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!
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Unrequited Love Songs of the Heisei Era: Those Nostalgic Classics (81–90)
dandelionŌta Hiromi
A classic that captures delicate feelings of first love from a unique perspective.
The emotions of a modest yet pure-hearted girl in love are overlapped with the image of dandelions blooming by the roadside, gently singing of the bittersweet feelings everyone experiences.
Takashi Matsumoto’s poetic lyrics and Kyohei Tsutsumi’s melody blend beautifully, and Hiromi Ohta’s pure voice perfectly conveys the song’s world.
Released in April 1975, it was later included on the album “Tanshūhen” (Short Stories) and gained popularity.
It’s a song that comforts those who strive to live strongly—like a dandelion that keeps blooming while facing forward—even when they carry loneliness in their hearts.
Recommended for anyone who wants to relate to the ache of unrequited love and the feelings of being in love.
First LoveUtada Hikaru
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.
Love Story Comes SuddenlyOda Kazumasa
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.
Pink Unrequited LoveMatsuura Aya
It’s a crush song packed with the warm, super-cute feelings of a girl with unrequited love.
It’s adorable how their eyes meet, and how the person she likes even appears in her dreams.
Ayaya’s cute choreography is often imitated, too.
29～twenty-nineShiina Megumi
“29 ~ twenty-nine” is a song by Megumi Shiina, with lyrics by Megumi Shiina and composition by Keiko Aso.
The lyrics express regret over breaking up with an ex-boyfriend, yet the melody line is mature, and Megumi Shiina delivers it with a smooth, sophisticated adult sensibility.
Is this love?Hamasaki Ayumi
Known as one of Ayumi Hamasaki’s signature songs, this piece captivates with lyrics that portray the struggles and bittersweet emotions of love.
Its exploration of intense feelings for someone and the self-questioning of whether those feelings are truly love is something many listeners can relate to.
Included on a single released in April 2005, it debuted at number one and also drew attention as the song used in Morinaga’s “BAKE” commercial.
It’s a recommended track for when you want to feel the ache of unrequited love or face your own emotions.
The more you listen, the more the complexity and beauty of love will resonate in your heart.
Unrequited Love Songs of the Heisei Era: Those Nostalgic Classics (91–100)
STEP youHamasaki Ayumi
Released in 2005 as Ayumi Hamasaki’s 35th single.
The song was used in a Panasonic “D-snap Audio” commercial and topped the Oricon charts for two consecutive weeks.
It’s a very relatable track that captures the feelings of a girl who becomes more and more infatuated with him the more she falls in love.