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 tunes to heart-wrenching tracks! Unrequited Love Songs of the Heisei Era (21–30)
Old-fashionedback number
A gem of a love song that portrays love and loss that touch the heart.
Woven with delicate words about everyday exchanges with a loved one and unforgettable memories, this work reminds us of the importance of small joys in daily life.
Released in November 2018, it was chosen as the theme song for the TBS drama “A Story to Read When You First Fall in Love” (Dai Ren’ai: Boku o Wasureru Kimi to).
For back number, it was their first time providing a drama theme song in about three years, since 2015.
It’s a recommended track for those who cherish a special someone and wish to keep the memories with them close to their heart.
The Theory of HappinessShiina Ringo
This is the song that marked Ringo Sheena’s debut.
Set to a driving, exhilarating sound, it celebrates the ultimate form of unrequited love: “Just having you here makes me happy.” With a bold, uplifting declaration that the presence of the one you love is your very worth and the joy of living, its pure, straightforward emotion is deeply moving.
Released in May 1998 as her landmark debut single, it was also used as a theme song for a TBS program.
It’s a track that makes the world seem to shine simply because you’re in love.
I tried falling in love with you.chay
A heartbreak song with a retro sound reminiscent of 1960s American pop, depicting the pure feelings of a love-clumsy protagonist.
Delicately woven, it’s a gem of a love song that captures the flutter of taking your first step into love, the nervousness of a date, and how thoughts of someone special can feel like magic that empowers everyday life.
Released in February 2015, this track served as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m.
drama “Date: What Is Love Like?”—chay’s first tie-in with a serial drama.
Recommended for those who relate to earnest yet awkward feelings of love or who want to rediscover the beauty of romance.
The strong and fleeting onesCocco
This song portrays a poignant love that sets out on a difficult journey to build something precious for a beloved, only to be confronted with the reality of betrayal.
It depicts, with striking clarity, both the strength to fight for love and the fragility and weakness inherent in being human, while Cocco’s translucent voice resonates deeply.
Released in November 1997, it was featured as the theme song for JAL’s Hawaii campaign commercial.
It’s a piece that offers solace to those who resonate with the turmoil between wanting to protect someone dear and facing an unyielding reality, as well as to those struggling with unrequited love.
cold; curt; blunt; unfriendlyRADWIMPS
This is an epic love song over six minutes long that delicately portrays the wavering emotions of an ambiguous romance.
The bittersweet feelings of being elated or dejected by a partner’s slightest gestures or words are expressed over a calm and beautiful melody.
Included on RADWIMPS’ album ANTI ANTI GENERATION, released in December 2018, the song was also used as the theme for ABEMA’s dating reality show Who Is the Wolf?, resonating strongly with younger audiences.
The music video features Nana Komatsu and Fuju Kamio, resulting in a striking visual piece that reflects contemporary views on love.
It’s a track best enjoyed when you can really take your time singing—whether during a solo karaoke session or at karaoke with close friends in a relaxed setting.
ElegyHirai Ken
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.
In conclusion
How was it? This time, we introduced unrequited love songs that colored the Heisei era. While they all share the theme of unrequited love, each is a masterpiece that vividly conveys its own feelings and scenes. I hope this article helps you find a song that resonates with you.