[Unrequited Love Songs] Lyrics that hit home! A collection of unforgettable, gem-like love songs

wishsumika

sumika / Wish [Music Video]

A song by sumika that portrays the bittersweet feelings of unrequited love and hope for the future.

The protagonist’s inner struggle—wishing happiness for the one they love while being unable to suppress their own feelings—is especially striking.

Released in December 2019 as the theme song for the drama “Ossan’s Love -in the sky-,” it reached No.

6 on the Oricon charts.

The music video has also been viewed over 20 million times, capturing the hearts of many.

It’s recommended not only for those wrestling with love, but also for anyone who wants to cherish the feeling of wishing someone else happiness.

Why not listen to this piece and face the “wish” that lies within you?

crescent moonayaka

Ayaka – Crescent Moon

A signature song by Ayaka, known for her enveloping, warmth-filled vocals.

It’s a gentle ballad about longing for a beloved person far away.

The lyrics portray a woman moving forward, holding close the words she received from someone she loves as she battles loneliness.

Released in November 2006, the song reached No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

It was also featured in a commercial for the au by KDDI LISMO Music Store and has soothed many hearts.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you’re alone—highly recommended for anyone feeling lonely or isolated.

habit of laughingIgarashi Haru

Haru Igarashi – Laughing Habit (Official Music Video)

A song that portrays the ache of a love too deep to forget, even as time passes.

In this track, Haru Igarashi delicately captures the frustration of how trivial everyday moments turn into special memories, and the poignancy of nights spent with those memories when you can’t move on.

Even the way the other person laughed and their gestures remain vividly etched in the mind, and the feeling is so intense that you find yourself praying to God, “Please let me forget everything.” Released in March 2025, this work will gently accompany those whose hearts are filled with memories they can’t forget, no matter how hard they try, and those who are still unable to accept parting from someone dear.

Ambiguous BlueKawasaki Takaya

Takaya Kawasaki - Ambiguous Blue [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

A pure, heart-stirring gem of a love song by Takaya Kawasaki that delicately portrays the sense of distance between two people and the ache that comes with it.

The more you learn about the other person, the more jealousy begins to grow—yet the love deepens even more.

These subtle, complex emotions are gently wrapped in his warm vocals and a simple arrangement centered on acoustic guitar.

Chosen as the theme song for the MBS drama “Fukushū Kareshi: Deki-ai Shachō no Kao ni wa Ura ga Aru” (Revenge Boyfriend: The Devoted CEO Has Another Side), this track tenderly accompanies anyone who, despite feeling doubt and anxiety about their relationship, can’t suppress the feelings they hold inside.

ElegyHirai Ken

Ken Hirai “Elegy” MUSIC VIDEO

This is a masterpiece whose poignant love story, told from a woman’s perspective, resonates in the rich vocals of Ken Hirai.

It delicately portrays the feelings of a woman consumed by love, expressing the intense emotions of fixation on her partner and a fierce willingness to embrace even the pain of love.

Released in January 2007 as the theme song for Toho’s film Love’s Crucible, it was also included on the album FAKIN’ POP and performed at the 58th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.

In 2021, it was covered by Fuyumi Sakamoto on her album Love Emotion, continuing to influence many artists.

It’s a song to listen to on nights after heartbreak or when you’re suffering from thoughts of someone you love.

Try loving—it’s not like you’ll lose anything.neguse.

Bedhead. 'Try loving me—it won't cost you anything' Official Music Video

A one-sided crush song from a woman’s perspective crafted by Neguse., depicting unreciprocated feelings and complex emotions.

Released in April 2023, the track gained traction on social media, and by September its music video surpassed 2 million views.

In contrast to its poppy, catchy sound, the lyrics convey the weight and ache of saying “I like you.” It’s a song that offers comfort to those struggling with emotional distance or anxiety in love—highly recommended for anyone who relates to the frustration of a bittersweet crush.

selling oneselfRosu

selling oneself

Set in a red-light district, this narrative song portrays a courtesan bearing an aching love for a man she adores.

With delicate wording, it weaves the emotions of a woman wavering between her unrequited feelings for someone who won’t even meet her gaze and the reality of living as a courtesan.

Ros’s protean vocals vividly express the poignancy and sorrow.

Released digitally in March 2022 and included on the album “Yoru no Shito,” the piece has also been tied to projects such as the drama series “My Beautiful Man.” It will resonate deeply not only with those suffering from impossible love, but with anyone who knows the bittersweet ache of loving someone relentlessly.