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

You don’t get it.WurtS

WurtS – You Don't Get It (Music Video)

A song that grips your heart with a poignant ache.

Have you ever fallen into that kind of dilemma—unable to understand how the person you like feels, unable to sort out your own emotions, yet unable to fully give up somewhere inside? Sung by WurtS, this track went viral on TikTok and was released in December 2022.

The memorable phrase repeated in the chorus vividly captures the gap between the desire to understand the other person and the reality that you can’t understand each other.

It’s a highly relatable song that stays close to the hearts of those troubled by love.

Even if it’s nothing special, I’m thinking of you.Te ga kuriimu pan

Thinking of You Even If I’m Not Special / Hands Like Cream Bread (Thinking of You / tegacreampan) [Official Music Video]

A song by Tegakuri-mupan that portrays a girl’s bittersweet feelings of love in a straightforward way.

Even if she’s not someone special, her pure desire to keep thinking about the one she loves resonates in the heart.

The phrase where she appeals to God conveys a desperate wish, doesn’t it? Released in August 2021, this track was also chosen as the opening theme for the drama “Papa to Musume no Nanokakan” (Seven Days of a Daddy and His Daughter).

It’s a song that supports those who can’t bring themselves to confess their feelings to someone they like, or who are suffering from an unrequited love.

If there’s a “see you”Mirei Touyama

Mirei Touyama “If There Were Another Goodbye” Lyric Video

This is a bittersweet breakup song that gently wraps feelings of regret and gratitude toward a loved one in a clear, translucent voice.

Released by Mirei Toyama in August 2021, it portrays the struggle with the pain of parting while trying to find gratitude for a “once-in-a-lifetime happiness.” The hesitation over when to bring up the breakup, and the strength to be the one to finally say “thank you,” are also compelling.

As a track from the album “still,” this cover of a original song by Sorari Sawada offers quiet solace to those who must end a relationship or are suffering through a love they need to let go of.

Blue BenchSasuke

Blue Bench / Sasuke

It’s a pure love song wrapped in a sense of longing.

Set on a nostalgic bench after the lover is gone, it delicately portrays the emotions of looking back on an unrequited love.

Regret over not being able to convey one’s feelings and lingering attachment to a love that will never return resonate through the delicate vocals and melody.

Released independently in 2003, the song sold out all 500 copies immediately, despite being available only at a single store in the artist’s hometown of Ōmiya.

When you think back to “that moment” when you couldn’t be honest with a beloved partner, this song will be there to embrace your heart.

dear personShio Reira

Leila Shio / Ito Shii Hito [Official Music Video]

This song focuses on the different readings of the kanji for “love,” portraying the misalignments in how love is expressed and received.

Released in August 2024 as the lead track of the 1st EP “No one,” it also drew attention for being featured as background music on ABEMA’s dating show “He and the Little Wolf-chan Won’t Deceive You.” If you’ve ever struggled with the weight of the word “love” or felt unsure about how to interpret someone’s feelings, you’ll find it impossible not to relate.

You can really feel the kindness of someone trying to accept their partner’s clumsy way of showing love.

ElegyHirai Ken

Ken Hirai “Elegy” MUSIC VIDEO

This is a masterpiece whose poignant love story, told from a woman’s perspective, resonates in the rich vocals of Ken Hirai.

It delicately portrays the feelings of a woman consumed by love, expressing the intense emotions of fixation on her partner and a fierce willingness to embrace even the pain of love.

Released in January 2007 as the theme song for Toho’s film Love’s Crucible, it was also included on the album FAKIN’ POP and performed at the 58th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.

In 2021, it was covered by Fuyumi Sakamoto on her album Love Emotion, continuing to influence many artists.

It’s a song to listen to on nights after heartbreak or when you’re suffering from thoughts of someone you love.

That’s not fair.Ochiai Wataru

Wataru Ochiai – That's Unfair (Music Video)

A song that delicately weaves the ache of unrequited love into words.

From the perspective of a woman tormented by a love that won’t be returned, it portrays a tangle of complex emotions: drawn to his kindness, yet unable to make it an official relationship.

Each time he says goodbye, she screams in pain inside, even as she forces a smile and sees him off—only to sink into self-loathing, which pierces the heart.

Wataru Ochiai released this track digitally in May 2021, gaining attention on the indie scene.

It’s a piece that offers empathy and comfort to anyone struggling in a more-than-friends, less-than-lovers relationship.