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

Close your eyesHirai Ken

Ken Hirai 'Close Your Eyes' MUSIC VIDEO

Singer-songwriter Ken Hirai captivates listeners with his deep, resonant voice.

This work poignantly yet purely sings of love—bearing the sense of loss after losing a loved one, yet being able to meet them in your heart whenever you close your eyes.

The lingering traces of absence in everyday life intersect with warm memories of the past, evoking a tightness in the chest.

Released in April 2004 as his 20th single, the song was written as the theme for the film “Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World” and became a million-selling smash hit.

It is a gem of a ballad that stirs the heart—perfect for nights when you want to immerse yourself in memories of someone precious or quietly let the tears fall.

When you’re by my sideKahara Tomomi

Tomomi Kahala – Kimi ga Soba de (Music Video)

Tomomi Kahala’s 29th single.

With Satoshi Takebe as sound producer, this love ballad features a grand arrangement woven from piano and strings that tugs at the heart.

The lyrics—into which Kahala layered her own life experiences and recorded while holding back tears—convey straightforward gratitude and affection for the person by her side.

Released in May 2016, the song was used as the Japanese theme for the film “A Chinese Odyssey Part Three” (Japanese title: Kounenki-teki na Kanojo), marking her first movie tie-in in 13 years.

It’s a heartwarming number, combining gentleness and strength, that helps you feel the immense presence of a cherished partner when you want to reaffirm your feelings or express thanks.

Jet Coaster LoveKARA

KARA – Jet Coaster Love

This is an up-tempo number that likens the whirlwind feelings at the start of love to a thrilling attraction.

Its glitzy sound and effervescent vocals capture the irresistible rush of falling in love—you can’t help but feel your heart dance just by listening.

The lyrics convey a sweet yet slightly precarious romance, with emotions accelerating beyond anyone’s control.

Released in April 2011 as KARA’s Japan-original single, the song was also used in a Tokyo Beauty Center commercial.

In response to the Great East Japan Earthquake, all proceeds from this release were donated, which surely helped lift the nation’s spirits at the time.

If you listen when your feelings for someone are on the rise, it’s guaranteed to put you in a happy mood!

The Theory of HappinessShiina Ringo

Sheena Ringo – The Theory of Happiness

This is the song that marked Ringo Sheena’s debut.

Set to a driving, exhilarating sound, it celebrates the ultimate form of unrequited love: “Just having you here makes me happy.” With a bold, uplifting declaration that the presence of the one you love is your very worth and the joy of living, its pure, straightforward emotion is deeply moving.

Released in May 1998 as her landmark debut single, it was also used as a theme song for a TBS program.

It’s a track that makes the world seem to shine simply because you’re in love.

Night Sky (feat. HAZZY)miwa

miwa “Yozora (Night Sky). feat. HAZZIE” Music Video

Featuring singer-songwriter miwa and welcoming Hazi→, this is their first-ever collaborative track—a gem of a ballad whose piano melody brings tears to your eyes.

It’s heartbreakingly moving, with the emotions of two people who choose to part despite still loving each other sung from both the male and female perspectives.

The addition of the male viewpoint instantly deepens the narrative, making the helpless ache resonate directly in your heart.

Released in August 2015 as part of a double A-side single, the other track, “Stress Free,” served as the theme song for the drama Min-Oh.

It’s the perfect “tearjerker” classic—one you’ll want to listen to under a night sky when there’s someone you can’t forget, as you sink into your memories.

As many times as you likeDREAMS COME TRUE

DREAMS COME TRUE with lyrics, as many times as you like ★ DoriCam ★

We tend to associate unrequited love with feelings of sadness and pain, but this is an upbeat song about not lingering in sorrow—about using unrequited love as a push to keep growing.

When I was actually going through unrequited love and thought I had to give up, it really encouraged me and gave me strength, so it’s a song I definitely want you to hear.

A piece of youKahara Tomomi

Anatano Kakera

This is a moving ballad released in October 2001 as Tomomi Kahara’s 20th single.

As her first ballad after returning from a hiatus, her expressiveness has gained even greater depth.

The lyrics portray a prayer-like resolve: holding on to the memory of a lost loved one while trying to face forward through the heartache.

Kahara’s clear, translucent voice further enhances those delicate emotions.

The song was used as the ending theme for the NHK Friday period drama “Goben no Tsubaki” and was also included on the album “Love Again.” It’s a gem of a track—gentle and embracing—perfect for nights when you want to quietly reflect on precious memories.