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

I want to be your lover.Abe Mao

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

Among Abe Mao’s songs, this is a lesser-known fan favorite.

When you’re in love—especially when it’s unrequited—you can’t help but dream of the day you become a couple.

You want to learn more about the other person, and you want them to know more about you.

It’s a song many can relate to.

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.

JulianPurinsesu Purinsesu

Princess Princess 'Julian'

This is a ballad that sings of a bittersweet, aching love.

Released by Princess Princess in November 1990, this gem of a song delivers a cathartic performance of unfulfilled feelings, vividly portraying the complex emotions toward someone precious who is slipping away.

With lyrics by Kanako Nakayama and music by Kaori Okui, it drew attention as the band’s first ballad single and was also featured in a commercial for Citizen’s Lighthouse.

It reached No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and ranked 13th on the 1991 year-end chart.

For anyone experiencing the pangs of unrequited love or harboring deep feelings for someone important, this song will surely offer gentle solace.

Surfing JohnnyKuwata Keisuke

Keisuke Kuwata – Surfing Johnny (Full ver.)

A masterpiece has been born—a love story set on a summer seashore, tracing encounters, partings, and the path to renewal.

Riding on a lively rock sound, Keisuke Kuwata’s lyrical vocals resonate deeply.

Overflowing passion, heartrending farewells, and the courage to find love again after loneliness are all woven together with a refreshing melody.

Released in July 2001, the song was also featured in a Japan Coca-Cola campaign and became a million seller.

It was included on the album “TOP OF THE POPS,” drawing a major response.

It’s a perfect track for those yearning for the arrival of the season of love, as they feel the fresh ocean breeze.

Because I like you.Yuika

Because I love you. / “Yuika” [MV]

This song, delivered with a fresh, youthful sensibility, captures a faint, budding love through the perspective of a teenage girl.

Released in June 2021, it charted on Spotify’s viral rankings in several countries, including Taiwan, Hong Kong, Russia, and Thailand.

Yuika’s clear, translucent voice gently conveys the way the narrator is drawn to small gestures and unexpected sides of the person she likes.

The frustration and poignancy of unrequited love swell in the chest, and wrapped in the warm tones of an acoustic guitar, the sweet-and-sour feelings of youth that everyone has known return.

It’s a heartwarming track that tenderly accompanies anyone whose heart is swayed by love.

You’re My Only Shinin’ StarNagayama Miho

You’re My Only Shinin’ Star

A classic song sung by Miho Nakayama that expresses heartfelt feelings for a beloved partner.

Set to a gentle, ballad-style melody, her clear, tender voice wraps the miracle of meeting and a love that lasts forever.

Crafted by city pop maestro Toshiki Kadomatsu, the track was released as a single in February 1988 and reached No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

It also drew attention as an insert song for the drama “Mama wa Idol!” Embraced by many listeners, it remains a song that accompanies those quiet moments of gazing up at the night sky and thinking of someone special.

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.