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

bumpyFurui Riho

bumpy

It’s a heartwarming love song set to a gentle lo-fi beat.

Released in June 2021, this gem of a ballad expresses earnest feelings while likening the relationship of two people who respect each other’s individuality to puzzle pieces fitting together.

Furui Riho’s soft yet strong vocals wrap you in kindness, giving the piece a warm, comforting feel.

Included on the album “Green Light,” it won the Hokkaido Block Award at the 15th CD Shop Awards 2023.

In 2023, she also provided “Friends” as the theme song for the Hokkaido TV drama Bento-ya-san no Omotenashi (The Bento Shop’s Hospitality).

It’s a perfect track for anyone who admires a relationship where both people acknowledge their differences and are inspired to grow through each other’s presence.

In the midst of the trivialHoshino Gen

Gen Hoshino – In the Useless (Official Video)

A heartwarming song that gently portrays the love hidden in everyday, ordinary moments.

Its lyrics express love through the five senses, and a pleasant melody infused with jazz elements blends seamlessly to create a tender world that anyone can relate to.

Described by Gen Hoshino as “the first love song I wrote head-on,” the track was released as a single in March 2011 and is also included on the album Episode.

It reached No.

17 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and stayed on the charts for 24 weeks, gaining widespread popularity.

Singing softly about the subtleties of human relationships—exchanges between lovers and reconciliation after hurting one another—this is a recommended song for anyone who wants to cherish time with someone special.

It’s love, right?wacci

wacci 'Koi Daro' Music Video

A work with a strong message that cheerfully supports love.

Brimming with pure romantic feelings, it gently expresses the warmth of thinking about someone special.

A signature song by wacci, this track—included on the album “suits me! suits you!”—was written as an insert song for the Fuji TV drama “Yan Gotonaki Ichizoku” and released in April 2022 as a digital-only single.

It won the Excellence Award at the 64th Japan Record Awards.

A heartwarming love song that fits anniversaries for couples and special moments spent with loved ones.

Even if you find it hard to express your true feelings, this song can help convey them.

ObsessedAyumu Imazu

Ayumu Imazu – Obsessed [Music Video]

Set to a chill, poppy melody, this track sings in English about the sweet-and-sour feeling of falling in love at first sight.

Ayumu Imazu’s laid-back vocals and the lyrics’ honest expression of affection are particularly captivating.

The understated melody line beautifully captures the confusion and unease that come with falling in love.

Released in January 2024, the song became a hot topic across Asia after many artists—including Korea’s SEVENTEEN—posted dance videos on social media.

It’s the perfect song for relaxed moments, like a morning drive, a café break, or a leisurely weekend stroll.

more than anyoneBE:FIRST

BE:FIRST / Stronger Than Anyone -Lyric Video- (Theme song for the film “Hold Me Tighter Than Anyone”)

A gem of a ballad where longing and love intersect has arrived from BE:FIRST.

Delicately portraying the frustration of not being able to touch the one you love, and the unwavering feelings that persist nonetheless, this piece gently envelops listeners’ hearts with its sophisticated melody and meticulous arrangement.

Included on the double A-side single “Spacecraft / Sailing,” released on February 5, 2025, it also serves as the theme song for the film “Hold Me Tighter Than Anyone,” which premiered around the same time.

With lead actor RYOKI contributing to the lyrics, the work achieves a beautiful harmony between visuals and music.

Recommended for those who resonate with the feelings of loving someone and the bonds shared with someone precious.

Selfish JulietBOØWY

Wagamama Juliet

Set to a romantic kayō-style melody, this classic song dramatizes the feeling of being in love.

Released by BOØWY in February 1986 as the lead single from the album “JUST A HERO,” it weaves pure affection with bittersweet longing in its lyrics, which pair the gentle phrase “Don’t cry” with a powerful devotion to a loved one.

From the guitar-led intro to the melodious development and chord progression that exudes a romantic mood, the track seems to capture the heart-fluttering excitement of a girl in love.

It peaked at No.

39 on the Oricon Singles Chart and became a pivotal number, performed at every BOØWY concert up until their breakup.

An eternal masterpiece best enjoyed while thinking of someone special.

HappinessChe’Nelle

Che’Nelle – Happiness ft. Nao Matsushita

A heartwarming medium-tempo ballad overflowing with love for that special someone.

The pure feelings of wanting to stay by their side and the simple happiness of their mere existence are gently wrapped in a clear, pristine vocal.

Released by Che’Nelle in October 2014, the song drew attention as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Dear Sister,” and was later included on the album “Che’Nelle World.” Its lyrics—marked by an earnest desire to express one’s true feelings, even clumsily, and a powerful sense of devotion—will gently encourage those who struggle to put their love into words.