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

I still believe ~sigh~Shizukusa Yumi

Yumi shizukusa – “I still Believe～sigh”【Music Video】【English subtitles】

This is a heartbreak number by Yumi Shizukusa, whose uniquely expressive voice—so moving that just hearing it brings a surge of bittersweet emotion—has earned widespread popularity, and who has also worked on theme songs for a nationally beloved anime.

It’s a ballad infused with feelings that will never reach their destination no matter how fervently one wishes, and it’s especially popular among young women.

A life-sized love songAqua Timez

Aqua Timez “Life-Size Love Song” Music Video

Although they were an indie band in 2005, their mini-album ‘A Prayer Played to Fill the Sky’ became a massive hit, selling over 800,000 copies.

Among the tracks, this song is considered to have made a particularly large contribution.

It’s a song about a clumsy man who wants to convey his feelings in down-to-earth words without saying ‘I love you.’ It seems many fans feel they’d love to hear lines like this from someone they like.

unrequited lovemiwa

miwa 'Unrequited Love'

It’s a ballad released in 2012 that really resonates with girls of the same generation.

The feelings are expressed very directly.

It’s a recommended song for people who find themselves overwhelmed by their own inexplicable emotions—crying when memories resurface even though nothing can come of it.

Miwa’s clear, transparent voice seeps into the heart and seems to offer comfort to those who listen.

Best Friend’s GirlSandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu

Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE / Best Friend’s Girl

It’s a ballad that fans have been eagerly waiting for.

They’re famous for their uptempo songs, but it seems many fans want to hear more ballads from them.

This song, released in 2017, expresses the pain of not being able to tell anyone how you truly feel.

It gently portrays a feeling many can relate to—the fear that saying it out loud might ruin a friendship.

Love’s Melody and Rainy SkiesAAA

AAA / “Love Sound and Rainy Sky” Music Video

It’s one of AAA’s signature songs, released in 2013.

It was even nominated for the Japan Record Awards.

I think many people struggle with the delicate dynamics between men and women—unsure whether to move forward or afraid of breaking what they have.

For those people, try listening to this song while sorting out your feelings.

AAA has many bittersweet songs, and that quality is probably why they’re so popular, especially among today’s troubled youth.