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)
SakurazakaNEW!Fukuyama 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.NEW!≒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.
Things I like about youNEW!Hirai 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.
Unrequited love for lifeGarakuta
This is a song by Garakuta, a four-piece band based in Nagoya, that portrays unrequited feelings of love in a down-to-earth, relatable way.
If confessing would risk ruining what we have now, I’d rather keep my feelings to myself.
Many listeners will likely feel their hearts tighten at the blend of bravado and honest emotion in the lyrics.
Featured as the first track on their EP released in March 2024, “May it be my song that fills the gaps in your heart,” this piece is perfect for anyone stuck in a love they can’t quite step forward into, despite how strongly they feel.