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

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.

Let’s count your kissesKoyanagi Yuki

Let's count your kisses {Furū} | Monique Dehany

A song about the regret and remorse you feel after losing someone important, wishing you had done more.

It’s a heartrending piece that powerfully conveys the sadness of realizing the person who was once right beside you, within your reach, is no longer there.

Yuki Koyanagi’s mature voice is also wonderful.

wailing in griefKudō Shizuka

Kudō Shizuka - Dōkoku

“Doukoku” is Shizuka Kudo’s 18th single, released in 1993.

When the guy you liked finds someone he likes, and whether he knows how much it hurts or not, he tells you, “You should hurry up and find someone too.” That’s truly painful, isn’t it?

is this LOVE？Hamasaki Ayumi

Ayumi Hamasaki / is this LOVE? (Short Ver.)

“Is this LOVE?” is Ayumi Hamasaki’s 35th single, released in 2005.

The song powerfully conveys the heartbreak of realizing that the one who can be gazed at with gentle eyes by the person you love, and the one who can heal their sorrowful gaze, is not yourself but someone else—and that realization is deeply painful.

One-Sided Love in TearsTakeuchi Mariya

One-Sided Love of Tears / Mariya Takeuchi, covered by makigon

“Namida no One-Sided Love” is the B-side track to Mariya Takeuchi’s third single “SEPTEMBER,” released in 1979.

The song tells the story of a chance encounter that leads to love at first sight and a one-sided crush, but just as she resolves to confess her feelings, she finds out he already has a girlfriend.

I BelieveKahara Tomomi

Tomomi Kahara – I BELIEVE (from “DREAM -Self Cover Best-”)

Tomomi Kahala has a lot going on in her private life, and when she sings, the lyrics end up feeling heavier than they need to.

This song doesn’t just deal with unrequited love; it also carries a sense of struggling with the present.

Because the expressions are abstract, the lyrics seem open to many interpretations depending on the listener.