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

powder snowRemioromen

Remioromen – Powder Snow (Music Video Short ver.)

This song, which was the theme for the drama One Litre of Tears, is characterized by its laid-back vocals.

It’s a track I want couples to listen to when they’re together but something just isn’t clicking.

It’s a song that helps you reaffirm what’s important.

Surely more than anyone else in the worldNagayama Miho

Surely more than anyone else in the world

A gem of a love song that eloquently sings of the joy and poignancy of romance.

It gently weaves a wish for eternal love with a fated partner, and the feelings full of hope and expectation for a chance reunion resonate in the heart.

The collaboration between Miho Nakayama and WANDS drew attention upon its October 1992 release as the theme song for the drama “Dareka ga Kanojo o Aishiteru” (“Someone Loves Her”).

It surpassed one million copies sold in just 20 days after release and topped the Oricon charts for four consecutive weeks.

Depicting a fateful reunion and unwavering love, this piece is perfect for when you want to reflect on meeting someone special, or when your heart flutters at the start of a new romance.

Bud of LoveKōda Kumi

Koda Kumi / Bud of Love

“Koi no Tsubomi” is Kumi Koda’s 31st single, released in 2006.

It’s a song about unrequited love, but the lyrics are very pop and cute.

In the chorus, there’s a confession in Kansai dialect, which makes it even more charming.

Since Kumi Koda wrote the lyrics herself, it sounds very real.

AitaiKato Miria

Miliyah Kato - “Aitai”

“Aitai” is a song included on Ms.

Miliyah Kato’s fourth album, “Ring,” released in 2009.

The person she has an unrequited love for knows how she feels, yet doesn’t return her feelings—because they’re involved with someone else.

It’s heartbreaking, isn’t it?

I’m only gazing at you.Daikoku Maki

Only Looking at You (2019 Remastered)

This song poignantly portrays a woman’s bittersweet feelings as she changes herself for love.

Her determination and inner conflict to be reborn for her lover are depicted in contrast to the upbeat melody.

Maki Ohguro’s powerful vocals vividly express the protagonist’s pain and wavering emotions.

Released in December 1993, it was chosen as the ending theme for the anime SLAM DUNK.

Within about three months of its release, it became a million seller and has been included on multiple albums, such as “Toward the Eternal Dream” and “BACK BEATs #1.” It’s a song I especially recommend to those who can relate to the struggle between staying true to oneself and being in love.

Its heartrending melody and down-to-earth lyrics gently embrace the complex emotions of romance.

First LoveUtada Hikaru

Hikaru Utada – First Love

This song, too, is about thinking of her ex and singing about feelings she can’t forget.

They broke up only recently, and she still can’t seem to escape this loneliness.

The lyrics are filled with the sorrow of a woman in that state, yet somehow the mood of the music hints at a faint light—an assurance that even these painful days will eventually come to an end.

Flavor Of LifeUtada Hikaru

Hikaru Utada – Flavor of Life -Ballad Version-

With its heartrending melody, this song’s lyrics capture the indescribable mix of frustration and longing between two people who are neither just friends nor quite lovers.

It’s classic Utada Hikaru in full flourish, creating a beautifully atmospheric piece.

The word choice is stylish, too.