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!
- Classic and popular songs about unrequited love
- Emotional songs from the Heisei era. Nostalgic tracks that really hit you.
- Unrequited love songs from the Showa era. Those nostalgic classics.
- Tear-jerking unrequited love songs that will break your heart: timeless classics about unattainable love
- [Heisei Love Songs] A carefully selected collection of gem-like love songs that continue to be cherished even in the Reiwa era!
- [Unrequited Love] Heart-wrenching Love Songs | A Roundup of Tear-Inducing Crush and Breakup Tracks
- Heisei-era heartbreak songs: A roundup of classic tracks from the ’90s to the 2010s
- From bittersweet tracks to heart-wrenching tunes! Heisei-era unrequited love songs
- A heart-wrenching story that tightens the chest! A Showa-era unrequited love song
- [Heartbreak Songs] A selection of poignant love songs that pierce the heart of those with unrequited love
- Unrequited Love Song: A heartrending love song dedicated to you who are going through a painful romance
- Mutual love, unrequited love, familial love... classic songs that sing about affection
- Iconic ballads of 90s J-pop: nostalgic mega-hits and fan favorites
Heisei-Era Unrequited Love Songs: Those Nostalgic Classics (41–50)
Swaying FeelingsZARD
This is ZARD’s signature song, featured in a Pocari Sweat commercial and certified a million-seller.
Even among the tracks that drove the Being boom, this one stands out for its refreshing feel.
The moment the intro starts, you can almost see the dazzling summer sunshine.
Izumi Sakai’s straight, crystalline vocals beautifully capture the thrill of a budding romance, winning the hearts of many.
The wavering emotions of longing for someone—sweet, a little frustrating—make the pure lyrics deeply relatable.
As a timeless classic, it continues to color the youth of countless listeners even today.
Unrequited Love Songs of the Heisei Era: Those Nostalgic Classics (51–60)
One thing I want to ask youSHISHAMO
It’s an adorable unrequited-love song that captures feelings for someone whose name you don’t even know.
Released by SHISHAMO in June 2025, it stands out not only for the music but also because vocalist Asako Miyazaki plays the heroine in the music video.
The lyrics distill a pure desire to know everything about the other person, and together with the warm musical tone, it’s sure to make your heart flutter.
If you’re in the midst of a crush right now, you might find it incredibly relatable.
I want to hug you.Mr.Children
A gemlike love ballad whose sweet, wistful feelings seep gently into the heart.
Created by Mr.Children in December 1992, the song is marked by its key changes—born from producer Takeshi Kobayashi’s idea—and the tender tone of the piano.
Infused with pure affection and devoted sentiment, its melody exudes a grown-up allure perfect for a late-night lounge.
It was featured as an insert song in the Fuji TV drama “Pure” and used in NTT Docomo commercials, and has been covered by many artists, including Ryuichi Kawamura and Anri.
Its warmth, which seems to envelop deep feelings for a loved one, is part of its charm, and as a song that keeps close company on nights spent with someone special, it has been etched into the hearts of many.
cold; curt; blunt; unfriendlyRADWIMPS
This is an epic love song over six minutes long that delicately portrays the wavering emotions of an ambiguous romance.
The bittersweet feelings of being elated or dejected by a partner’s slightest gestures or words are expressed over a calm and beautiful melody.
Included on RADWIMPS’ album ANTI ANTI GENERATION, released in December 2018, the song was also used as the theme for ABEMA’s dating reality show Who Is the Wolf?, resonating strongly with younger audiences.
The music video features Nana Komatsu and Fuju Kamio, resulting in a striking visual piece that reflects contemporary views on love.
It’s a track best enjoyed when you can really take your time singing—whether during a solo karaoke session or at karaoke with close friends in a relaxed setting.
Beyond a thousand nightsAqua Timez
It seems this is the kind of solution for unrequited love.
If you find someone you like and don’t know what to do, listening to this song might be a good idea.
It’s not easy to be this brave, but it really makes you want to try confessing your feelings to the person you like at least once.
Love me, please.GOING STEADY
This song expresses straightforward affection.
The chorus, sung with a soaring voice, feels great to listen to.
GOING STEADY’s way of building excitement is really cool.
When you’ve got an unrequited crush, you end up telling little lies just to look cool, don’t you?
youHY
It’s such an emotional song that it makes you wonder just how much they were in love.
It’s practically a proposal at this point.
HY has a lot of tracks with a kind of mixture sound, but they also have many songs like this, which is nice.
Pay attention to the warm piano.