Classic and popular songs about unrequited love

AitaiKato Miria

Miliyah Kato - “Aitai”

“I want to see you, I want to see you, I want to see you, I want to see you.” It’s a song by Miliyah Kato that painfully sings about an unrequited love—my beloved likes that girl, and yet I still can’t give up.

The heart-aching lyrics of one-sided love resonated with many people.

I want you to tell me you love me.Oku Hanako

Hanako Oku – I Want You to Say You Love Me (Live ’08)

This is a song by Hanako Oku, one of the queens of unrequited-love songs from the Heisei era.

Precisely because it’s a single-minded, unrequited love, the other person’s kindness feels painful, cruel, and agonizing.

Even if it means telling a lie, I’d be fine just staying by their side as a friend—but it also carries the wish that they’d at least turn and notice me a little.

STEP youHamasaki Ayumi

Ayumi Hamasaki / STEP you (Short Ver.)

The lyrics overflow with the feelings of a woman who, as she gets to know someone she likes little by little, finds herself wanting to have him all to herself.

I think the real charm of unrequited love lies in the push-and-pull of romance as you move through each step.

Ayu’s love songs often have lyrics that are easy to relate to.

LuckyKaneki Kazuya

Kazuya Kaneki “Lucky” MV

An insert song from the Toho-distributed film ‘Ao Haru Ride.’ The singer boasts that since the person they like already has a boyfriend, there’s only one rival, which is almost lucky—but the way the lyrics end with a frustrated ‘Damn it!’ makes it clear it’s just bravado.

A positive unrequited-love song.

I BELIVEKahara Tomomi

Tomomi Kahala – I BELIEVE (Audio)

Continuing to have unwavering feelings for someone may seem simple, but it can be painful and even agonizing.

These lyrics capture the bittersweet emotions of a woman.

There are times when you want to lean on someone, and times when you feel like screaming out your pain.

You can really feel the sorrow of unrequited love.