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

First loveUtada Hikaru

Hikaru Utada “First Love” (Short Version)

It’s a striking song that starts abruptly with Hikaru Utada’s vocals, without any prelude.

Whether it’s the chorus or the build-up to it, every part of the track conveys a sense of poignancy.

The lyrics vividly express the sadness and pain of first love.

The intricate melodies—ones that only Hikaru Utada could write—also speak to the complexities of love, making the wistfulness all the more palpable.

366 daysHY

366 Days (Official Duet Version)

This is a ballad about the lingering feelings of being unable to forget a lost love.

Included on HY’s 2008 album “HeartY,” the song was used as the theme for Fuji TV’s drama and film “Akai Ito.” Its gentle melody, highlighted by a memorable piano line, carries lyrics that reflect on the memories of a lover who remains in the heart.

The duet version by vocalists Izumi Nakasone and Hideyuki Shinzato is also captivating, with the interplay of male and female voices bringing out the nuances of emotion even more vividly.

It’s a recommended track for those who have experienced parting with someone dear or are trying to overcome the pain.

DarlingSuda Keina

Keina Suda – Darling (Music Video)

An emotional song by Keina Suda that powerfully portrays a fleeting yet earnest longing for love.

It expresses one-sided devotion, the pain of not being accepted, and feelings of self-denial, all conveyed through an addictive melody and delicate vocals.

Released in January 2023, the music video—created in collaboration with illustrator Avogado6—garnered attention for its innovative visual beauty that blends animation with live action.

It’s a song that gently resonates with those struggling with dependency and inner conflict in love, or with the heartache of not being accepted by the one they care for.

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.

cold; curt; blunt; unfriendlyRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – Aloof [Official Music Video]

This is a song by RADWIMPS, a rock band from Kanagawa Prefecture known for tracks like “Zenzenzense” and “Yushinron.” It’s included on their seventh major album, ANTI ANTI GENERATION, released in 2018.

Written from a male perspective about being treated coldly by someone he loves, the lyrics convey the aching longing of still wanting that person despite the situation.

It’s a quiet, gently paced love ballad.

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The summer you gave meieiri reo

Leo Ieiri - “The Summer You Gave Me” (Full Ver.)

It’s a song that became the theme for the drama “Koinaka,” starring Sota Fukushi and Tsubasa Honda, and it tenderly and bittersweetly sings of young love.

Back when they were students, they were always together and time felt eternal.

Even so, as they move on to higher education or work, the world that once belonged to just the two of them begins to change.

While recalling the beloved image of her as a high school girl, you can feel the resolve to watch over her as she climbs the steps into adulthood.

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a convenient relationshipDomura Riu

Convenient Relationship – Riu Domura (Official Audio)

A song that delicately portrays a bittersweet, aching love.

With Riu Domura’s distinctive perspective and sensibility shining through, the lyrics vividly capture the emotions of those struggling with an ambiguous relationship.

Released in February 2021, the track resonated with many listeners and achieved notable popularity, including over 200,000 streams on the music platform AWA.

The relationship that begins at night, and the emotional conflict they can’t help repeating even though they both understand what’s happening, echo in the heart alongside the tender vocals.

It’s a must-listen for anyone troubled by love or grappling with complex feelings.