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

As many times as you likeDREAMS COME TRUE

Again and Again – DREAMS COME TRUE (Full)

I don’t think there’s any other unrequited love this bold.

Even if it doesn’t work out again and again, there’s an unwavering determination to never give up—after all, even if you fail 10,000 times, you still think the 10,001st time might just work! It’s the perfect song for anyone who wants to reaffirm their resolve not to give up.

Like when we first metEvery Little Thing

"Like When We First Met" MUSIC VIDEO / Every Little Thing

For many women now in their 40s who spent their teenage years to early twenties in the mid-to-late 1990s, Every Little Thing holds a special place.

Back then, plenty of people imitated Kaori Mochida’s fashion and hairstyles.

ELT’s classic songs are still hugely popular at karaoke even in the Reiwa era, but if you’re aiming for a high score, we recommend the 1997 hit “Deatta Koro no You ni.” Its quintessential late-’90s Avex-style sound and melody make it very easy to sing, and since there aren’t any tricky sections, it’s less likely you’ll go off-pitch.

The overall key is on the higher side, so if you have a lower voice, try adjusting the key to suit you before singing.

MPRINCESS PRINCESS

[Tonight, Birth! Music Champ] “M” (PRINCESS PRINCESS) / Sumina Maruyama (Maruyama Sumina)

This song, which powerfully expresses the feelings after breaking up with the boyfriend I was dating and finding myself alone, is also a timeless classic.

The lyrics directly capture the struggle of trying to forget him after the breakup, yet being unable to do so.

Nervous but GlamorousREBECCA

REBECCA – Nervous But Glamorous

“Nervous But Glamorous” is Rebecca’s eighth single, released in 1987.

Faced with the girl that the guy she has a crush on likes, she can’t help feeling jealous and acting a bit mean.

Anyone who’s had an unrequited crush on someone who’s already involved will find a lot to relate to.

KissHugaiko

aiko- 『KissHug』music video

“KissHug” is aiko’s 24th single, released in 2008.

She fell in love with him at first sight, but they stayed just friends from then on.

Yet to her, he wasn’t a mere “friend” but someone she loved.

However, to him, she was “just a friend.” This kind of relationship is both painful and heartrending, and that feeling really comes through.

First loveaiko

aiko - “First Love” music video

The lyrics are funny with Aiko-chan’s unique turns of phrase, but the story is clearly about unrequited love.

She’s in love with someone who’s like a friend by her side and wants to say how she feels, but hasn’t yet.

Still, it actually portrays a fairly proactive, positive-minded girl.

LOVE 2000hitomi

hitomi / LOVE 2000

Born amid hopes and anxieties for a new century, this universally resonant song questions the essence of love.

Hitomi’s powerful vocals and forward-looking melody are perfectly balanced, and the work conveys a straightforward stance and strong will that face reality while gazing toward the future.

Released in June 2000, it was chosen as the image song for Nippon TV’s “Gekikukan Pro Yakyu 2000.” It also drew attention when Sydney Olympics women’s marathon gold medalist Naoko Takahashi revealed she listened to it before training.

If you’re a man in your 40s who spent his youth in the 2000s, consider adding this classic to your karaoke lineup.