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

You said the moon is beautiful.berry meet

berry meet / The moon is beautiful [Music Video]

This song paints a picture of a winter night sky and the bittersweetness of love.

Its delicate vocals and acoustic tones settle quietly in the heart like falling snow.

The melody gently embraces the anxiety, hopes, and unspoken frustrations of someone in love, leaving a strong impression.

Released as berry meet’s single in November 2023, it resonated with many listeners.

Listening during the winter season—especially while gazing up at the night sky—deepens the feelings of someone in love.

It’s a perfect track for those with unrequited feelings or those hesitating to confess.

Old Rookiemoon drop

moon drop [Old Rookie] Official Audio

Moon Drop is a four-piece rock band from Ise City in Mie Prefecture.

Their song “Old Rookie” is captivating for its beautiful lyrics, especially the line “I want to be in love and feel butterflies for the rest of my life,” which pierces the heart.

In particular, the harmonized vocals of lead singer-guitarist Toya Hamaguchi and bassist-chorus Tomoya Saka instantly lift the mood toward romance.

The lyrics conveying “Even if it’s not flashy like a drama, just being able to be with the natural you is enough” also do a great job of expressing a man’s feelings.

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To Those Who Know the Blue of the Skyaimyon

Aimyon – A Person Who Knows the Blue of the Sky [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

A bittersweet youth love song filled with yearning.

Inspired by a film, Aimyon paints a track that conveys the ache of unrequited love alongside a faint glimmer of hope.

Released as a single in October 2019, it drew attention as the theme song for an animated movie of the same name.

The lyrics evoke a nostalgic look back at a love that has passed, gently wrapping you in feelings of heartache that everyone has experienced.

It’s perfect for high school students who want to listen while thinking of someone they like.

It’s great for quietly listening alone, and also for sharing with friends to reminisce about your youth.

That’s not fair…arekunn

That's not fair... / Ale-kun [Official Music Video]

Are-kun’s song, which beautifully portrays aching love and suffering, has deeply moved many listeners.

While harboring intense feelings for the other person, the work delicately weaves the complex emotions of a woman swayed by ambiguous behavior.

Released in August 2021 as an advance track from the album “Breath,” it was also chosen as the ending theme for TV Asahi’s “BREAKOUT” in September, allowing it to resonate with an even wider audience.

Confused and hurt by the other person’s vague kindness, yet unable to suppress her feelings—this piece offers heartfelt empathy and comfort to anyone who bears the pain of an unrequited love.

Leading someone on is a serious offense!arekunn

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

This song depicts the heartache of an unrequited crush tossed around by someone’s teasing behavior, all through a comedic lens.

Its lyrics capture a racing heartbeat, affection for the other person, and mounting frustration, resonating deeply with listeners.

Showcasing Are-kun’s unique expressive style, the track gained buzz after its September 2023 release, especially on social media, with numerous TikTok videos using parts of the song.

It’s recommended for anyone troubled by a crush’s mixed signals or feeling the frustration of unrequited love.

The relatable lyrics will encourage and uplift you.

sparklingmosao.

Kira Kira / Mosawo. [Music Video]

This is a love song that leaves a strong impression with Mosawo’s sweet vocals and lyrics that delicately express the feelings of being in love.

Released digitally in September 2020, the track gained major support among younger listeners, especially on social media.

The song expresses feelings for a crush as “sparkling,” portraying the beloved as someone who shines like a jewel—an image many listeners relate to.

It beautifully captures both the ache of not being able to honestly convey your feelings and the joy of being in love, making it a perfect song for high school students experiencing unrequited love.

Why not listen to it while thinking of the person you like?

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.