Recommended unrequited love songs for high school girls

What is love?Ryokushokushakai

Ryokuoushoku Shakai – “What Is Love?” / Koitte

A number by Ryokuoushoku Shakai that vividly captures the pounding excitement when love begins.

Composed by the keyboardist peppe, the song is striking for its buoyant piano melody and an exhilarating beat that makes you want to clap along.

The lyrics portray the confusion and flutter of liking someone for the first time, and the bittersweet image of hiding your true feelings with a casual “Just kidding,” which may make you reflect on your own experiences.

After being included on the mini-album ADORE released in August 2017, the track was later chosen as the theme song for ABEMA’s dating show “Love’s Coach Is My Ex” in 2021.

It’s a song that gently gives a push to anyone carrying the sweet-and-sour ache of unrequited love.

Only the graduation photo knowsHinatazaka46

The Only One Who Knows Is the Graduation Photo by Hinatazaka46

A song by Hinatazaka46 set in the cherry blossom–filled spring season, depicting the bittersweet feelings of a love that couldn’t be confessed on graduation day.

It tells a memorable story of hidden emotions sealed within a graduation photo and lingering regrets that won’t fade with time.

Nao Kosaka serves as center for the sixth time after a six-release interval, and the music video portrays a fantastical world of swirling cherry blossoms under the theme of a parade that heralds spring.

The single, set for release on January 29, 2025, will be available in five formats: Limited First Edition TYPE-A through TYPE-D, and a regular edition.

The song premiered at the Tokyo Dome concert on December 26, 2024, captivating the audience.

It’s a track to be heard with empathy during spring, the season of partings and new encounters.

Sorry for dreamingAKB48 U-21 senbatsu

[MV Full] Sorry for Dreaming / AKB48 U-21 Selection [Official]

Among bittersweet unrequited-love songs, this AKB48 track stands out.

With the theme of summer’s end, it captures an impossible crush in a refreshing way.

Included on the single “Koi Tsumun Jatta,” released in July 2024, the song also serves as the ending theme for the anime “Stardust Telepath.” Its melodious sound and lyrics that say “I’m sorry” over and over really hit home.

You can keenly feel the emotions of a high school girl troubled by love.

The image of standing up to pedal a bicycle is pure youth.

It’s a must-listen for anyone nursing a crush.

Short-Sleeved AngelHKT48

[MV full] HKT48 19th Single “Short-Sleeved Angel” / HKT48 [Official]

A pure, refreshing song that feels like dashing through the dazzling summer sun.

Released in July 2025 as HKT48’s 19th single, this track sets sweet and slightly bittersweet feelings of love—where a crush’s casual gestures look almost angelic—to a light, buoyant melody.

Listen under the summer blue sky, and your romantic mood is sure to soar! Take this song along and make some wonderful memories.

Sakura RabbitKawasaki Takaya

Takaya Kawasaki - Sakura Usagi [OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO]

A poignant ballad by Takaya Kawasaki that tenderly portrays the feelings of someone unable to confess their love.

The timid protagonist is likened to a rabbit, and the story is warmly expressed alongside the springtime atmosphere of graduation.

With its beautiful melody and distinctive husky vocals, the song delicately weaves in pure emotions for the person they care about.

Released as a digital single in January 2021, it is also included on the album “Nukumori.” It drew attention with the simultaneous release of its music video and an acoustic live performance.

Recommended as a youthful spring song for those harboring feelings for someone dear.

A Little SpoonfulCUTIE STREET

A Little Spoonful

This is a CUTIE STREET song that was unveiled at the Toyosu PIT concert in February 2025 and eagerly awaited by fans.

After an advance digital release in June 2025, it was included on the single “Can’t Stop at the Cue!/Chikyuu Make-Up Keikaku.” The song captures the bittersweet feelings of unrequited love—trying new hairstyles and outfits to catch the attention of someone you like, worrying about how to get your feelings across—set to a fast-paced, exhilarating melody.

Many listeners will likely see their own experiences reflected in the earnest protagonist.

Feathers of the UniformAKB48

[MV full] The Wings of the Uniform / AKB48 [Official]

You can almost picture that bittersweet scene of a secret crush: watching you run across the schoolyard from the classroom window.

This song, which sings of the hope and heartache of sprouting invisible wings on your uniformed back and taking flight toward the future, will make listeners’ hearts skip a beat.

Included on the single “Kibouteki Refrain Type D,” released in November 2014, this track is a special one for Team 8—their very first music video was made for it! When graduation approaches and you feel anxious about becoming an adult, doesn’t this song gently nudge you forward with a reassuring “It’s going to be okay”?