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

I stillmilet

milet “I still” Music Video (Theme song for the film ‘Unknown Girlfriend’)

Written as the theme song for the film “Unknown Girlfriend,” this piece is a gemlike ballad that resonates with the heart through the emotionally rich vocals of the film’s lead, milet.

The lyrics express both the enduring strength and the fragile nature of love, unchanged across any world.

Streaming begins in January 2025, with a single release to follow in February.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you want to feel the bond with someone important, or when you’re experiencing a love that makes your heart waver.

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.

Until my love reaches you.sutopuri

Until My Love Reaches You — Strawberry Prince Music Video

A sweet, heartwarming love song perfect for Valentine’s Day has arrived from Strawberry Prince.

Gently expressing the feeling of being in love like milk and chocolate melting together, this piece was written and composed by Root.

The protagonist’s nervousness as they practice their confession over and over, their resolve to share their feelings, and their earnest wish to reach the one they care for are all woven into a warm melody.

Released on February 14, 2025, this song will gently give you a push—whether you’re making homemade Valentine’s chocolates or looking for the courage to speak your heart.

string telephonenatori

natori – Thread That Connects Us

This is a gently and delicately rendered story about a closed-off protagonist who begins to change after meeting the person they love.

It beautifully portrays a sincere form of love in which two people accept each other—including past wounds, secrets, and differences in perspective—within a cherished relationship.

Released digitally in September 2024, it has drawn attention as the theme song for the film “Arrogance and Goodness,” based on the novel of the same name by Mizuki Tsujimura.

It offers a different charm from Natori’s signature track “Overdose,” suggesting a new frontier for the artist.

For those who want to embrace everything about the other person without losing their own identity, this is a song that will resonate deeply with the delicate tremors of the heart.

Try loving—it’s not like you’ll lose anything.neguse.

Bedhead. 'Try loving me—it won't cost you anything' Official Music Video

A one-sided crush song from a woman’s perspective crafted by Neguse., depicting unreciprocated feelings and complex emotions.

Released in April 2023, the track gained traction on social media, and by September its music video surpassed 2 million views.

In contrast to its poppy, catchy sound, the lyrics convey the weight and ache of saying “I like you.” It’s a song that offers comfort to those struggling with emotional distance or anxiety in love—highly recommended for anyone who relates to the frustration of a bittersweet crush.

Someone like you.riria.

Antanante.

A new love song from Riria that gently embraces a clumsy heart.

The lyrics, where aching feelings and bravado intertwine, are impossible not to relate to.

Released digitally in October 2024 as the ending theme for the anime Ranma 1/2, this piece features delicate arrangement by Hanyuu Maigo that highlights Riria’s translucent vocals.

It’s a track packed with the charm that has made Riria popular through social media.

Perfect not only for those troubled by love, but for anyone who wants to connect with the feeling of caring for someone.

Her voice will surely seep gently into your heart and bring you comfort.

NameHabureddāzu

Humbreaders “Name” Music Video

A heartwarming song that portrays affection for a loved one.

Included on Humbreaders’ album “Guitar,” released in November 2021, this track is notable for its refreshing melody that tenderly embraces the difficulty of calling someone by name and the singer’s own clumsiness.

While taking the long way around, the protagonist’s search for a bond with someone special is powerfully expressed through a driving sound.

Featured as the ending theme for the TV anime “Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai,” its music video also stands out for its innovative fusion with live painting.

It’s the perfect song for those who want to stay true to themselves while honestly expressing their feelings.