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

bouquetNEW!back number

back number – Bouquet (Short ver.)

Back Number’s “Hanataba” hits you in the chest with a realism that feels like a conversation lifted straight from two lovers.

The lyrics depict a woman voicing worries about cheating and the future, and a man who, though awkward, tries to face her sincerely.

It’s also lovely how the song expresses love without ever using the title word itself within the lyrics.

Released as a single in June 2011, it’s also included on the album Superstar.

It gained attention as the ending theme for TBS’s COUNT DOWN TV and in commercials.

Cherished as a wedding staple, it’s also recommended for couples who’ve just started dating or for times when you feel anxious because you can’t read your partner’s feelings.

Unrequited loveNEW!Aimer

Aimer “Kataomoi” MUSIC VIDEO (FULL ver.)

This work by Aimer was written and produced by Takahito Uchisawa of the rock band androp.

It’s included on the album “daydream,” released in September 2016, and also became familiar as the opening theme for TBS’s “CDTV.” At first glance, it might suggest an unrequited love, but in fact it’s a heartwarming number that sings of a deep love that never changes, even as the years pass and wrinkles appear.

Its universal message of love resonated with many, and in August 2021, total streams surpassed 100 million.

It’s a love song that tightens the heart—one to listen to when you want to savor the joy of being in love or convey your feelings to someone special.

EnchantedNEW!Saucy Dog

Saucy Dog “Enchanted” Music Video

It’s a gentle, heartwarming mid-tempo number that makes even the time spent apart feel precious.

The down-to-earth words spun by vocalist Shinya Ishihara softly portray a bond that transcends physical distance, like nights connected by video calls.

Released for streaming in March 2022, the song was written as the theme for ABEMA’s romance show “Koisuru ♥ Shumatsu Homestay 2022 Spring.” It was later included on the mini-album “Sunny Bottle,” becoming a beloved staple in their live performances.

Give it a listen on nights when you miss a partner you can’t easily see, or when you want to cherish the small, everyday conversations with your loved one.

You don’t listen to rock.NEW!aimyon

Aimyon – You Don’t Listen to Rock [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

A signature song by Aimyon that blends the sweet tang and faint bitterness of youth, gripping listeners’ hearts and never letting go.

Released in August 2017 as her third single, this track portrays a clumsy crush: trying to convey one’s feelings to someone who isn’t into rock through a beloved record.

Many will likely see their younger selves in the earnest “I,” wishing to close even a little of the distance.

Upon release, it earned power-play rotation at 42 radio stations nationwide, catapulting her recognition.

When you’re wrestling with the frustration of unrequited love, why not listen to this song for a dose of courage?

Love songNEW!Marushii

marsi – Love Song (Official Music Video)

This work gives you a gentle push when you want to say “I love you” straight from the heart.

Marcy, a rock band that resonates with Gen Z, released it in September 2023.

It captures everyday, simple happiness and honest feelings, warmly enveloping the listener.

Over a tender sound woven by piano and strings, Ukyo Yoshida’s conversational vocals layer in, letting your feelings for someone special overflow.

Despite having no specific tie-in, it became a hot topic by topping the Billboard JAPAN chart for eight consecutive weeks.

Why not listen closely while thinking of the person you love?

Dried flowersNEW!Yuuri

Yuri “Dry Flower” Official Music Video - Director’s Cut ver. -

This ballad overlays feelings that don’t fade even after a breakup with the image of flowers that remain beautiful even when they wither.

Known as one of Yuuri’s signature songs, it is depicted as the after-story to the male-perspective heartbreak song “Kakurenbo.” The wavering emotions of a woman who tries—and fails—to grow to dislike her former partner press upon the heart along with the poignant melody.

Released for streaming in October 2020, it achieved the remarkable milestone of surpassing 1 billion domestic streams in July 2024.

It will be there for you on nights when memories of someone you loved make your chest tighten, or when you just need to have a good cry.

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.