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

orionYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Orion, Kenshi Yonezu

This song became famous as the ending theme for the TV anime “March Comes in Like a Lion,” and it has become one of his signature tracks.

It’s not a melancholic ballad; rather, his unique sense of rhythm and melody makes the desperate feelings of unrequited love resonate painfully in your heart.

In the chorus, at the “Kami-sama! Douka—” part, it’s the kind of song that makes listeners feel like they’re shouting along in their hearts.

First lovematsumura kanau

First Love – Kanau Matsumura [Official Music Video]

This is a song by Kanau Matsumura that’s packed with the sweet-and-sour feelings and frustrations of thinking about someone you like—the full spectrum of first love.

Released in June 2025, it’s a track that could be called the essence of his artistry.

The growing feelings for someone you can only meet in your dreams, the bittersweet longing that makes you take the long way home—listeners may find these emotions overlap with their own experiences.

When you like someone but can’t see them, even small things can make you anxious.

This gentle voice might softly stay by the side of that wavering heart.

Time-Limited Unrequited LoveNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 'Time-Limited Unrequited Love'

A gentle, coming-of-age love song that tenderly embraces the fragility of unrequited feelings.

It’s an original track by the 6th generation members, included on Nogizaka46’s 38th single “Navel Orange,” released in March 2025.

The scenes painted by Yasushi Akimoto’s spun lyrics and the sound crafted by 3grass and Yuta Asao feel like a moment from a film.

If you’re about to graduate and can’t find the courage to confess to the one you like, this song might give you the push you need.

Beyond nostalgiaNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 “Beyond Nostalgia”

Memories of youth and the ache of unrequited love tighten the heart.

Created in February 2025 to mark Nogizaka46 member Yūki Yoda’s graduation, this piece is an emotional work built on a beautiful soundscape of piano and strings.

It’s filled with the regret of not confessing your feelings to the one you love, and simply reading the lyrics makes you empathize with that emotion.

It’s a song I recommend to anyone who has experienced parting with someone precious, or to everyone standing at a crossroads in life.

If I Fall in LoveCrystal Kay

Crystal Kay - If I Fall in Love (Live)

This song, her 17th single in total, was released in 2005.

It was also used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Koi ni Ochitara: Boku no Seikō no Himitsu,” so many people may be familiar with it.

It’s a track that powerfully conveys, with a refined and strong vocal, the feeling of wanting to know everything about the one you love.

One-Way Ticket of LoveFUNKY MONKEY BABYS

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS "One-Way Ticket of Love"

This is their second single, released in 2006.

Not only does she serve as the model for the cover photo, but Hanako Yamada also appears in the music video and helps direct it together with the band members.

It’s a song many can relate to, capturing the actions and attitudes unique to unrequited love and the feeling of spinning your wheels.

The melody is bright, so you can listen without it feeling heavy.

NAOHY

Honey L Days / Nao (HY cover)

Even with unrequited love, there are the kind that carry hope and the kind where you know it won’t come true, yet you still love them and can’t move forward.

This song expresses the latter’s bittersweet feelings through straightforward lyrics and a sorrowful melody.

HY has many songs that resonate deeply with the heart, and I believe this is one of those masterpieces.

By the time you’re in college, some people will experience adult love or adult unrequited love.

This is a song I’d like those people to listen to.