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

5%kuriipuhaipe

Five Percent

It’s a song by CreepHyp released in 2016 that’s irresistibly emo, capturing the frustration of not being able to convey your feelings well to someone you like.

If you’ve ever had a one-sided crush, you’ll feel that sharp pang of empathy for the hope that “if we spend a little more time together, maybe they’ll start to like me?” Because you can’t bring yourself to make a bold move, you end up wanting the other person to take action.

If you’re in the middle of a one-sided love and listen to this track, it might just give you the resolve to think, “I’ve got to make a move and show them how I feel!”

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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.

Pink Unrequited LoveMatsuura Aya

Aya Matsuura – ♡ Peach-Colored Unrequited Love ♡ [PV]

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.