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

One million “I love you”sRake

Rake "One Million Times 'I Love You'"

This is a very famous love song by Rake.

If you’re a woman, you’d probably love to hear “I love you” a million times, right? If you listen to it while thinking of someone you like, you might find yourself smiling without even realizing it.

A miracle called youTakano Akira

Akira Takano / A Miracle Called You (Music Video)

It’s a song whose deep feelings for a loved one resonate in the heart.

The lyrics, which remind you of the bond with someone precious, are sure to move you.

Although it was only released in May 2024, it’s already rapidly gaining popularity among fans.

It’s also used as the ending theme for the drama “The Overprotective Young Master’s Indulgent Marriage,” further enriching the show’s world.

Akira Takano’s expressive vocals gently envelop the listener’s heart.

If you listen while thinking of someone important—like a partner or family member—the song will touch you even more deeply.

Is that okay?RADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – Is It Okay? [Official Music Video]

This is a RADWIMPS song that sings of such straightforward love that it overflows with feelings for someone you adore, to the point of bewilderment.

The track is included on the classic album “RADWIMPS 4: Okazu no Gohan,” released in December 2006.

Its popularity has remained strong; in December 2016, ten years later, the music video was re-shot together with fans.

It conveys sincere affection with a touch of humor.

Many listeners may have found courage in the lyrics, which suggest that repeatedly expressing daily gratitude and apologies deepens a couple’s bond.

Give it a listen when you want to savor the excitement of a budding romance or when you want to reaffirm your honest feelings for someone important to you.

Love and peaceHirai Dai

Love and peace

This is a happy song by Dai Hirai that sings about the small miracles hidden in everyday life.

It carries a warm message: just having someone special by your side can turn each day into something special, filled with love and peace.

The track is the title song of an EP released in June 2025 as the tenth installment of a project that began in June 2024.

By the time you finish listening, gratitude and tenderness for your partner may overflow—and you might feel the urge to go see that special someone right away.

two peopleaiko

aiko - “Futari” music video

A work that beautifully portrays a brave, self-restrained love telling itself, “I’m glad I realized it before I fell any deeper,” is the song released in March 2008 by singer-songwriter aiko.

Set to an up-tempo, exhilarating sound, you can picture the protagonist getting elated and crushed by the tiniest gestures of the person they like.

Even while knowing that person’s gaze is directed at someone else, the aching sadness of feelings that won’t stop comes through vividly.

The song was a hit, reaching No.

3 on the Oricon weekly chart, later included on the acclaimed album “Himitsu,” and it resonated with many as the theme for a Hoyu commercial.

Even when you know it’s a love that won’t come true, you can’t help but think of them.

This is a number that gently stays by the side of anyone struggling with such a complicated unrequited love.

First lovematsumura kanau

First Love – Kanau Matsumura [Official Music Video]

This is a song by Kanau Matsumura that’s packed with the sweet-and-sour feelings and frustrations of thinking about someone you like—the full spectrum of first love.

Released in June 2025, it’s a track that could be called the essence of his artistry.

The growing feelings for someone you can only meet in your dreams, the bittersweet longing that makes you take the long way home—listeners may find these emotions overlap with their own experiences.

When you like someone but can’t see them, even small things can make you anxious.

This gentle voice might softly stay by the side of that wavering heart.

When I think of youTOKIO

When I Think of You Kimi Wo Omou Toki TOKIO Tomoya Nagase Nagase Tomoya

When introducing TOKIO’s songs, there’s no way we can leave out this jewel of a ballad! It’s one of the group’s masterpieces—a beautifully mellow love ballad.

Delicate guitar tones gently intertwine with vocals that are sweet yet tinged with sadness.

The song is written from the perspective of a shy man, and the way it carefully portrays the wavering of a heart in love is truly captivating, don’t you think? Released in February 1999, it also served as the theme song for their flagship variety show and was included on the acclaimed album “YESTERDAY & TODAY.” It’s a track that stays close to your heart on quiet nights when you’re thinking of someone special.