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

Things I like about youNEW!Hirai Ken

Ken Hirai “The Things I Like About You” MUSIC VIDEO

You want to tell the person you love how you really feel, but when the moment comes, you get shy and can’t say it… This song captures that frustrating yet endearing feeling of being in love.

It’s a single released by Ken Hirai in 2007 and was also used as the theme song for the drama “Enka no Joō.” It was later included on the album “FAKIN’ POP.” The lyrics, written in down-to-earth language, and the gently buoyant melody really sink into your heart.

The clumsy, awkward figure of someone in love is sure to make your chest tighten.

When you want to renew your gratitude for a beloved partner, or on nights when you’re thinking of an unrequited love, why not listen to this track and let it fill you with warmth?

Sound of SnowGReeeeN

GReeeeN – Yukinone

A heartwarming winter love song uniquely GReeeeN, evoking the hush of winter and the anticipation of romance.

With delicate imagery that makes you strain to hear the sound of falling snow, and lyrics capturing the frustration of being unable to confess your feelings, it makes listeners’ hearts flutter.

Released as a single in December 2012, it became a big topic as the JR East “JR SKISKI” commercial song.

その後、アルバム「Ii ne! (´・ω・｀)☆」に収録され、季節が巡るたびに聴き返したくなる冬の定番として愛されています。

Its sparkling melody, reminiscent of silver-white ski slopes, is perfect for winter drive dates or nights spent gazing at the snow and getting a little sentimental.

Whether you’re in unrequited love or simply feeling nostalgic for your youth, this is a song you’ll definitely want to hear.

to youMONGOL800

to you

Despite never being released as a single, this signature song by MONGOL800 has been featured in a variety of places, including insert tracks that color a film’s final scene, drama opening themes, and commercials.

In 2001, the album MESSAGE—featuring this track and the well-known classic Chiisana Koi no Uta—was released and became a huge hit, cementing Monpachi’s popularity.

Its straightforward lyrics about love and its fresh, powerful sound give courage and energy to both singers and listeners.

Why not sing it while reminiscing about a page from your youth?

Time goes byEvery Little Thing

「Time goes by」MUSIC VIDEO / Every Little Thing

This work, which set the group’s all-time sales record, is a masterpiece ballad of the Heisei era, with Kaori Mochida’s gentle yet powerful vocals striking straight to the heart.

The lyrics portray two people whose desire for each other causes them to drift apart, conveying a sense of hope for the future even amid the sadness.

Released in February 1998 as their eighth single, it became widely known as the theme song for the drama “Amai Kekkon” and as the CM song for Toyota’s HILUX SURF SSR-V.

It’s also included on the classic album “Time to Destination,” and is a must-listen—especially on nights of romantic turmoil or when you want a quiet moment of self-reflection.

Song of LoveEvery Little Thing

Song of Love

This work is marked by a gently soul-soothing melody and a sweeping string arrangement.

It’s a gem of a ballad that symbolizes the period when Every Little Thing became a duo and their music gained deeper richness.

Written as the theme song for the 2002 theatrical film Inuyasha: Affections Touching Across Time, it was placed near the end of the album Many Pieces.

Kaori Mochida’s crystal-clear vocals deliver a universal message of peace and love with direct sincerity.

The lyrics, which feel like a prayer for a world without conflict, resonate deeply with the film’s story and light a warm flame of hope in the listener’s heart.

It’s the perfect song for moments of anxiety or quiet nights when you want to calm your mind.

A timeless classic that continues to be loved across generations.

Specter feat. HACHIMIMiNARI

Spectrum feat. HACHI / MIMiNARI: Music Video

A tender crush that changes the color of your world is wrapped in a voice full of transparency.

Part of MIMiNARI’s “turning memories into music” project, the track features singer HACHI on vocals.

It’s the lead song from their first full-length album, “freq.,” released in March 2025.

With stylish, Chinese-inspired arrangements, the sound stands out.

The lyrics capture the frustrating feelings of a girl who hasn’t quite grown up.

Give it a listen when you’re unsure where your love is headed.

Unrequited love for lifeGarakuta

Garakuta – Unrequited Love for a Lifetime (Official Music Video)

This is a song by Garakuta, a four-piece band based in Nagoya, that portrays unrequited feelings of love in a down-to-earth, relatable way.

If confessing would risk ruining what we have now, I’d rather keep my feelings to myself.

Many listeners will likely feel their hearts tighten at the blend of bravado and honest emotion in the lyrics.

Featured as the first track on their EP released in March 2024, “May it be my song that fills the gaps in your heart,” this piece is perfect for anyone stuck in a love they can’t quite step forward into, despite how strongly they feel.