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

VanillaNEW!kyanai

Kyannai – Vanilla [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Singer-songwriter Kyanai, who gained attention through street performances and social media posts.

Released in March 2022, this piece is a captivating track featuring a lingering piano melody and a sweet singing voice.

At first glance it seems like a happy love song, but in fact it carries feelings for a lover they can no longer meet.

That deep narrative quality captured the hearts of many listeners, earning it the top spot on Billboard JAPAN’s 2022 “Heatseekers Songs.” The delicate world depicted in the music video further enhances the song’s poignancy.

It’s a companion not only for joyful moments spent with someone dear, but also for quiet nights when you want to think of someone alone.

to youNEW!MONGOL800

To You by MONGOL800

A signature number from MONGOL800 that blends the warmth and exhilarating drive of Okinawa’s breeze.

The lyrics, written in straightforward words, convey overflowing feelings for a loved one directly, heating listeners’ hearts.

Released in September 2001, it’s included on the classic album “MESSAGE,” which sold over 2.8 million copies.

Though not a single, it has been featured in a detergent commercial, the film “Utatama♪,” and the drama “Ososaki no Himawari,” and has been loved for many years.

Its appeal is also evident from covers by artists like Mrs.

GREEN APPLE.

Its unadorned words give a push to one-sided love and help deepen the bond between two people.

cherry (sweet cherry; cherry fruit)NEW!Otsuka Ai

Ai Otsuka / Sakuranbo

A signature pop tune that represents Ai Otsuka.

The lyrics depict a couple snuggled close like two neighboring fruits, and just listening makes you feel happy, doesn’t it? It’s filled with the unpretentious everyday moments and deepening love of a couple who’ve been together for two years.

Released in December 2003 as her second single, the song was featured as the ending theme for the variety show “Mecha-Mecha Iketeru!” among others.

It’s perfect not only for hyping things up at karaoke, but also for reaffirming your feelings for someone you love.

Enjoy the sweet-and-sour pangs of young love with an energetic, uplifting sound!

Things I like about youNEW!Hirai Ken

Ken Hirai “The Things I Like About You” MUSIC VIDEO

You want to tell the person you love how you really feel, but when the moment comes, you get shy and can’t say it… This song captures that frustrating yet endearing feeling of being in love.

It’s a single released by Ken Hirai in 2007 and was also used as the theme song for the drama “Enka no Joō.” It was later included on the album “FAKIN’ POP.” The lyrics, written in down-to-earth language, and the gently buoyant melody really sink into your heart.

The clumsy, awkward figure of someone in love is sure to make your chest tighten.

When you want to renew your gratitude for a beloved partner, or on nights when you’re thinking of an unrequited love, why not listen to this track and let it fill you with warmth?

Ms. Hanako on a high pedestalback number

back number – Takane no Hanako-san (full)

Released in June 2013, this track portrays unrequited love for a woman who feels out of reach.

Despite its upbeat, refreshing sound, it poignantly depicts the frustration of being seen only as “Acquaintance B” and the protagonist’s melancholy as he imagines what her ideal boyfriend might be like.

It maintained high positions on the Billboard JAPAN charts for an extended period, and in July 2024 surpassed 500 million cumulative streams.

In 2019, it was also featured in a Kirin Brewery “Tanrei Green Label” commercial.

The disco-style drum beat and driving melody express both the ache of unrequited love and the sparkle of youth, making it a song that gives a gentle push to those in love.

I tried falling in love with you.chay

chay "I Tried Falling in Love with You" (short ver.)

The sixth single released in February 2015 by chay, who is active as both a model and a singer-songwriter, became popular as the theme song for the Getsuku drama “Date: What Is Love?” starring Anne (Anne Watanabe).

The song is packed with the pure feelings of a protagonist who’s clumsy in love.

Its retro, pop sound reminiscent of the ’60s, enhanced by glamorous strings, perfectly captures the giddy excitement of the moment love begins.

The lyrics portray that magically empowering feeling that makes you think you can do anything just because someone you like exists—something many listeners are sure to relate to.

It’s a pop number you’ll want to play to lift your spirits, like before meeting someone you love.

I want someone to tell me, “The moon is beautiful, isn’t it?”NEW!Kakizaki Yūta

Yuta Kakizaki – I Want You to Tell Me “The Moon Is Beautiful”! / yuta kakizaki – I Want You to Tell Me the Moon is Beautiful!

A track that strikes the heart with its earnest longing not to simply wait for a famous love-confession phrase, but to hear it said to you.

The lyrics blend cuteness with a hint of poison, creating a world you can’t get out of your head once you’ve heard it.

Released as a single in January 2026, this work was created entirely solo by Yuta Kakizaki—from songwriting and composition to performance and mixing.

It’s a culmination of his refined home-recording style, honed through releases like the 2025 album “Etude of clair.” With driving beats fused to an emotional vocal, it’s a song you’ll surely relate to when love has you on edge at night, or in those moments when you just want to be someone’s number one.

Definitely give it a listen.