We’re featuring a selection of unrequited-love J-pop songs recommended for women in their 40s.
No matter how old we get, humans never forget how to fall in love.
Sometimes, we keep on loving someone from afar.
For times like that, we’ve gathered songs that will be by your side.
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Unrequited love songs recommended for women in their 40s: Classic and popular Japanese hits (1–10)
If I could be honestJUJU
“Sunao ni Naretara” is JUJU’s eighth single, released in 2008.
When you have an unrequited love, you’re afraid of getting hurt and of making the situation worse.
So you put on a brave face, but there are so many times when you think, If only I could be honest, things would be so much easier…
I long to see you now.MISIA
This song, which was the theme for the drama “JIN,” is so moving that some people apparently consider using it at their weddings, but it is undeniably a sad song.
It’s not about being dumped in an ordinary way; it’s a sad song about not being able to meet again for certain reasons.
Embraced by the wintry windKoizumi Kyoko
A song that’s all about unrequited love.
It tells the story of a girl who keeps staring at the person she likes, yet never gets noticed and can’t bring herself to confess her feelings.
The cute, youthful way Kyon Kyon sings and her distinctive voice suit it perfectly.
Unrequited loveShibata Jun
“Kataomoi” (Unrequited Love) is Jun Shibata’s fourth single, released in 2002.
Shibata tends to have many songs about unfulfilled or somewhat lonely love, and it seems those themes draw quite a bit from her real experiences.
That in itself is pretty heartrending…
Love stories happen suddenlyofukōsu
Kazumasa Oda’s voice remains eternally clear.
His songs are truly wonderful, and he has many hits—this one included.
In fact, the first half of this song reads like unrequited love, but in the latter half it shifts to suggest that the feelings are returned.
AmaryllisIzumi Tachibana
“Amaryllis” is Izumi Tachibana’s 11th single, released in 1996.
Even the most trivial conversations stick in your mind when they’re words from someone you love, right? Precisely because they’re such casual chats, you want to be closer and hear more of them.
This song conveys just how deeply—almost frighteningly—she loves him.
I want to be your lover.Abe Mao
“I Want to Be Your Lover” is Mao Abe’s second single, released in 2009.
Abe’s songs are very straightforward, and many of them make you go, “Exactly!” because they feel so real.
I’m sure anyone who’s had a one-sided crush has felt the same way as this song describes.