Heart-Touching Unrequited Love Songs: Masterpieces That Sing of Hidden Affections

CHE.R.RYYUI

YUI　『CHE.R.RY-short ver.-』

It was released in 2007 as YUI’s eighth single.

The song was used in a commercial for au by KDDI’s “LISMO,” and its lyrics—about a girl entrusting her feelings for someone to a cell phone email—are very cute.

As the title suggests, it’s a perfect spring song for the bittersweetness of unrequited love.

The summer you gave meieiri reo

The Summer You Gave Me – Leo Ieiri (Full)

This song is the theme for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m.

drama “Koinaka,” and it also became the subtitle of the final episode.

Ieiri reportedly said, “It’s a song that accompanies the bittersweetness a single summer holds as one moves from childhood to adulthood, and I’d be happy if it could gently push forward people of my generation.” Though the voice is high and clear, it’s sung with a calming tone, making the song linger in your heart.

monochromeHY

Monochrome HY

It’s a song about unrequited love.

I can picture the emotional ups and downs so clearly.

I like the expression that the world is monochrome without him.

It’s not only a beautiful turn of phrase, but I truly feel it’s spot-on.

It shows that, even though it’s hard to be elated or hurt by every word and action of the person you like, that’s what love is.

LOVE YOU ONLYTOKIO

LOVE YOU ONLY – TOKIO (Full)

It was released in 1994 as TOKIO’s major debut single.

The song was used as the opening theme for the Fuji TV anime “Tsuyoshi Shikkari Shinasai,” and just three months after their debut, they made their first appearance at the 45th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen with this track.

Although the song is from the perspective of a man with unrequited love, its bold, manly lyrics give it a very refreshing feel.

BLUE LETTERKai Band

Kai Band - Blue Letter

“BLUE LETTER” is a song by Kai Band included on the album “Toriko.” It was released as a single, but there’s an anecdote that when it first came out, it wasn’t aired on television because the lyrics were said to contain prohibited language.

swallowtail butterflyPorunogurafiti

Porno Graffitti – Swallowtail Butterfly / THE FIRST TAKE

In contrast to the passionate Latin rhythm delivered by Porno Graffitti, what unfolds is a heartbreakingly bittersweet tale of unrequited love.

At first, simply “meeting you was enough,” but somewhere along the way, the wish to be “loved” took hold, and the whole world changed.

Chasing after the other, who flutters like a beautiful butterfly, they seem like a desert oasis—always out of reach.

Knowing they can never have them, the protagonist aches for love as if thirsting for moisture, their anguished cry pressing upon the heart.

Released in June 2001, this million-selling track was also featured in a cosmetics commercial.

When you’re suffering from a love that won’t be returned and can no longer suppress the feeling of “wanting to be loved,” this is a song that stays close to that helpless pain.

Beyond a thousand nightsAqua Timez

Aqua Timez 'Beyond a Thousand Nights' Music Video (Theme song of the movie 'BLEACH: Memories of Nobody')

It was released in 2006 as Aqua Timez’s second single.

The song received numerous tie-ins, including serving as the theme song for the Toho-distributed animated film Bleach: Memories of Nobody.

It’s a track meant for those who lack self-confidence and hesitate to express their feelings, teaching that even if you’re scared or end up getting hurt, telling the person you like that you like them is the right thing to do.