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

You know what,are-kun &『yuika’}

You know. / Are-kun & “Yuika” [MV]

A refreshing melody that evokes the feeling of spring and lyrics that capture the innocence of first love make a lasting impression! This is a duet song by Are-kun and Yuika.

Created solely through exchanges on social media, the track was born from a fateful encounter where they met in person for the first time at the recording session.

It vividly portrays the frustrating emotions of two people who have feelings for each other but can’t quite express them honestly.

Released in April 2022, the song gained attention for its youthfully nostalgic music video, in which a high school boy and girl share their feelings as cherry blossoms flutter around them.

It’s recommended not only for those experiencing unrequited love, but also for anyone looking to start a new romance with the arrival of spring.

confessionFUNKY MONKEY BABYS

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS “Confession”

A straightforward love song that captures feelings of “I love you” for someone special in words as real as they come.

Even among FUNKY MONKEY BABYS’ songs, this track has earned strong support from many fans, with comments like “the direct lyrics bring me to tears” and “it makes me want to confess instead of leaving it as unrequited love.” Released in March 2009, it was also featured in a commercial for Suntory’s Lucky Cider.

If you’re on the fence about confessing your feelings on Valentine’s Day, be sure to give it a listen! It will give you the courage to pour your heart out and say, “I really, really like you,” so you won’t have any regrets.

Karen in LoveOhtaki Eiichi

Eiichi Ohtaki – “Koishuru Karen” (Live Audio)

Koi suru Karen (Karen in Love) is the eighth single included on Eiichi Ohtaki’s album A LONG VACATION.

The lyrics were written by Takashi Matsumoto and the music composed by Eiichi Ohtaki, and the song was later covered by Junichi Inagaki and other artists.

a good personReina

Reina – A Good Person [Official Video] (Background Music for ABEMA’s “Don’t Be Fooled by Miss and Mr. Wolf”)

A heartbreaking love song by Reina that leaves an impression with its portrayal of emotions—hiding one’s vulnerability while being touched by the other’s kindness.

Set to a melody that’s both gentle and powerful, it carefully depicts the bravado that masks inner anxieties and the pure feelings toward the other person.

The song was written for ABEMA’s dating show “Don’t Be Fooled by Wolf-chan and Wolf-kun” and was released in August 2022 as her major-label second single.

It’s a must-listen for anyone struggling to express their feelings to someone they care about, or for those who feel the bittersweet ache of unrequited love.

GO FOR IT!!Nishino Kana

Kana Nishino 'GO FOR IT!! (short ver.)'

It was released in 2012 as Kana Nishino’s 18th single.

The song was used in Yamazaki Baking’s “Lunch Pack” commercial, and it’s a very cute track featuring cheerleader-style dance that feels like it’s rooting for a girl with a crush.

It’s the kind of song that makes you think, “I have to confess before someone else takes him!”

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.

JealousyTomioka Ai

Ai Tomioka – Jealousy (Music Video)

Ami Tomioka’s song, which portrays a woman suffering from unrequited love, vividly reflects the feelings of people living in the age of social media.

Wrapped in a refreshing sound, the delicate emotions of lacking confidence despite having someone you like and comparing yourself to other women are rendered into a work that delivers empathy and comfort.

Released in July 2024, the track candidly expresses raw emotions in love—such as jealousy and inferiority—interwoven with her own experiences.

The protagonist’s heart, swaying between façade and true feelings, is sure to resonate deeply with anyone in unrequited love.

It’s a song that gently embraces the complex emotion we all know: “I want to know how they feel, but I don’t have the courage to find out.”