From bittersweet tracks to heart-wrenching tunes! Heisei-era unrequited love songs

THE OVERUVERworld

UVERworld　『THE OVER』

A song that portrays a bittersweet love and a desire for self-transcendence captures listeners’ hearts and won’t let go.

UVERworld’s 22nd single blends rock and ballad elements, with TAKUYA∞’s powerful vocals resonating deeply.

Released in August 2012, it was used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Kuro no Onna Kyōshi” (The Black Teacher).

It debuted at No.

2 on the Oricon chart and sold over 80,000 copies.

The track depicts overcoming personal weaknesses and complexes, making it a source of support for those struggling in life.

It’s recommended not only for those troubled by love, but also for anyone who wants to face themselves.

Things I like about youHirai Ken

Ken Hirai “The Things I Like About You” MUSIC VIDEO

You want to tell the person you love how you really feel, but when the moment comes, you get shy and can’t say it… This song captures that frustrating yet endearing feeling of being in love.

It’s a single released by Ken Hirai in 2007 and was also used as the theme song for the drama “Enka no Joō.” It was later included on the album “FAKIN’ POP.” The lyrics, written in down-to-earth language, and the gently buoyant melody really sink into your heart.

The clumsy, awkward figure of someone in love is sure to make your chest tighten.

When you want to renew your gratitude for a beloved partner, or on nights when you’re thinking of an unrequited love, why not listen to this track and let it fill you with warmth?

I like you.Shimizu Shota

Shota Shimizu “I Love You” MV

A cell phone suddenly rings on a sleepless night.

Starting from that everyday moment, this is an unrequited love song that makes your chest ache.

The protagonist is afraid to take a step forward for fear of breaking the relationship, yet can’t suppress the overflowing feelings.

Shota Shimizu’s sweet, heartrending vocals gently cradle a lovestruck heart.

Released as a single in December 2009, it’s also included on the album Journey.

At the time, it topped mobile distribution charts, capturing the hearts of many young listeners.

It’s a song to play when your feelings for someone are about to spill over, or when you need a little courage.

No way to sayHamasaki Ayumi

Hamasaki Ayumi / No way to say

Ayu Hamasaki’s 31st single, by an artist who epitomized the Heisei-era music scene and garnered immense support as a fashion icon.

Released in November 2003, the song was featured as the theme for the TBS variety show “Koisuru Hanikami!” and is also known for helping her achieve an unprecedented third consecutive win at the 45th Japan Record Awards.

The lyrics, which portray the frustration of being unable to honestly express your feelings to someone important, intertwine with the winter chill to evoke a heart-wrenching sense of poignancy.

This grand ballad, resounding with beautiful strings, is sure to bring back memories from that time.

A Lonely ToothbrushSakuraba Yuuichirou

A Lonely Toothbrush – Yuichiro Sakuraba (Tomoya Nagase) acoustic cover by Emu Ai

A song released under the name Yuichiro Sakuraba, the character played by Tomoya Nagase in a TV drama.

Produced by Tsunku♂, this track overlays the singer’s loneliness onto a single toothbrush left by the sink, weaving a heartrending number about the lingering attachment to a lover who has left.

It was included on TOKIO’s single “Message / Hitoribocchi no Haburashi,” released in May 2001, and became a major hit as an in-show song for the drama Muko Dono.

Even if he acts tough, he’s crying inside—the painful vulnerability of a man comes through all too clearly.

YOU… feat. Izumi Nakasone (HY)Kato Miria

Miliyah Kato “YOU… feat. Izumi Nakasone (HY)”

Speaking of collaborations between powerhouse female singers, we can’t forget this song by Miliyah Kato and Izumi Nakasone of HY.

Based on real unrequited-love stories sent in by radio listeners, the two artists co-created this gem of a ballad.

Released in September 2014 as their 30th single, it was also included on the milestone 10th-anniversary album “MUSE.” The frustration of not being able to put your feelings into words, and the emotional wavering as you move toward confessing your love, come through poignantly in the harmony between Kato’s delicate vocals and Nakasone’s warm voice.

Chosen as the theme song for a radio drama, this track just might gently give you the push you need if you’re struggling with a one-sided love.

Ms. Hanako on a high pedestalback number

back number – Takane no Hanako-san (full)

With their realistic psychological portrayals, back number captures the hearts of many fans.

Their eighth single, released in June 2013, truly feels like “a song packed full of one-sided-love imaginings.” You can’t help but nod along at the poignant sense of distance—being nothing more than “a friend of a friend” to the person you like—and at the way you get depressed by imagining the kind of partner they’d want and deciding you don’t measure up.

In contrast to those lyrics, the brisk, refreshing sound gently propels that frustrating, unrequited longing forward.

The track is also included on the album “Love Story,” and it was used in a commercial in 2019.

Wishing to be loved yet unable to take that final step—this is a one-sided love song that will surely resonate and stay close to your heart.