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

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.

presentMarushii

Marcy – Present (Official Music Video)

This is a song by Marcy that captures a pure, heartfelt love—wanting to express affection honestly, yet hiding behind shyness.

By describing the simple feeling of “I love you” and portraying the other person’s very existence as a “present,” it skillfully conveys tenderness and gratitude.

Released in September 2024, the song sings of the miraculous, fated encounter among eight billion people, while depicting a devoted wish for the other person’s happiness.

It’s a perfect track for anyone who wants to express their feelings of love sincerely or reaffirm their gratitude toward someone special.

A bouquet of happinessMarushii

Marcy – Bouquet of Happiness (Official Music Video)

A warm, heartfelt song by Marcy that likens happy memories with a loved one to a bouquet of flowers.

After making their major debut with the album “Memory,” they released this track in October 2022, which drew attention as the theme song for the romance reality show “Renai Dorama na Koi ga Shitai in NEW YORK.” Carried by vocalist Ukyo Yoshida’s gentle voice, the song vividly portrays sincere feelings for a special someone and time spent enveloped in a partner’s warmth.

It’s the perfect track for when you want to express gratitude to someone important or convey your feelings of love honestly.

This song gently reminds us that caring for one another is the key to building happiness.

wishMarushii

Marcy – Wish (Official Music Video)

It’s a song with an impressively emotive vocal, blending tenderness and wistfulness.

Performed by Marcy, it was chosen as the ending theme for the TV anime “I Guess I’ll End Up Falling in Love” airing from January 2025.

The feelings of someone in love are portrayed with care, and listening to it puts you in a romantic mood.

You can’t help but relate to the pure emotions toward the other person.

The melodious arrangement with its soothing guitar tone is another highlight.

If you’re thinking about confessing your feelings, this song might just give you a push.

dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo

Hitoto Yo – Hanamizuki

A beloved masterpiece by Yo Hitoto that gently sings a prayer for loved ones and a wish for peace.

Released in February 2004, it has soothed many hearts with her unique sensibility as a Japanese-Taiwanese artist and her clear, transparent voice.

Using the flower—an emblem of Japan–U.S.

friendship—as its motif, the song expresses bonds with precious people and hopes for a happy future.

It was featured as the theme song for NTV’s Tuesday Suspense Theater and in JRA commercials, and set a record by staying on the Oricon Weekly Singles chart for 125 consecutive weeks.

Whether in moments of aching love or parting, or at life’s milestones such as weddings and graduations, it remains a song that shines without fading.

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.

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.