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

squallFukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama [Live] Squall

It gently sings the cry of a heart that fell in love amid silence.

It isn’t about the joy of being in love, but lyrics that plead the earnestness of unrequited feelings.

His deep, resonant voice matches the song perfectly, making it seep into your heart.

It’s a song I especially want college students—those who’ve begun to understand a slightly more mature kind of love—to hear.

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.

I want to become the kind of thing the person I like likes.Suzuki Suzuki

I want to become what the person I like likes – Suzuki Suzuki [Official Music Video]

Suzuki Suzuki is a brother duo—older brother Tomu and younger brother Seina—active since 2017.

Their song “I Want to Become What the Person I Like Likes” is an irresistible pop tune whose lyrics, written in unadorned words, express a growing longing for a sparkling, radiant woman.

The brothers’ soft, sweet vocals match those moving lyrics perfectly, and before you know it, you’ll find tears streaming down your face as you listen.

The music video, arranged like a home video of everyday life with a girlfriend, also captures the song’s world beautifully—be sure to check it out together with the track!

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I want to be your lover.Abe Mao

Mao Abe – I Want to Be Your Lover [Official Music Video]

Also known by the nickname “Abema,” she has released many love songs.

Influenced by artists like Shiina Ringo and YUI, she used to perform on the streets.

She continues to gain fans with her down-to-earth lyrics and bittersweet tunes, and this song features very straightforward lyrics that are relatable right from the opening lines.

Saying “I shouldn’t have sent that text” is something every girl has probably experienced at least once, right?

Love letterTHE BLUE HEARTS

[Official] THE BLUE HEARTS “Love Letter” [4th Single (1989/2/21)] THE BLUE HEARTS / Love Letter

This song was included on their third album, TRAIN-TRAIN, and was later released as a single.

The sound is a ballad style featuring acoustic guitar, and while the lyrics may seem unadorned and a bit clumsy, that very quality gives them a sincere feel.

Rather than a slew of wistful words, sometimes a straightforward love letter like this is just right.

123 Love Beginsikimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari “1 2 3 ~Love Begins~” Music Video

Unrequited love becomes more and more heartbreaking the longer it lasts, but at first just watching from afar can make you happy, right? This song expresses the desire to get even a little closer and the joy from small things, all in a refreshing melody.

Released in 2013, it’s a track that lifts your spirits just by listening.

Crazy about youEXILE

EXILE / Ki・mi・ni・mu・chu

It’s a song that perfectly matches the vibe of a college student who’s head over heels for a girl and wants to do all sorts of things for her, but has no money so none of the problems get solved—yet forgets all that and starts having fun when he gets together with friends and drinks.