Unrequited love songs recommended for women in their 40s: classic and popular Japanese tracks

A One-Night LoveKudō Shizuka

Shizuka Kudo / Koi Hitoyo [Official Video]

This is also a song that resonates with women engaged in forbidden love, such as affairs and infidelity.

Even without knowing what lies ahead, the pain and heartache of being unable to stop loving are sung with sensuality by Shizuka Kudo, who was only 18 at the time of release.

It’s a sultriness you’d never expect from an 18-year-old.

Happy! Fun! I love it!DREAMS COME TRUE

DREAMS COME TRUE – Happy! Fun! I Love You! (from DWL2007 Live Ver.)

DREAMS COME TRUE has many hit songs and love songs.

This track, released by them in 1989, was the B-side to the single “Ureshi Hazukashi Asagaeri.” Nowadays, this song is actually more popular and is often sung at karaoke.

A downright cheerful song about mutual love.

Thank youikimonogakari

Ikimonogakari 'Arigatou' Music Video

It was written as the theme song for the 2010 morning TV drama series “Gegege no Nyobo.” It’s a warm piece that makes you appreciate the power of the word “thank you.” The high notes seem a bit challenging, but even if you can’t sing them perfectly, I think it’s fun to sing together in unison.

Let yourself go with the flow of timeTeresa Ten

Let yourself go with the flow of time

Teresa Teng, a Taiwanese singer known as the “Asian Songbird.” She has many hit songs such as “Aijin” (Lover) and “Tsunagai” (Repayment), but this piece is in a major key and brimming with happiness, making it perfect for singing in a good mood.

It was released in 1986.

Second LoveNakamori Akina

Second Love (2014 Remaster)

Akina Nakamori, who, along with Seiko Matsuda, helped define an era of idol pop.

This work, released by her in 1982, was a ballad with a slightly mature, gently sentimental feel.

The lyrics and music were by the sibling duo Etsuko and Takao Kisugi.

It’s a piece whose content wouldn’t feel out of place even when sung by an adult.

A Bouquet of Kisses in the RainImai Miki

A Bouquet of Kisses in the Rain (2025 Remaster)

Even now in her 50s, Miki Imai remains beautiful.

She has sung many songs themed around romance, and although this track from her 1990 album “retour” was never released as a single, it is still a popular piece.

The composition is by KAN.

With a breezy AOR flavor, it skillfully depicts the giddy feelings of a woman who has been suddenly proposed to.

17 years oldMinami Saori

Saori Minami, 17 years old

Saori Minami was an exceptional presence among early-1970s idols.

This was her debut song, and it later became known for being covered by Chisato Moritaka.

Inspired by the Western hit “(I Never Promised You a) Rose Garden,” which was popular around the same time, this piece is a refreshing song about mutual love.