A lovely unrequited love song

[Mutual Crush Song] Stuck before confession, not quite lovers!? A love song capturing wavering emotions

Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.
Keyboard playerSAKI
I’ve been playing the Electone since I was six, mainly performing Disney music, anime songs, and music from dramas and films. I post performance videos on YouTube and social media, and I also give concerts. Building on my Electone experience, I took up synthesizer and piano during my student years and performed at school-sponsored events. As a writer, I’ve covered not only music-related topics but a wide range of genres, so I hope to draw on my experience to deliver articles that make readers think, “I want to try that!” or “I want to listen to that!”

We’ve put together a collection of songs themed around “mutual unrequited love”—that in-between state where both people know they like each other, but neither can confess, so it stays one-sided.

If they’re aware of each other’s feelings, they should just confess! You might think so, but instead they fret, get impatient, and keep hoping for some sign—“Could it be…?”—from the other person.

In this article, we introduce a variety of songs: from happy love songs that end with the couple finally getting together, to stories where they like each other but never start dating and it quietly ends as is.

Find the one song that resonates with you!

[Mutual Crush Songs] Stuck Before Confession, Not Quite Lovers!? A Love Song Portraying Swaying Emotions (11–20)

One-sided lovemafumafu

[MV] Unrequited Love / Mafumafu – NTT Docomo “Docomo’s Long Student Discount” tie-in song

One-sided lovemafumafu

Triggered by a graduation ceremony, Katakoi resonates with phrases overflowing with feelings for a loved one.

Mafumafu, a singer who rose to fame online, released it in 2021.

It depicts how, at the end of school life, one cannot honestly confess their feelings.

No matter how much time passes, the message that one’s feelings for the person they like do not change is sure to stir your heart.

The first and second verses switch between low and high registers, beautifully expressing the emotions of mutual love from both a male and female perspective.

It’s a warm love song that portrays pure, heartrending emotions.

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ONE WAY LOVENishino Kana

Kana Nishino – one way love

ONE WAY LOVENishino Kana

Kana Nishino’s song “ONE WAY LOVE” expresses the thrills of romance with a tender, bittersweet emotion.

Released in 2015, this track realistically portrays the complex, subdued feelings of mutual yet unspoken affection.

With Nishino’s signature, highly relatable storytelling, it conveys the frustration and anxiety of being unable to move beyond friendship, while still wanting to gaze only at that special someone with single-minded devotion.

These bittersweet lyrics gently stir universal longings, small acts of courage, and the hopeful “what if…”.

It’s the perfect song for anyone in the midst of love, holding emotions that are hard to put into words.

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Love’s Melody and Rainy SkiesAAA

AAA / “Love Sound and Rainy Sky” Music Video

Love’s Melody and Rainy SkiesAAA

Koioto to Amazora portrays a love that’s so sincere it makes it hard to be honest about your true feelings.

The performance group AAA released it in 2013.

With lyrics that conjure scenes of a rainy day and the members’ emotional vocals, it’s a heartrending number.

It depicts how taking a little distance can make you realize how precious the one you love is and deepen your feelings for them.

It’s a song that expresses a straightforward desire to be together, even for just a brief moment.

Even when they sometimes miss each other emotionally, it shows that the feelings of two people who love each other don’t change.

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I miss youAdo

I Miss You by Ado

I miss youAdo

“Aitakute,” which was used as an insert song in the film Kaguya-sama: Love Is War – Final, was released by Ado in 2021, a singer known for masterfully performing music across genres.

The song portrays someone trying to convey their honest feelings—overcoming a love where both sides care for each other but struggle to be straightforward.

Set to a warm band sound featuring acoustic guitar, her emotional vocals resonate throughout.

Listen to the pure passion of wanting to stay by a loved one’s side, in both joyful and difficult times.

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A promise between two people who secretly love each othermary

A promise between two people who secretly love each other

A promise between two people who secretly love each othermary

Mary is a singer with exceptional vocal ability who can master any song.

“A Promise of Mutual Secret Crushes,” included on her 2016 album The 13th Month’s Merry, showcases her husky, beautiful vocals as she sings of a sure, steadfast love for someone special.

The song portrays the joy of the moment when two feelings finally align, overcoming the loneliness of unspoken mutual affection.

With a rhythmic band performance that seems to bless the future ahead, it’s a happy anthem where sincere love is rewarded.

Give this uplifting song about mutual crushes a listen.

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mutual unrequited loveShibata Jun

Jun Shibata “Mutual Unrequited Love” Music Video (Short Version)

mutual unrequited loveShibata Jun

When it comes to love songs by adult women facing a breakup, Jun Shibata’s “Ryokata Omoi” (Mutual Unrequited Love), released in 2002, comes to mind.

It portrays a hopeless love for someone who appeared just as she was about to give up on love.

Even when both people love each other, the bittersweet reality of not being able to be together makes your heart ache.

Many will relate to the way thoughts of a beloved person keep surfacing, no matter how much you try to act strong or talk yourself out of it.

Carried by a softly spreading melody, her gentle voice soothes the heart in this song.

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[Mutual but Unspoken Love Songs] Not Quite Lovers Because We Can’t Confess!? A Love Song Portraying Swaying Emotions (21–30)

MissingKubota Toshinobu

Toshinobu Kubota – Missing [Official Video Short ver.]

MissingKubota Toshinobu

The song I want you to listen to on nights when you feel heartsick thinking of a loved one, a story of mutual unrequited love, is “Missing.” Released in 1986 by singer-songwriter Toshinobu Kubota, it is known as one of his signature tracks.

Though they know their love can’t come true, the song portrays a poignant romance in which the two still fall for each other.

Many will relate to how the more you try to forget, the more your feelings for the one you love overflow.

Carried by an ambient-tinged sound, his emotional vocals resonate throughout the track.

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