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

Planet of Love ‘You’Tomioka Ai

Ai Tomioka – Planet in Love “You” (Music Video)

This is a song by Ai Tomioka that lightheartedly sings about the floating feeling of love, as if the world revolves around the person you like.

Released in February 2024, the piece portrays single‑minded affection through an original perspective that likens the other person to a “planet,” their irresistible allure to “gravity,” and their elusive presence to a “UFO.” When you fall in love, that airy, floating sensation—like your feet aren’t on the ground—can make you worry that you’re the only one who’s lost it.

But perhaps that very strange feeling is the special signal that love has begun.

LOVE YOU ONLYTOKIO

LOVE YOU ONLY – TOKIO (Full)

TOKIO’s debut single leaves a vivid impression with its straightforward lyrics that shout, “I can only see you.” The song’s exhilarating band sound—brimming with a sense of speed as if capturing the rush of being in love—is simply refreshing.

Tomoya Nagase’s piercing vocals from his younger days are also incredibly pleasant to the ear.

Released in September 1994, the track was used as the theme song for the anime Tsuyoshi Shikkari Shinasai.

The fact that they made their first appearance on the year-end NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen just a little over three months after their debut speaks to their popularity at the time.

It’s an irresistible track for anyone who loves crisp, refreshing rock.

bumpyFurui Riho

bumpy

It’s a heartwarming love song set to a gentle lo-fi beat.

Released in June 2021, this gem of a ballad expresses earnest feelings while likening the relationship of two people who respect each other’s individuality to puzzle pieces fitting together.

Furui Riho’s soft yet strong vocals wrap you in kindness, giving the piece a warm, comforting feel.

Included on the album “Green Light,” it won the Hokkaido Block Award at the 15th CD Shop Awards 2023.

In 2023, she also provided “Friends” as the theme song for the Hokkaido TV drama Bento-ya-san no Omotenashi (The Bento Shop’s Hospitality).

It’s a perfect track for anyone who admires a relationship where both people acknowledge their differences and are inspired to grow through each other’s presence.

NOW LOADINGmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu "NOW LOADING" Music Video

A sweet and bittersweet love song by Macaroni Empitsu that traces the journey of conveying feelings that are hard to put into words.

It beautifully captures the awkwardness of love and the dilemmas of emotion, carried by a gentle yet powerful melody.

Included on the album “Ima Dakishimeru Tarinai Dake o,” released in March 2025, the song was produced as the theme for the film “My Love Story With Yamada-kun at Lv999.” In collaboration with the movie starring Mizuki Yamashita, it perfectly matches a story that portrays modern romance sparked by gaming.

This track gently stands by those troubled by love or frustrated by unspoken feelings, giving them a soft, encouraging push forward.

Pure Love SongShonan no Kaze

Shonan no Kaze “Junrenka” MUSIC VIDEO (Original ver.)

This is a signature love song by Shonan no Kaze that passionately conveys a clumsy yet earnest love for someone special.

It tells the story of a romance that sprouts from everyday, ordinary moments and deepens into an irreplaceable love as it overcomes hurdles like fights and misunderstandings.

The protagonist acknowledges his own immaturity while single-mindedly caring for his partner—something that’s sure to make your heart swell.

Released in March 2006, the song topped the Oricon Karaoke Chart for 25 consecutive weeks.

Now a wedding staple, it colors the new beginnings of many couples.

It’s a moving track that makes you want to express your true feelings to the one you cherish.

I want to shout that I love you.BAAD

BAAD – I Want to Shout That I Love You (Kimi ga Suki da to Sakebitai) (Slam Dunk Opening Theme 1)

The moment that intro rings out, I bet many of you feel a sudden heat well up in your chest.

As the theme song of the anime SLAM DUNK, it’s an immortal classic by BAAD that represents the Being sound of the ’90s.

Kyoji Yamada’s husky voice, laced with a sense of urgency, sings of the frustration of never becoming more than friends, squeezing the listener’s heart in the process.

The chorus, where feelings burst out straight and raw, is a true cry of the soul.

It overlaps with the passionate drama of the story’s characters, wrapping you in a rush that makes the scenes unfold right before your eyes.

It’s a timeless anthem of youth, isn’t it?

A Little Love SongMONGOL800

MONGOL800 / A Small Love Song

Speaking of MONGOL800, this is the song that comes to mind.

With its powerful sound and straightforward vocals that feel like a push on the back, this track has captivated many listeners.

It’s a timeless classic that hasn’t lost its shine even as the years have passed since its release.