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

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.

dear personShio Reira

Leila Shio / Ito Shii Hito [Official Music Video]

This song focuses on the different readings of the kanji for “love,” portraying the misalignments in how love is expressed and received.

Released in August 2024 as the lead track of the 1st EP “No one,” it also drew attention for being featured as background music on ABEMA’s dating show “He and the Little Wolf-chan Won’t Deceive You.” If you’ve ever struggled with the weight of the word “love” or felt unsure about how to interpret someone’s feelings, you’ll find it impossible not to relate.

You can really feel the kindness of someone trying to accept their partner’s clumsy way of showing love.

aloeFunatsu Mahiro

Masato Funatsu “Aloe” Official Music Video – Ending Theme Song for the drama ‘By the Irori at Ms. Alice’s House’

This is a song by Masato Funatsu, woven with delicate words and melody, slated for release in January 2025.

It tenderly sings of the frustrating emotions born from a relationship that’s more than friends but not quite lovers—hearts so close, yet unable to draw nearer—wrapped in a gentle vocal delivery.

Also selected as the ending theme for the drama “Alice-san’s Irori Hearth,” the track harmonizes beautifully with the show’s warm portrayal of human relationships.

Love takes many forms, and this song resonates with listeners who find their hearts wavering in ambiguous relationships, offering comfort and empathy to many.

Feeling in loveNishino Kana

Kana Nishino 'Feelings of Love' MV Full

A love song by Kana Nishino that portrays the struggles of two people who are more than friends but not quite lovers.

The secret feelings harbored for a longtime best friend are expressed with heartrending delicacy.

Even when the mind has given up, the heart can’t help but hold onto a faint hope—an emotion anyone who’s experienced unrequited love can relate to.

Featured on the album “with LOVE,” this track was released in November 2014 and captured the hearts of many listeners.

It’s a must-listen for anyone wavering between friendship and romance.

I want to be lovedYumcha

Yumcha “Aisaretai” [Lyric Video]

Set to a catchy pop sound, this song gives heartfelt voice to the ache of unrequited love.

Its down-to-earth lyrics portray the frustration of not being noticed by the one you like and the pure wish to win their heart.

It went viral on TikTok and Instagram, and since its release in November 2024, it has resonated with many listeners.

Yumcha’s clear vocals and uplifting message are comforting, gently encouraging girls who are working on bettering themselves.

Perfect not only for those in one-sided love, but also for anyone who needs a little courage to pursue romance.

Goodbye, goodbyeTakenaka Eri

Eri Takenaka “Sayonara Sayonara arranged by Masataka Matsutoya”

A heartwarming song by Eri Takenaka that captures the sorrow of parting and the courage to move forward.

Based on the fantastical image of a Ferris wheel, it expresses the end of love and a new beginning.

Even while bearing the pain of heartbreak, you can feel the strength to keep looking ahead.

The track was released as a single in January 2006 and was also included on the album Persona, released in June of the same year.

It was additionally used as the ending theme for NTV’s “TV Ojamambo.” This is a warm, empathetic song that comforts those trying to overcome the pain of a broken heart.

I miss you.UVERworld

UVERworld 'Yearning for You'

A smash hit by the rock band UVERworld, loved by younger generations for their irresistibly captivating high notes and overwhelming vocal prowess that lets them master songs across every genre.

This classic ballad has garnered wide empathy with lyrics that depict the happy days spent with a lover to whom one can never return.