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

Happy endingOhtaki Eiichi

Happy ending

As the theme song for a Fuji TV Monday 9 p.m.

drama, this is a gem of a love song that Eiichi Ohtaki released for the first time in 12 years.

Its gentle, heartwarming melody and lyrics that carefully weave the feelings of a woman in love blend beautifully, leading to a massive hit of 970,000 copies sold since its release in November 1997.

Used in Love Generation, the song also marked Ohtaki’s first-ever Top 10 entry as a solo artist, showcasing his rich musicality to the fullest.

Portraying a sweet yet bittersweet love story, this track is highly recommended for those harboring feelings for someone special or wishing for a happy future with a loved one.

AutomaticUtada Hikaru

Hikaru Utada – Automatic

A towering masterpiece of ’90s J-pop that vividly captures the instant when romantic feelings rise up unconsciously.

Crafted with an R&B flair by a 15-year-old Hikaru Utada, the song delicately expresses the shifting distance and tremors of the heart between two people.

A young talent portrays the complexities of love from a unique perspective.

Released in December 1998, the debut single became an instant smash, selling an astonishing 2.55 million copies.

It also dramatically raised expectations for the album First Love.

Winner of the JASRAC Gold Award, it earned outstanding critical acclaim.

A perfect classic for anyone who wants to relive the flutter of first love or reexperience the brilliance of ’90s J-pop.

Your Song for YouKawasaki Takaya

Takaya Kawasaki - Kimi no Tame no Kimi no Uta [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Takaya Kawasaki’s heartwarming piece gently envelops the feelings you hold for someone special.

By contrasting the vastness of the universe with the miracle of two people meeting, it gives voice to profound love for a cherished person.

Since being included on the July 2018 album “I believe in you,” this work has continued to soothe the hearts of many.

It’s a song that stays close to you during special moments with a loved one, or whenever someone is on your mind.

Kawasaki’s warm vocals and the tender tones of the acoustic guitar are sure to resonate deeply with listeners.

Freesia—More than liking, I love you—Kudō Shizuka

Shizuka Kudo / Kosetsuran ~I Love You More Than I Like You~ (kousetsuran) [Official Video]

It’s a heartbreaking love song filled with a straightforward longing for someone precious you can’t meet, no matter how much you want to.

Shizuka Kudo’s song “Kousetsuran ~Suki yori Aishiteru~,” released in October 2023, is a ballad that also drew attention for being composed and arranged by the duo Sukima Switch.

Her vocals, which seem to trace each word and feeling, truly hit you in the chest.

As you listen, a story comes into focus, and it feels as if you’re watching a romance film.

Let yourself sink into its gently subdued atmosphere.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Araki Jakkan

Report a problem

Love WindIkuta Rira

Love Wind

It’s a heart-fluttering song that feels like a refreshing spring breeze blowing into your heart.

It’s a track by Lila Ikuta, chosen as the theme song for ABEMA’s romance reality show “Kyo, Suki ni Narimashita: New Zealand Edition.” Gently expressing the feelings of wanting to confess but not being able to, and the inability to take that final step, the song resonates deeply.

The fresh guitar tones by Takashi Yamaguchi are another highlight.

Filled with the confusion and inner conflict at the start of love, as well as those heart-racing moments, this song is sure to give a gentle push to anyone struggling with romance.

I wish I were the one you liked.Te ga kuriimu pan

I wish I were the one you love / Hands Like Cream Bread (Wishing I’m her / tegacreampan) [Official Music Video]

A heart-stirring ballad by Tegami Cream Pan, where earnest feelings and a bittersweet mood are woven together through a clear, transparent vocal.

It gently portrays a woman who carries deep feelings for someone important yet struggles to express them.

Featuring an evocative piano melody, the song was released in April 2023.

Showcasing her delicate expressive power to the fullest, this piece speaks on behalf of girls in love.

It’s a must-listen for those who keep their feelings for a crush to themselves or find it hard to be honest about their emotions toward someone dear.

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.