[Songs for Thinking of Someone You Love] Love Songs That Make Your Chest Tighten—From Unrequited to Mutual Love

Surely more than anyone else in the worldNagayama Miho

Surely more than anyone else in the world

This work by Miho Nakayama and WANDS was a major hit, selling over one million copies in just 20 days after its release in October 1992.

It drew attention as the theme song for the drama “Someone Loves Her” and reached No.

1 on the Oricon weekly chart.

The fusion of rock-tinged arrangement and gentle melody creates a beautifully balanced harmony.

When you want to reminisce about love or reflect on someone special, be sure to listen to this heartfelt, jewel-like ballad that will resonate with your heart.

When I think of youTOKIO

When I Think of You Kimi Wo Omou Toki TOKIO Tomoya Nagase Nagase Tomoya

When introducing TOKIO’s songs, there’s no way we can leave out this jewel of a ballad! It’s one of the group’s masterpieces—a beautifully mellow love ballad.

Delicate guitar tones gently intertwine with vocals that are sweet yet tinged with sadness.

The song is written from the perspective of a shy man, and the way it carefully portrays the wavering of a heart in love is truly captivating, don’t you think? Released in February 1999, it also served as the theme song for their flagship variety show and was included on the acclaimed album “YESTERDAY & TODAY.” It’s a track that stays close to your heart on quiet nights when you’re thinking of someone special.

AitaiKato Miria

Miliyah Kato - “Aitai”

I think this is the song that made Miliyah Kato famous.

When you’re in love, some wishes come true and some don’t.

Many people might relate to this song that sings about that bittersweet feeling of hoping it will come true, yet fearing it might not.

Precious LoveEXILE ATSUSHI

EXILE ATSUSHI / Precious Love

With a warm, translucent voice, EXILE ATSUSHI pens a wedding song themed around love and bonds.

Gently singing of the importance of affection felt in days walked together and vows to the future, this work carefully portrays the delicate emotions of a romance born in everyday life transforming into eternal love.

Released as a single in October 2014, it was featured in a commercial for the wedding magazine Zexy and earned the Best Vocal Performance at the 56th Japan Record Awards that same year.

It was subsequently included on the album Love Ballade, captivating listeners across a wide audience.

Whether for a moody evening spent savoring a drink while feeling the bond with someone special, or as wedding background music, it will surely stay close to your heart.

NOW LOADINGmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu "NOW LOADING" Music Video

A sweet and bittersweet love song by Macaroni Empitsu that traces the journey of conveying feelings that are hard to put into words.

It beautifully captures the awkwardness of love and the dilemmas of emotion, carried by a gentle yet powerful melody.

Included on the album “Ima Dakishimeru Tarinai Dake o,” released in March 2025, the song was produced as the theme for the film “My Love Story With Yamada-kun at Lv999.” In collaboration with the movie starring Mizuki Yamashita, it perfectly matches a story that portrays modern romance sparked by gaming.

This track gently stands by those troubled by love or frustrated by unspoken feelings, giving them a soft, encouraging push forward.

White LoversKuwata Keisuke

Keisuke Kuwata – Shiroi Koibito-tachi (Short ver.)

A heartwarming ballad that delicately paints winter scenes, transforming the bittersweet memory of a lost love into a feeling of blessing.

While looking back on a past romance, it carries a positive message about cherishing the love that was shared, resonating through Keisuke Kuwata’s warm, soulful vocals.

Released in October 2001 as his seventh single, this gem won the Gold Prize at the 43rd Japan Record Awards that same year.

Also featured in Coca-Cola’s “No Reason” campaign commercial, the song won the hearts of listeners across generations.

It’s the perfect soundtrack for spending unhurried time with someone special in a relaxed lounge, or for quietly gazing at a winter nightscape alone with a glass in hand.

dearestFukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama – Beloved (Full ver.)

Produced in October 2008 as the theme song for the film “The Devotion of Suspect X,” this gem of a ballad portrays deep affection and the ache of parting.

While anticipating farewell to a dreamlike presence, it sings of the fragility and beauty of continuing to love.

The pure love that Tetsuya Ishigami, a character in the story, holds for Yasuko Hanaoka is expressed through the delicate words crafted by Masaharu Fukuyama, and the song was also used in Toshiba’s LCD TV “REGZA” commercial.

As the unit KOH+ with Kou Shibasaki, it reached No.

5 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

Fukuyama later included his own version on the album “Zankyo.” It is a supreme masterpiece that accompanies adult romance—perfect for quietly savoring a drink in a night lounge.