[Unrequited Love] Heart-wrenching Love Songs | A Roundup of Tear-Inducing Crush and Breakup Tracks

motion sickness from proximitywanuka

Yori Yoi / Wanuqa [Music Video]

This song delicately portrays a sweet yet bittersweet love and the emotions of a woman who can no longer contain those feelings.

Wanuka’s gentle vocals beautifully capture both the strength of her longing and the frustration of being unable to express it.

With this hit, Wanuka—known for a distinctive musical style and worldview—became widely recognized.

Since its release in February 2021, the song quickly gained attention, especially on social media, and as a track included on the album “Aonisai,” it has come to symbolize the poignant love stories of today.

It is a song that offers comfort to those who keep their love a secret and to those who swallow their feelings.

Love and GinMrs. GREEN APPLE

Koi to uta (Sub-español) Mrs. Green Apple

This is a song included on the single “Speaking,” released in 2015 by the rock band Mrs.

GREEN APPLE.

While its guitar-rock sound—characteristically enriched with piano and synth—feels exhilarating, the lyrics are filled with the frustration of an unattainable love.

Many listeners may relate to the feelings of a man who, despite knowing his love will never be fulfilled, still can’t erase it from his heart.

The message “If my feelings reached you, I wouldn’t have to sing this song” is especially moving.

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Hane Keisuke

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I want to be your lover.Abe Mao

Mao Abe – I Want to Be Your Lover [Official Music Video]

Mao Abe’s “I Want to Be Your Lover” has a straightforward title that makes your heart skip a beat.

Released in 2009 as her second single, this song is famous as an anthem of unrequited love.

For anyone feeling the same way, it seizes your chest and stirs up an indescribable emotion.

You want to ask the person you like this and that, but none of it can come true—just one-sided thoughts and feelings.

The song powerfully portrays that heartrending, one-way emotion, making it a track that tightens your chest.

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utatane

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The person I had a one-sided crush on for a long timeyamazaru

Yamazaru “The Person I’ve Always Had a One-Sided Crush On” (Official Music Video) PAC DA RECORDZ

A song whose wistful melody and straightforward, love-struck lyrics seep into the heart.

It vividly portrays a girl who can’t suppress her yearning, single-mindedly thinking about her upperclassman.

The more she sees him, the more she falls for him, and even though she knows she shouldn’t go on like this, she can’t cut off her feelings.

It’s impossible not to empathize with the burning ache of such unrequited love.

Included on “Aikotoba 10,” this track is sure to give courage to everyone struggling with love.

Will you confess your feelings before graduation—or…? What choice will you make?

Sunday’s Maison desfuri

Furi (from “Aitsu no Kanojo”) / Sunday’s Maison des

A heart-wrenching song that portrays a colorful yet bittersweet longing for love.

Born from a collaboration between the music project “Nichiyoubi no Maisonde” and Weekly Shonen Sunday, it was released in April 2025.

Former TUYU vocalist Rei delivers a clear, translucent voice that vividly conveys the pain and sadness of a forbidden love.

It’s a delicate and beautiful love song that offers solace to those who resonate with the complex emotions of romance or who are suffering from unrequited love.

More than friends, less than loversmatsumura kanau

More Than Friends, Less Than Lovers – Kanau Matsumura [Official Music Video]

A song that delicately portrays the inner conflict between the desire to grow closer and the anxiety that keeps you from taking that first step.

The frustration of romantic feelings sprouting from a close friendship, and the pain of being unable to confess those feelings, are fully conveyed through Kanau Matsumura’s clear, translucent vocals.

Released in July 2022, the track sparked a major response on social media and has surpassed 5 million views on YouTube.

It has drawn attention as a song that deeply resonates with those struggling in a mutual but hesitant relationship, where both feel the same yet can’t move forward.

Becoming lovers can mean losing something precious; that’s why some choose to keep things as they are.

This song is recommended for anyone who relates to such complex emotions.

I like you, but it seems you don’t really like me.back number

I like you, but it seems you don't really like me / back number (cover)

Lyrics that capture the feelings of a man who confessed his love, got rejected, and still can’t give up.

It’s a song by the well-known three-piece band back number, synonymous with love songs.

Included on their fourth major album, “Chandelier,” released in 2015.

While it’s an upbeat song that conveys a determination to confess his feelings once more, it also gives the impression of somehow missing the mark.

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Araki Jakkan

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