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

Baby, I love youTEE

TEE – Baby, I Love You

Many people may not know the name TEE, but they probably know this song.

Some of you may have listened to it on repeat—the song sings of a straightforward, heartfelt love for someone.

It’s a feel-good track that warms your heart with its pure affection.

Akatoki Reloadaiko

aiko - “Akatoki Reload” music video

A love song by aiko, memorable for its lyrics and melody that resonate deeply with the heart.

Released as a digital-only single in January 2023 as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Thursday drama “Marriage Is Difficult Even for a Ninja,” it was later included on the album “Ima no Futari o Otagai ga Miteru.” Showcasing aiko’s delicate sensibilities, the song beautifully captures the bittersweet emotions of someone in love.

It vividly portrays complex feelings surrounding romance—such as the desire to cherish a world for just the two of you, and the loneliness that can arise even when you love someone deeply.

It’s a recommended track for those who want a song to lean on during the ambiguous hours before dawn.

selfish; self-indulgent; willfulYuika

Selfish. / “Yuika” [Lyric Video]

Ethereal vocals and bittersweet lyrics leave a lasting impression! This is a sweet-and-sour love song by Yuika, a singer-songwriter popular on YouTube and TikTok.

Its straightforward message of “I want to see you” is sure to strike a chord with anyone in a long-distance relationship.

Released in June 2024, the track delicately portrays a love that endures despite the distance.

Set to gentle guitar tones, the lyrics are filled with complex emotions—loneliness from being apart, a touch of possessiveness, and more.

It’s a song we highly recommend to anyone living away from someone they cherish.

Ingot of Pure Lovetuki.

tuki. “Ingot of Pure Love” Official Music Video

It’s an ambitious track that confronts the essence of love head-on and expresses the depth of romance.

Featured on tuki.’s album “15,” released in January 2025, the song makes a striking impression by likening the purity and weight of love to a refined block of metal.

It also marks their first attempt at a rap section, deftly portraying the interplay of chance and fate in relationships and the swell of emotion.

“15” is a bold project centered on songs written before turning fifteen, and it has drawn wide attention, including an appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

This track is perfect for anyone who wants to feel the joy and poignancy of pure love, and for those who want to reflect on the true nature of romance.

End the worldHarukamirai

Harukamirai – End the World (Official Video)

It’s a striking love song that poignantly portrays parting from a loved one.

While holding tender feelings, it powerfully conveys the pain of not being able to be together through the energetic sound of punk rock.

Intertwining single-minded devotion with intense emotion, this piece reaches deep into the listener’s heart, singing of a love so strong that one could wish for “the world to end” if it meant being with the other person.

Released as a single in October 2018 by the indie label THE NINTH APOLLO, it was included the following year on the album Eternal Flower.

The song was also added to the setlist for the Heaven and Hell Tour, which began in February 2019, and was performed with heartfelt passion alongside its grand melody.

It’s a wonderful track from Harukamirai for those who have experienced heartbreak or separation, or for anyone who finds it hard to clearly express their feelings to someone important.

EverythingMISIA

MISIA – Everything （Official HD Music Video）

A ballad by MISIA that captures the moment when a chance encounter becomes the beginning of destiny.

Her powerful vocals convey deep love for the other person, the ache of time spent apart, and a wish for a future that lasts forever.

With R&B elements woven into the melody and her rich expressiveness, the song beautifully colors a fated romance.

Released in October 2000, it drew major attention as the theme song for the drama “Yamato Nadeshiko.” It topped the Oricon weekly chart for three consecutive weeks and is recognized as one of MISIA’s signature songs.

It expresses the yearning of a heart in love for a destined meeting and the feelings that follow.

When you face a miraculous coincidence in your own life, this is a song that will surely give you a gentle push forward.

Lion HeartSMAP

Lion Heart – SMAP

As a SMAP love song, this one is unquestionably in a class of its own.

Its warm vocals have captured the hearts of many.

If you’re a woman, you’ve probably admired the man in these lyrics at least once.

It’s a song that remains timeless even now.