Unrequited love songs of the Heisei era. Those nostalgic classic tunes.
For those who want to listen to Heisei-era unrequited love songs, I’ve picked out some classics!
When you’re in love, these songs can lift your spirits or gently accompany you through the tough moments.
That’s true no matter the generation of the music.
If you’re especially curious about unrequited love songs from the Heisei era, be sure to check out the tracks on this list.
You might find the song you’ve been looking for—or discover a new favorite!
Unrequited Love Songs of the Heisei Era: Those Nostalgic Classics (1–10)
Your colorNEW!Da-iCE
Have you ever felt the frustration of a distance that feels so close yet just out of reach, even though you’re in love? This unrequited love song perfectly captures bright yet bittersweet emotions for the end of summer.
Created by Da-iCE, it was released as a single in August 2017 and selected as the official tie-in song for Takara Tomy Arts’ “Bunch O Balloons.” It was later included on the album “BET,” reaching as high as No.
4 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.
Despite its comfortable mid-up tempo sound, the warm, wistful melody resonates deeply and naturally paints vivid scenes as you listen.
It’s a must-hear for men experiencing the frustration of unrequited love who can’t quite take the step to confess.
SakurazakaFukuyama Masaharu
This ballad delicately portrays the bittersweet emotions of carrying heartbreak while praying for the other person’s happiness.
It holds unwavering love for a ended romance and hopes for the future, and the protagonist’s forward-looking resolve amid sorrow is deeply moving.
Crafted by Masaharu Fukuyama and released in April 2000, the song was used as the theme for the TV show U-nan no Hontoko!’s segment ‘Mirai Nikki V,’ and it sold a cumulative 2,299,000 copies.
Inspired by a real location in Ota Ward, Tokyo, it also became a talking point as many people visited the site at the time.
It’s perfect for nights when you want to look back on past love and sink into nostalgia, or when you wish quietly for someone dear to be happy.
Wrapped in the song’s gentle melody, this masterpiece is one you’ll want to hear as you slowly face your memories.
I’m in love right now.≒JOY
A bittersweet summer love song told from a male perspective about unrequited feelings.
It captures a rush that makes you want to take off on a bicycle, along with the frustrating distance of watching someone from afar, striking a chord with its purehearted romance.
With lyrics by Rino Sashihara, it was released in August 2025 as part of a “Summer Special Song” project.
The vertically shot school-set music video also drew attention, with its story-driven visuals vividly enhancing the song’s world.
While wishing happiness for the dazzling person they love, the singer laments the ache of not being able to be part of that story.
It’s a must-listen for anyone holding feelings they can’t convey right now, or for those who want to savor the sweet-and-sour taste of love.
Many listeners are sure to relate.
Song of LoveEvery Little Thing
This work is marked by a gently soul-soothing melody and a sweeping string arrangement.
It’s a gem of a ballad that symbolizes the period when Every Little Thing became a duo and their music gained deeper richness.
Written as the theme song for the 2002 theatrical film Inuyasha: Affections Touching Across Time, it was placed near the end of the album Many Pieces.
Kaori Mochida’s crystal-clear vocals deliver a universal message of peace and love with direct sincerity.
The lyrics, which feel like a prayer for a world without conflict, resonate deeply with the film’s story and light a warm flame of hope in the listener’s heart.
It’s the perfect song for moments of anxiety or quiet nights when you want to calm your mind.
A timeless classic that continues to be loved across generations.
Things I like about youHirai Ken
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?
Sound of SnowGReeeeN
A heartwarming winter love song uniquely GReeeeN, evoking the hush of winter and the anticipation of romance.
With delicate imagery that makes you strain to hear the sound of falling snow, and lyrics capturing the frustration of being unable to confess your feelings, it makes listeners’ hearts flutter.
Released as a single in December 2012, it became a big topic as the JR East “JR SKISKI” commercial song.
その後、アルバム「Ii ne! (´・ω・｀)☆」に収録され、季節が巡るたびに聴き返したくなる冬の定番として愛されています。
Its sparkling melody, reminiscent of silver-white ski slopes, is perfect for winter drive dates or nights spent gazing at the snow and getting a little sentimental.
Whether you’re in unrequited love or simply feeling nostalgic for your youth, this is a song you’ll definitely want to hear.
to youMONGOL800
Despite never being released as a single, this signature song by MONGOL800 has been featured in a variety of places, including insert tracks that color a film’s final scene, drama opening themes, and commercials.
In 2001, the album MESSAGE—featuring this track and the well-known classic Chiisana Koi no Uta—was released and became a huge hit, cementing Monpachi’s popularity.
Its straightforward lyrics about love and its fresh, powerful sound give courage and energy to both singers and listeners.
Why not sing it while reminiscing about a page from your youth?