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

As many times as you likeDREAMS COME TRUE

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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.

HELLOYUI

YUI – HELLO (Official Audio)

This is a pop number by singer-songwriter YUI that captures the thrill of the moment when love begins.

The piece features striking pizzicato plucks, evoking a fresh early-summer breeze where innocence and bubbling joy coexist.

The lyrics, which depict a passionate and slightly dangerous game of love that makes you want to touch a perilous dream, seize listeners’ hearts and don’t let go.

Released as a single in June 2011, it was written as the theme song for the film Paradise Kiss, based on Ai Yazawa’s original work, and is also included on the classic album HOW CRAZY YOUR LOVE.

It might just give you a boost when you’re ready to take a new step or in the mood to dress up and head out.

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.

YOU… feat. Izumi Nakasone (HY)Kato Miria

Miliyah Kato “YOU… feat. Izumi Nakasone (HY)”

Speaking of collaborations between powerhouse female singers, we can’t forget this song by Miliyah Kato and Izumi Nakasone of HY.

Based on real unrequited-love stories sent in by radio listeners, the two artists co-created this gem of a ballad.

Released in September 2014 as their 30th single, it was also included on the milestone 10th-anniversary album “MUSE.” The frustration of not being able to put your feelings into words, and the emotional wavering as you move toward confessing your love, come through poignantly in the harmony between Kato’s delicate vocals and Nakasone’s warm voice.

Chosen as the theme song for a radio drama, this track just might gently give you the push you need if you’re struggling with a one-sided love.

Heroineback number

back number – Heroine (full)

A signature ballad by back number that beautifully captures the crisp winter air and the bittersweet ache of unrequited love.

Even while knowing they can’t be the main character in the other person’s story, the narrator’s pure wish to stay by their side evokes a moving, heart-tightening feeling—even for those without similar experiences.

Produced by Takeshi Kobayashi, the song opens with a striking organ tone, followed by Iyori Shimizu’s warm yet heartrending vocals that gently seep into the soul.

Released in January 2015 as their 11th single, it also drew attention as the CM song for JR East’s “JR SKISKI” campaign featuring Suzu Hirose.

It’s the perfect track to revisit the bittersweet taste of an unattainable love or to listen to on a winter night while thinking of someone special.

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.

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.