From bittersweet tracks to heart-wrenching tunes! Heisei-era unrequited love songs
Even when we say “unrequited love songs” in a single phrase, there are so many different situations, aren’t there?
From sweet and bittersweet tracks that evoke school days to heartrending songs that conjure images of adult romance, there are countless unrequited love songs in the world.
In every era, songs that stay close to our experiences of love have resonated with listeners.
So this time, we’re introducing unrequited love songs that were hits in the Heisei era!
Whether you’re in love right now or hoping to fall in love soon, be sure to find the tracks that suit you!
- [To Those in Love] Relatable Love Songs to Listen to When You’re Crushing Hard
- Just listening makes you feel happy! Heisei-era mutual love songs
- Unrequited love songs of the Heisei era. Those nostalgic classic tunes.
- Classic and popular songs about unrequited love
- Tear-jerking unrequited love songs that will break your heart: timeless classics about unattainable love
- [Heisei Love Songs] A carefully selected collection of gem-like love songs that continue to be cherished even in the Reiwa era!
- [A Song That Makes Love Come True] Carefully selected love songs perfect for those who want to make their unrequited love come true!
- Unrequited love songs recommended for teenage girls: classic and popular Japanese hits
- [Unrequited Love Songs] Recommended for women! Classic tracks that boost your motivation for love
- [From a woman's perspective] Cute unrequited love song
- [Unrequited Love Songs] Lyrics that hit home! A collection of unforgettable, gem-like love songs
- Heisei-era heartbreak songs: A roundup of classic tracks from the ’90s to the 2010s
- Unrequited love songs from the Showa era. Those nostalgic classics.
From bittersweet tracks to heart-wrenching tunes! Heisei-era unrequited love songs (1–10)
SquallFukuyama Masaharu
One of Masaharu Fukuyama’s signature songs, which continues to captivate fans across Japan.
Released in 1999 as a double A-side single with “HEAVEN,” the song, true to its title that evokes a sudden passing shower, vividly portrays both the joy and the bittersweet sorrow of love.
Fukuyama’s alluring baritone voice beautifully conveys the delicate emotions of a woman falling in love.
The track has become a staple at many live shows and concerts and remains highly popular among fans.
It’s a recommended listen for anyone experiencing the joys and pains of love or harboring a tender, aching affection.
HAPPY BIRTHDAYback number
A three-piece rock band whose heartrending lyrics and moving melodies resonate with many, back number’s 20th single.
Released in February 2019, the music video—featuring a performance in an empty restaurant that conveys loneliness—also leaves a strong impression.
It deftly portrays the bittersweetness of unrequited love, and with Iyori Shimizu’s sharp guitar work and Takeshi Kobayashi’s production, it pierces deeply into listeners’ hearts.
It’s a highly recommended track for anyone experiencing unrequited love right now.
CHE.R.RYYUI
The eighth single by singer-songwriter YUI—praised as “the second coming of Yutaka Ozaki” and “an angelic koto-like voice.” True to its tagline, “A spring song like a sweet-and-sour fruit,” the lyrics are sprinkled with contemporary expressions, making it a catchy pop number.
Chosen for KDDI’s “LISMO!” commercial, the song was released in March 2007 and reached No.
2 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
Its arrangement evokes the freshness of spring, and the lyrics, depicting timeless girlish feelings, may also resonate as a realistic message for men.
It’s a song that makes your heart flutter just by hearing it at karaoke, bringing back memories of youth.
From bittersweet tracks to heart-wrenching tunes! Heisei era unrequited love songs (11–20)
Heavy rotationAKB48
AKB48, which sparked a massive boom with the concept of “idols you can go meet,” released this as their 17th major single.
With its rock-tinged sound and pop melody, the song gained support from a wide audience.
Released in August 2010, it features Yuko Oshima as the center, with members selected through the general election.
The lyrics compare the feeling of being in love to “heavy rotation,” something anyone can relate to.
Its catchy chorus and memorable dance make it a guaranteed hit at karaoke—truly a modern, quintessential idol song.
On the hill where the moon is visible tonightB’z
The 27th single by the two-member rock unit B’z, who have produced hits across a wide range of styles—from hard-hitting rock tunes to lyrical ballads.
Written as the theme song for the TV drama “Beautiful Life: Futari de Ita Hibi,” the track became a major hit after its release on February 9, 2000, achieving million-seller status thanks in part to the drama’s popularity.
The arrangement, which opens with a striking acoustic guitar intro, creates an atmosphere that conjures vivid scenes just by listening.
The poignant feelings of love suggested by the title—under the moonlight—soak into the heart through the vocals of Koshi Inaba.
OrangeGReeeeN
A song that captures the refreshing feel of summer, it conveys the excitement of a budding romance through a fast-paced, exhilarating melody.
Released in April 2012 as the CM song for Shiseido’s “SEA BREEZE,” this track became GReeeeN’s 16th single and won the hearts of many.
Crafted by the four-member vocal group from Fukushima Prefecture, the invigorating rock tune—paired with lyrics that evoke summer love—can be enjoyed year-round.
It’s recommended both for those who want to reminisce about their first love and for anyone looking to cheer on a romance that’s about to begin.
I like you.Little Glee Monster
A song that powerfully expresses the wavering emotions of youth, this is Little Glee Monster’s fourth single.
Chosen as the theme song for the TBS Friday drama “Omotesando High School Chorus Club!” it was released in September 2015.
Featuring fresh, vibrant melodies and robust harmonies, the track is a coming-of-age song centered on young love.
Showcasing Little Glee Monster’s signature powerhouse vocal performance, its lyrics portray bittersweet feelings and inner conflict that resonated with many listeners.
It’s a recommended track not only for those troubled by love, but also for anyone feeling nostalgic about their youth.