Classic and popular songs about unrequited love

NAOHY

SOLIDEMO / NAO（HY cover）

It’s a ballad that pierces the chest with the pain of unrequited love.

The song is included on HY’s 2006 album “Confidence,” by the Okinawa-born mix-genre band, and tells a story created by vocalist Izumi Nakasone based on a close friend’s real experience.

The piece vividly portrays the inner conflict of a woman who knows the person she likes has feelings for someone else and won’t return her affection, yet she just can’t give up.

The clear, airy vocals riding over the piano melody further highlight the sorrow of a love that won’t reach its destination.

It’s a must-listen for anyone who finds themselves empathizing with the urge to cling on, even as they sense the person they love slowly changing.

A Song for Youerica

erica – A Song for You

There aren’t many love songs this heartfelt, are there? It honestly feels like he’s writing a love letter through the song.

Each lyric evokes such clear scenes that many women will probably relate.

The way the track builds and his slightly husky voice make this a highly recommended song.

Just by you being herekome kome CLUB

Just by you being here

Just having someone you love can change so many things; it makes your doubts disappear—that’s how this song makes me feel.

Tatsuya Ishii’s voice at the beginning is fantastic.

Even someone like him tells us that love can be scary, so it means we’ve got to do our best.

fragileEvery Little Thing

Every Little Thing / fragile

It’s a heartrending song.

It was also used in the dating reality show “Ainori.” Kaori Mochida’s voice is so captivating that I can’t help but put it on repeat.

Even though it’s supposed to be a wistful song, it somehow has a bit of a rock vibe—such a curious feel.

Sniper.Yuika

Sniper. / “Yuika” [MV]

This is a pop number by Yuika, who has been gaining buzz thanks to dance videos on TikTok.

The song comically portrays a one-sided-crush strategy, treating the person she likes as a “target” and aiming straight for their heart.

The play-by-play, live-broadcast-style lyrics are memorable, and listening to it really makes your heart flutter! Yuika wrote this track when she was a second-year high school student; it was released digitally in April 2024 and later included on the album “Longing for Navy.” With its up-tempo melody and the protagonist’s earnest feelings, it’s a song that sends emotions soaring.

If you’re in the middle of a crush, you might just find yourself unable to sit still when you listen!

Act like an adult.suisou gurashi

Suisougurashi “Pretending to Be Grown-Up.” Official Music Video

A bittersweet love song that portrays the complex emotions of a woman who goes to meet someone on the last train at midnight.

Released by Suisougurashi in March 2022, the song delicately captures the feelings of a woman swept up in an adult romance.

Set to jazzy sounds and a catchy melody, it vividly depicts her inner conflict as she keeps the relationship going by hiding her true self to suit the other person’s convenience.

With a clear, translucent vocal, it expresses a woman wavering between her straightforward affection and the anxiety of losing her sense of self.

A song that offers comfort to those hurting from unrequited love or heartbreak.

Where Love Is Headedsutopuri

Where Love Will Go / Strawberry Prince Music Video

How about a song that contemplates the outcome of love? It’s a track by the entertainment group Strawberry Prince (SutoPuri), released as a digital single in November 2024.

The lyrics and composition were created by Mao and Yuya from the rock band SID.

The lyrics, which depict unrequited feelings and inner conflict, are especially moving for younger listeners.

If you’re experiencing a crush right now, you’ll surely relate.

Be sure to listen closely and savor it!