Classic and popular songs about unrequited love
When you’re nursing a crush, music is a reliable ally.
Whether you’re feeling lonely or insecure, all the unrequited-love songs that have been sung up to now will encourage you.
This time, we’ve put together a collection of Japanese love songs about unrequited love.
Give them a listen when you’ve lost confidence because of your crush or when you need a little courage.
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- Unrequited love songs from the Showa era. Those nostalgic classics.
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- [Unrequited Love Songs] Lyrics that hit home! A collection of unforgettable, gem-like love songs
- Unrequited love songs of the Heisei era. Those nostalgic classic tunes.
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- Classic and popular unrequited love breakup songs
- Unrequited Love Song: A heartrending love song dedicated to you who are going through a painful romance
- [Unrequited Love Songs] Recommended for women! Classic tracks that boost your motivation for love
- From bittersweet tracks to heart-wrenching tunes! Heisei-era unrequited love songs
Top unrequited-love love songs and fan favorites (1–10)
Specter feat. HACHIMIMiNARI
A tender crush that changes the color of your world is wrapped in a voice full of transparency.
Part of MIMiNARI’s “turning memories into music” project, the track features singer HACHI on vocals.
It’s the lead song from their first full-length album, “freq.,” released in March 2025.
With stylish, Chinese-inspired arrangements, the sound stands out.
The lyrics capture the frustrating feelings of a girl who hasn’t quite grown up.
Give it a listen when you’re unsure where your love is headed.
Unrequited Love Magnetmekakushe
Though they love each other, they can’t be honest—sticking together and pulling apart like magnets.
This song by singer-songwriter mekakushe delicately yet poppily portrays that frustrating feeling of love.
The airy vocals and bright horn sounds amplify the thrill of being in love.
But it’s not all sweetness; the lyrics also hide clashes born from being so alike, and the bittersweetness of love.
If you’re clumsily nursing a one-sided crush, this song is sure to be by your side.
I’ll end up hating you.Kaneyori Masaru
Kaneyori Masaru is a three-piece all-girl rock band based in Osaka.
Released in July 2024, this song is a summer love tune that captures the sweet-and-sour ache of a one-way crush.
Produced with music producer Junji Ishiwatari, it features a simple, catchy beat and an exhilarating melody.
Many listeners will likely relate to the lyrics, which weave together possessiveness and an earnest plea—wishing that love with anyone other than oneself won’t come to fruition.
The track is also included on the mini-album “To Us Who Won’t Live Yesterday,” released in January 2025.
It’s a number that gives a gentle push to those in love.
Unrequited Love Song Masterpieces and Popular Tracks (11–20)
tameraiMisaka Saki
A song by Saki Misaka that captures the frustration of being unable to put a secret love into words and the true-to-life emotions swaying at the turn of the seasons.
Released digitally in February 2024, this track blends a neo-retro pop sound with a trendy vibe and vocals that delicately express inner feelings, making it wonderfully soothing.
Even while carrying unspoken emotions, it’s a warm love song that helps you look a little bit forward toward spring.
Be sure to listen closely.
When I realized it, I was in unrequited love.Nogizaka 46
A song that portrays a love that sprouts in everyday life and, by the time you realize it, has already passed the point of no return.
Nogizaka46’s eighth single, “Kizuitara Kataomoi,” released in April 2014, is distinguished by its poignant piano and string arrangement.
The lyrics and vocals convey the unending feelings toward someone you suddenly find yourself in love with.
It’s a theme many students, in particular, may find relatable.
Unrequited Love in the Music RoomKeyakizaka46
It’s a Keyakizaka46 song that overlays the feeling of first love onto the sound of a piano echoing through a quiet after-school hallway.
It’s a unit track by Rika Ozeki, Minami Koike, and Neru Nagahama, included on TYPE-D of the single “Ambivalent,” released in August 2018.
The refined scene of someone not opening the music room door where their crush is, instead listening intently to the notes leaking out, tightens the listener’s chest.
If you’re someone who wants to cherish your current relationship without breaking it… this song will surely stay close to your delicate feelings.
InfluencerNogizaka 46
It’s a passionate number and very easy to listen to.
It’s sung with a bouncy rhythm, and it has a bit of an old-school pop feel, so it’s a song everyone will love.
Yasushi Akimoto often writes this kind of song, and his sense for love songs is truly remarkable.
I’d also like you to pay attention to the catchy, easy-to-remember chorus.