[Heartbreak Songs] A selection of poignant love songs that pierce the heart of those with unrequited love

I need to talk to you.Adachi Kana

Kana Adachi “I Need to Talk to You” Music Video

This song, “Hanashi ga Aru” (“I Need to Talk to You”), is both an unrequited-love song and a heartbreak song.

Released by Kana Adachi in 2019, it was used as the ending theme for AbemaTV’s “Kyou, Suki ni Narimashita” (“Today, I Fell in Love”).

The lyrics express a bittersweet crush and feelings that are hard to put into words.

There may be more people than you’d expect who, like in this song, parted ways without ever confessing in the end.

If you listen to it after a breakup, you’ll surely relate and feel your chest tighten.

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sasashina

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SAYONARADREAMS COME TRUE

DREAMS COME TRUE – SAYONARA (from DWL 2015 Live Ver.)

It’s a song about parting that also conveys the powerful vibe characteristic of DREAMS COME TRUE.

The strongly resonant rhythm and sense of groove are striking, evoking an unbreakable spirit that endures even with lingering regret.

The lyrics, which seem to depict heartbreak at the end of a love triangle, are also memorable, and they convey a strong will to let go—to bow in congratulations to someone who has succeeded while carrying one’s own pain.

It’s a track with a sorrowful strength that stirs the heart to shake off lingering feelings.

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kappamaki

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distanceEri Takenaka

Eri Takenaka - Distance

This is a bittersweet love song by singer-songwriter Eri Takenaka.

Centered on acoustic guitar, the gentle, airy sound is further accentuated by the violin that joins partway through, heightening the song’s poignant atmosphere.

The lyrics convey regret over growing distant without being able to express one’s feelings, depicting a tender portrait of looking back on memories as emotions overflow.

It’s a track that communicates the aching sensation of feelings only growing stronger the more you try to forget.

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kappamaki

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Snow WhiteFlower

Flower “Snow White” — 2nd album “Hanadokei (Flower Clock)” out 3/4

This is a poignant breakup song by the dance and vocal group Flower that evokes the chill of winter.

It was also used as the theme song for the drama “We Are All Dead♪.” A love ballad with a prominent piano tone, it features gradually intensifying strings that convey an overflow of emotion.

Inspired by the world of the fairy tale Snow White, it portrays the heartrending figure of someone who continues to wait for a precious person, even knowing their love will never be fulfilled.

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kappamaki

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loveOku Hanako

A heartrending, tear-jerking song: 'Koi (Love) / Hanako Oku'

A song that could be called the definitive anthem of unrequited love is Oku Hanako’s “Koi” (Love).

When you think about the kanji for “koi,” with the character for “change” on top of “heart,” an extra wave of sorrow wells up.

The lyrics, which portray a “dutiful maiden’s heart” that can’t just blame fate for the helplessness of “I love you so much I can’t stand it—so why won’t you choose me…?”, are filled with aching sadness.

Everyone has someone they can’t forget, right? By the way, although Oku is often associated with playing keyboard or piano, she actually graduated from a university program majoring in trumpet.

The Little MermaidFujita Maiko

Maiko Fujita “The Little Mermaid” Music Video

This is a famous song by Maiko Fujita that sings about the real pain of love, inspired by the motif of a sorrowful princess from a fairy tale.

Even though she fell in love first, her feelings never reach him, and she wishes for his happiness as her love dissolves like bubbles—such self-sacrificing affection tightens your chest, doesn’t it? With a passionate, Latin-influenced sound that sets it apart from conventional piano ballads, it feels as if it expresses the fierce emotions hidden within.

Included on the October 2021 album “Wasurerarenai Hito” (The One I Can’t Forget), this song will surely resonate deeply with anyone experiencing a devoted, heartrending love—wishing for the happiness of the one they love, even knowing it won’t be returned.

just a littleIgarashi Haru

Haru Igarashi – A Little (Official Music Video)

A song whose heartrending, soul-stirring vocals move every listener.

With delicate wording, it weaves a poignant love swayed by the whims of fate—encounters that come at the wrong time.

Haru Igarashi is a singer-songwriter with the unusual background of being a former police officer.

Released in March 2024, this work has drawn major attention, topping the Billboard JAPAN Heatseekers Songs chart for two consecutive weeks.

The line about pretending to like what the other person likes just to stay by their side is so earnest it tightens the chest.