Classic and popular songs about unrequited love

My cute unrequited loveOtoniriame

My Cute Unrequited Love / Onriame [Official MV]

A youth love song packed with sweet-and-sour feelings of first love! Otoniae’s cute vocals gently wrap the bittersweet pain of a one-sided crush.

Released digitally in March 2023, this track rides the momentum of the TikTok hit “A Song of a Introvert JK Who Admires an Extrovert JK,” expressing Gen Z’s view on romance in a poppy way.

It’s full of one-sided-love moments: sleepless nights from overthinking about your crush, jealousy toward other girls, and more.

If you’ve ever had your head filled with thoughts of someone you like, you’ll definitely relate.

It’s the perfect cheer-up song for anyone mustering the courage to confess.

I love youfumidō

Fumido – I Love You

This is a song by Fumido that portrays a bittersweet night after a heartbreak.

It vividly captures the emotions of the final night before parting with a lover.

The repeated phrase “I love you” in the chorus carries both deep affection and the sorrow of farewell.

The arrangement starts quietly and gradually swells, mirroring the emotional arc.

Released in August 2006, the track was used as the theme song for the TV drama “PS Rashomon” and reached the Oricon Top 10.

Anyone who has felt the pain of a breakup will likely relate.

It’s a song to listen to when you’re feeling vulnerable—one that gives you the courage to take a new step forward.

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.

I want to be lovedYumcha

Yumcha “Aisaretai” [Lyric Video]

Set to a catchy pop sound, this song gives heartfelt voice to the ache of unrequited love.

Its down-to-earth lyrics portray the frustration of not being noticed by the one you like and the pure wish to win their heart.

It went viral on TikTok and Instagram, and since its release in November 2024, it has resonated with many listeners.

Yumcha’s clear vocals and uplifting message are comforting, gently encouraging girls who are working on bettering themselves.

Perfect not only for those in one-sided love, but also for anyone who needs a little courage to pursue romance.

Unrequited loveOku Hanako

Oku Hanako – Unrequited Love

A smash-hit ballad by Okudaka Hana, an artist whose warm, unforgettable vocals and distinctive musical worldview are loved across generations.

This classic beautifully captures the bittersweet feelings unique to unrequited love—the simple longing to be with the person you adore.

solitude -A True Farewell-KinKi Kids

This is a song by KinKi Kids from the early 2000s.

It’s about the lingering heartache of unrequited love even after a breakup.

The lyrics are deeply moving.

They feel quite truthful, and I imagine many people can relate.

love letterEvery Little Thing

Every Little Thing – – – Love Letter (Live Ver.) (Photo Slideshow)

It’s a heartrending song by ELT, Every Little Thing.

It captures the feelings of unrequited love.

The melody is also wonderful, enhancing the poignancy of the lyrics even more.

In the live version, you can really feel the emotions through the vocals.