Unrequited love songs of the Heisei era. Those nostalgic classic tunes.

fragileEvery Little Thing

Every Little Thing / fragile

This song, which portrays a heartrending love, is cherished by many listeners as one of Every Little Thing’s signature tracks.

Kaori Mochida’s clear, translucent vocals beautifully express delicate romantic feelings.

Released in March 2001, the song was used as the theme for Fuji TV’s popular show Ainori, creating a major buzz.

It has since been tied up with various anime and dramas, becoming beloved across generations.

It’s perfect not only for those struggling with love, but also for moments when you want to reaffirm your feelings for someone special.

Its touching melody and lyrics are sure to resonate with you.

flowerL’Arc〜en〜Ciel

L’Arc～en～Ciel「flower」-Music Clip-

A signature song by L’Arc〜en〜Ciel that beautifully portrays the ache of unrequited love.

Hyde’s crystal-clear vocals superbly capture a heart swaying between dreams and reality.

Released in October 1996, the track was also used as the theme song for Fuji TV’s “Professional Baseball News.” It’s recommended not only for those suffering from unattainable love but also for anyone feeling nostalgic for their youth.

Listen to it in the afternoon sunlight, and those bittersweet memories from back then may come rushing back.

HAPPY BIRTHDAYback number

back number – HAPPY BIRTHDAY (full)

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.

Ms. Hanako on a high pedestalback number

back number – Takane no Hanako-san (full)

“Anison?” “A song used for a comedy routine?” When you first heard the title, many of you might have imagined something like that, right? In reality, it’s a love song that portrays the slightly bittersweet feelings of a man who falls in love at first sight with a woman whose beautiful smile seems far beyond his reach, and who finds himself drowning in her charm.

With comments like “The rhythm is addictive” and “Even though it’s an unrequited-love song, it’s refreshing and makes you want to keep listening,” it continues to captivate many listeners.

If you’ve ever experienced unrequited love, you’ll surely relate to the feeling of thinking about the person you like and imagining what it would be like if the two of you ended up together!

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Can You Keep A Secret?Utada Hikaru

Hikaru Utada – Can You Keep A Secret?

A song that passionately expresses sweet, bittersweet feelings of love—Utada Hikaru’s seventh single.

Released in February 2001 as the theme song for the drama “HERO,” it was also included on the album “Distance.” The lyrics, which portray the desire to become closer to the other person’s ideal while struggling to hide one’s true self, resonated with many listeners.

It also made headlines for becoming the first million-selling single released in the 21st century.

It’s a quintessential Heisei-era unrequited love song that offers solace to everyone troubled by love.

First LoveUtada Hikaru

Hikaru Utada – First Love

This song was released as a single from Hikaru Utada’s debut album First Love and was used as the theme for the drama Majo no Joken, starring Nanako Matsushima and Hideaki Takizawa.

Many people likely remember it vividly along with the drama’s iconic scenes.

The Netflix original drama First Love, starring Takeru Satoh and Hikari Mitsushima, which became a major hit in 2022, also drew inspiration from Utada’s work “Hatsukoi” (First Love), just like this song.

It’s a timeless, beloved love song that continues to be cherished across generations.

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Love Story Comes SuddenlyOda Kazumasa

Love Story Suddenly – Kazumasa Oda

This is a song long beloved as a quintessential Heisei-era ballad.

Released in February 1991 as Kazumasa Oda’s sixth solo single, it became a major talking point as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Tokyo Love Story.” Its poignant chorus and memorable melody have resonated with many listeners, eliciting deep empathy.

Its distinctive emotional quality also seems to strongly draw in younger generations.

Used effectively as background music during the drama’s climactic scenes, it left a profound impression on viewers.

The song portrays the delicate shifts in feeling between two people who are not quite lovers, celebrating the importance of the changes brought about by their encounter.

It’s recommended for moments when you want to immerse yourself in bittersweet memories and the ache of unrequited love.