this song.

KanadeSukima Suichi

Sukima Switch – “Kanade” Music Video : SUKIMASWITCH / KANADE Music Video

This song is also famous as one that someone always sings when you go to karaoke.

It was used as an insert song in the film “Rough,” the theme song for the third night of Fuji TV’s four-night drama series “Sotsu Uta,” and as the ending theme on the final day of the 2006 broadcast of “Netto Koshien.” Although it was released in 2004, it’s a timeless classic that still consistently charts in karaoke and greatest-songs rankings.

One million times, I love youRake

Rake "One Million Times 'I Love You'"

Released in 2011, this song went triple platinum and even achieved the remarkable feat of reaching No.

2 on the year-end overall chart, so many of you may already know it.

The lyrics are straightforward—it’s a unrequited love song, but it’s often used for confessions as well.

The chorus has a strong impact, and that section really shapes the entire impression of the track.

If I could be honestJUJU feat. Spontania

If I Could Be Honest feat. Spontania by JUJU

This is her unrequited love song, and when it comes to singing bittersweet love, she’s second to none.

It’s a masterpiece that gives voice to a pained inner world—acting contrary to her true feelings for some reason, getting flustered and spinning her wheels all alone.

This song is also an answer song to Spontania’s single “Kimi no Subete ni,” which features JUJU.

Listening to them together may help you understand the emotions even better.

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.

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.