Beautiful tear-jerking songs / songs that make you cry your eyes out

Unrequited Love Song: A heartrending love song dedicated to you who are going through a painful romance

Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!

When you have an unrequited crush and feel like “it hurts, I want to cry,” you want to listen to songs that share those feelings, right?

In this article, we’ll introduce “tear-jerking unrequited love songs” we recommend just for you.

From the latest hits to timeless classics, every track is a gem with heartrending lyrics that sink deep into your heart.

“If I confess, we can’t go back to how we were.” “I know I should give up, but I still like you.” “We broke up, but I can’t bring myself to hate you.”

If you’re hurting from unrequited love in any of these ways, please give these songs a listen.

[Unrequited Love Songs] Heart-wrenching love songs for you who are going through a painful romance (121–130)

To you who didn’t choose meKoresawa

Koresawa “To You Who Didn’t Choose Me” [Music Video]

To you who didn’t choose meKoresawa

Koresawa’s song portrays the lingering attachment and regret of the one not chosen, along with the complex feelings toward the other person.

While conveying the emotions of a heartbroken woman in a straightforward way, it pairs a catchy, fast-paced band sound with a powerful expression of bittersweet longing.

The track is included on the album “To the You Who Chose Me and the You Who Didn’t,” set for release in March 2025, and an animated music video has also been released.

It’s a song that gently gives a push to those trying to move forward while carrying the pain of heartbreak.

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Goodbye-byeTomioka Ai

Ai Tomioka – Goodbye Bye (Music Video)

Goodbye-byeTomioka Ai

A delicate song by Ai Tomioka that sings of a love so pure it almost hurts.

The transparent vocals capture the frustrating feeling of almost closing the distance with someone, yet never quite getting there.

Even while knowing the other person has someone special, the complicated emotions of being unable to let go resonate deeply.

Released in September 2023, it captured many hearts, reaching the Top 10 on Spotify’s Viral charts in six Asian countries.

The song is memorable for its blend of English and Japanese lyrics and its catchy melodic line.

It’s a track that comforts anyone holding onto unspoken feelings for someone they love, or struggling with a love that may never come true.

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Ambiguous BlueKawasaki Takaya

Takaya Kawasaki - Ambiguous Blue [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Ambiguous BlueKawasaki Takaya

A pure, heart-stirring gem of a love song by Takaya Kawasaki that delicately portrays the sense of distance between two people and the ache that comes with it.

The more you learn about the other person, the more jealousy begins to grow—yet the love deepens even more.

These subtle, complex emotions are gently wrapped in his warm vocals and a simple arrangement centered on acoustic guitar.

Chosen as the theme song for the MBS drama “Fukushū Kareshi: Deki-ai Shachō no Kao ni wa Ura ga Aru” (Revenge Boyfriend: The Devoted CEO Has Another Side), this track tenderly accompanies anyone who, despite feeling doubt and anxiety about their relationship, can’t suppress the feelings they hold inside.

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If there’s a “see you”Mirei Touyama

Mirei Touyama “If There Were Another Goodbye” Lyric Video

If there’s a “see you” Mirei Toyama

This is a bittersweet breakup song that gently wraps feelings of regret and gratitude toward a loved one in a clear, translucent voice.

Released by Mirei Toyama in August 2021, it portrays the struggle with the pain of parting while trying to find gratitude for a “once-in-a-lifetime happiness.” The hesitation over when to bring up the breakup, and the strength to be the one to finally say “thank you,” are also compelling.

As a track from the album “still,” this cover of a original song by Sorari Sawada offers quiet solace to those who must end a relationship or are suffering through a love they need to let go of.

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[Unrequited Love Songs] Heart-wrenching love songs for you who are going through a painful romance (131–140)

Feelings I can’t sayNakamura Maiko

Maiko Nakamura – Feelings I Can’t Say

Feelings I can't sayNakamura Maiko

This is a song about parting with someone special.

It’s sung by Maiko Nakamura, a female singer from the Philippines.

It was released as a digital single in 2016.

Its bittersweet message can be taken as either a friendship song or an unrequited love song.

Isn’t it a perfect track for graduation season?

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Friend MeterThe Super Ball

The Super Ball “Tomodachi Meter” (TV anime “The Morose Mononokean” opening theme)

Friend MeterThe Super Ball

This is a song by The Super Ball, a two-man music duo.

It was released in 2016 as their debut single.

The lyrics express the frustration of being unable to bridge the distance of being “just friends.” The refreshing vocals are especially appealing.

The song was used as the theme for the anime “The Morose Mononokean.”

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Thinking of youKEISUKE

KEISUKE – Thinking of You (Music Video)

Thinking of youKEISUKE

This song, packed with the worries and inner conflicts of unrequited love, is one I especially want men who are going through it to hear.

The beautiful high notes over a piano accompaniment are a highlight, but what really stands out are the lyrics.

Any man will surely find himself relating to the story woven throughout.

You know in your head that this love won’t come true, but your heart won’t listen; you’re elated and crushed by her every word and action; you start to hate yourself for being that way…

Even so, the ending—where he resolves to face this love until he’s satisfied—hits you in the chest and makes you feel like you, too, can give it everything you’ve got.

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