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

TouchIwasaki Yoshimi

Touch – Yoshimi Iwasaki (Full)

A big hit song from the Showa-era anime! Even those born in the Heisei era probably know it, don’t they? It’s famous as the theme song for the anime adaptation of the baseball and romance manga “Touch,” and its cool guitar solo—perfect for baseball scenes—paired with the cute lyrics gives you the courage to go after love.

Happy endingOhtaki Eiichi

Happy ending

As the theme song for a Fuji TV Monday 9 p.m.

drama, this is a gem of a love song that Eiichi Ohtaki released for the first time in 12 years.

Its gentle, heartwarming melody and lyrics that carefully weave the feelings of a woman in love blend beautifully, leading to a massive hit of 970,000 copies sold since its release in November 1997.

Used in Love Generation, the song also marked Ohtaki’s first-ever Top 10 entry as a solo artist, showcasing his rich musicality to the fullest.

Portraying a sweet yet bittersweet love story, this track is highly recommended for those harboring feelings for someone special or wishing for a happy future with a loved one.

Me too,YUTORI-SEDAI

YUTORI-SEDAI – Me Too, [Official Music Video] (Theme Song for the Drama “I’m Being Toyed With by a Younger Virgin Guy”)

A ballad that poignantly portrays an unrequited love, set to the aching timbre of a piano.

Upon learning that their crush is dating a close friend, the protagonist carefully weaves their feelings as they have no choice but to give up while keeping their emotions hidden.

The more they think about the person they love, the more the pain intensifies—an experience many share as a bittersweet memory that lingers in the heart.

Included on YUTORI-SEDAI’s major first EP “blanket,” released in April 2025, this song was also chosen as the ending theme for MBS’s Drama Tokku series “I’m Being Toyed With by a Younger Virgin.” It’s a track that gently accompanies the hearts of those in one-sided love, where simply thinking of someone makes your chest tighten.

habit of laughingIgarashi Haru

Haru Igarashi – Laughing Habit (Official Music Video)

A song that portrays the ache of a love too deep to forget, even as time passes.

In this track, Haru Igarashi delicately captures the frustration of how trivial everyday moments turn into special memories, and the poignancy of nights spent with those memories when you can’t move on.

Even the way the other person laughed and their gestures remain vividly etched in the mind, and the feeling is so intense that you find yourself praying to God, “Please let me forget everything.” Released in March 2025, this work will gently accompany those whose hearts are filled with memories they can’t forget, no matter how hard they try, and those who are still unable to accept parting from someone dear.

ElegyHirai Ken

Ken Hirai “Elegy” MUSIC VIDEO

This is a masterpiece whose poignant love story, told from a woman’s perspective, resonates in the rich vocals of Ken Hirai.

It delicately portrays the feelings of a woman consumed by love, expressing the intense emotions of fixation on her partner and a fierce willingness to embrace even the pain of love.

Released in January 2007 as the theme song for Toho’s film Love’s Crucible, it was also included on the album FAKIN’ POP and performed at the 58th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.

In 2021, it was covered by Fuyumi Sakamoto on her album Love Emotion, continuing to influence many artists.

It’s a song to listen to on nights after heartbreak or when you’re suffering from thoughts of someone you love.

On the hill where the moon is visible tonightB’z

B'z / At the Hill Where the Moon Is Visible Tonight

The 27th single by the two-member rock unit B’z, who have produced hits across a wide range of styles—from hard-hitting rock tunes to lyrical ballads.

Written as the theme song for the TV drama “Beautiful Life: Futari de Ita Hibi,” the track became a major hit after its release on February 9, 2000, achieving million-seller status thanks in part to the drama’s popularity.

The arrangement, which opens with a striking acoustic guitar intro, creates an atmosphere that conjures vivid scenes just by listening.

The poignant feelings of love suggested by the title—under the moonlight—soak into the heart through the vocals of Koshi Inaba.

Time-Limited Unrequited LoveNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 'Time-Limited Unrequited Love'

A gentle, coming-of-age love song that tenderly embraces the fragility of unrequited feelings.

It’s an original track by the 6th generation members, included on Nogizaka46’s 38th single “Navel Orange,” released in March 2025.

The scenes painted by Yasushi Akimoto’s spun lyrics and the sound crafted by 3grass and Yuta Asao feel like a moment from a film.

If you’re about to graduate and can’t find the courage to confess to the one you like, this song might give you the push you need.