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Unrequited Love Songs Recommended for High School Students | Love Songs to Listen to While Thinking of Your Crush

Introducing the best unrequited love songs for high schoolers!

Many of you who spend most of your day at school probably have someone you like at the same school.

While it’s exciting to see them every day, some of you may also be feeling that bittersweet ache: “We’re too close for me to confess,” or “I ended up liking the same person as my friend.”

The unrequited love songs selected in this article feature real, straightforward lyrics, so those of you in the thick of your youth are sure to love them.

Try finding the song that perfectly matches how you feel right now!

Best Unrequited Love Songs for High Schoolers | Love Songs to Listen to While Thinking of Your Crush (41–50)

cotton candyback number

back number – Watagashi (full)
cotton candyback number

A three-piece rock band with a superb worldview that grabs listeners and won’t let go—through vivid, heated lyrics that paint scenes in your mind and irresistibly catchy melodies—back number’s sixth single.

Chosen as the opening theme for the music show COUNT DOWN TV, this track leaves you with lyrics that truly evoke a high school summer festival.

Its ultra-realistic imagery and slightly humid melody and tone are sure to set many high schoolers’ thoughts spinning.

It’s the perfect number to listen to when you’re about to ask out someone you like.

First LoveUtada Hikaru

Since her sensational debut in her teens, singer-songwriter Hikaru Utada has continued to lead the music scene with numerous hits.

This is her third single, a song chosen as the theme for the TV drama “Majo no Joken” (Forbidden Love), and her first ballad released as a single.

While it carries an air of a slightly more mature romance from a high schooler’s perspective, the fact that it’s sung by someone also in her teens may make the emotions feel especially relatable.

With lyrics about feelings for someone unforgettable and a heartrending melody that lingers in the ear, it stands as one of the Heisei era’s quintessential ballads.

Only for you, clear skiesYorushika

Yorushika – Just Clear Skies for You (MUSIC VIDEO)
Only for you, clear skiesYorushika

Many people find themselves listening to Tadakimi ni Hare over and over, tied to unforgettable love.

It’s a hit song by Yorushika, a rock band popular among younger listeners, and was included on their 2020 release, An Encore Is Not Necessary for Underdogs.

While the track has a very fresh, pop sound, the lyrics are bittersweet, about turning a love that’s come to an end into a cherished memory and moving forward.

High school students whose paths diverge from someone they have a crush on might find a lot to relate to.

Give it a listen and let it give you the courage to confess your feelings.

Love and romanceNovelbright

Novelbright – Love and Romance [Official Music Video]
Love and romanceNovelbright

“No matter what I’m doing, I can’t stop thinking about that person…” For high school students who feel this way, give “Ai toka Koi toka” a listen.

Released in 2022 by Novelbright, the rock band behind numerous film and TV theme songs, this track soothes with its soft, acoustic guitar–led melody and Yudai Takenaka’s clear, high-tone vocals that honestly express the feelings of love.

It’s a song we recommend both to those nursing a crush and those happily in love.

Be sure to check out this heartwarming love song that will color your high school days.

You don’t listen to rock.aimyon

Aimyon – You Don’t Listen to Rock [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]
You don't listen to rock.aimyon

It’s a song whose vivid, scene-rich lyrics and striking melody truly resonate.

The lyrics portray the protagonist’s bittersweet feelings with realism, capturing the emotions of those in love.

Released in September 2017, it became a hot topic, receiving heavy radio rotation.

It has also become a major hit, surpassing 100 million streams.

It’s a track that feels like a snapshot of youth—one that anyone who has ever had a crush, or fallen for someone, can relate to.

Even if you don’t share the same musical tastes as the person you like, listening to this song will surely help your hearts connect.

It’s a song that will cheer on your feelings of love.

crescent moonayaka

Ayaka’s “Mikazuki” is a poignant song about thinking of someone far away.

Released in 2006 as her fourth single, it topped the Oricon Singles Chart, and that same year she won the Best New Artist Award at the 48th Japan Record Awards.

In 2007, figure skater Miki Ando used “Mikazuki” for her exhibition program at the World Figure Skating Championships.

The lyrics, which say that even long-distance love can keep you connected and help you stay strong, are truly encouraging.

It’s the perfect song for anyone whose loved one moved away due to a school transfer!

366 daysHY

HY’s “366 Days” is a song about lingering feelings for a lover you can’t forget even after breaking up.

Released on the 2008 album HeartY, the album reached No.

2 on the Oricon chart.

The track was used as the theme song for Fuji TV’s drama and Toho-distributed film Threads of Destiny (Akai Ito), and it’s a classic that has been covered by many artists.

Izumi Nakasone, who wrote “366 Days,” reportedly temporarily broke up with her then-boyfriend to experience a real separation for the song.

Even though it’s a breakup song, it’s a supreme love ballad—definitely give it a listen!