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

I became someone else’s girlfriend.wacci

wacci “I Became Someone Else’s Girlfriend” Music Video

A love song woven with a voice that leaves a bittersweet afterglow, capturing a form of love different from a simple unrequited crush.

The emotions of a woman swaying between reason and feeling are portrayed with delicate nuance.

Though she should be satisfied with her new relationship, the frustration of being unable to sever her feelings for her ex presses on her heart.

Released digitally by wacci in August 2018, the song gradually gained popularity through word of mouth on social media, reaching 100 million total streams in June 2021.

It has sparked a major response, with many artists covering it.

This is a track that deeply resonates with anyone who feels, “I should be happy, yet I’m not fulfilled,” and who carries such complex romantic emotions.

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.

I don’t like it.yangusukinii

Young Skinny – I Don't Like You [Official Music Video]

A four-piece rock band formed by members who met on social media, Young Skinny sings a song that portrays the bittersweet feelings of a woman who can’t forget an old love.

She’s thrown away all the mementos to move on to her next relationship, yet the memories alone won’t fade, and they resurface in unexpected moments—an experience many of us have had.

The more you think, “I’ve already forgotten,” the more the memories cling to you.

It’s a heartbreak song that gently tells those who wonder, “Why do I keep dwelling on this?” that they’re not alone and that it’s going to be okay.

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Love even your melancholyKoresawa

Koresawa “Love Even the Melancholy” [Music Video]

A heartwarming pop tune by Koresawa that delicately portrays the feelings of a girl living with the negative emotions everyone experiences.

Released in August 2020, this first single is a re-recording of a song long regarded as a legendary hidden gem.

Set to a gentle, acoustic guitar–driven sound, it conveys the strength to move forward while harboring vague anxieties and loneliness—and learning to accept them.

It’s the perfect track for anyone who resonates with the stance of not denying any feeling but choosing to love them, or for those who want to keep looking ahead even while carrying a touch of melancholy.

Regretsumika

sumika / Regret [Music Video]

A bittersweet love song by sumika that empathizes with the pain of heartbreak.

Within its refreshing guitar rock sound, lingering feelings and regrets toward a former lover seep through.

The delicate lyrics portray a deep affection—wishing to hear a lover’s voice and finding even the smallest gestures endearing—resonating powerfully with listeners.

First released in June 2014 as a live-venue-exclusive work on Dress farm #1, the track was later included on the mini-album I co Y in November of the same year.

It’s a heartwarming song that stays close to those suffering from heartbreak or anyone who has experienced parting with someone dear.

Bad personsenritsu kannano

Kano Kanaru “Bad Person” M/V

A heartrending unrequited love song that delicately portrays the feelings of a woman who has stepped into a forbidden romance.

While trapped in memories that resurface with the chill of autumn, her determination to move forward leaves a strong impression.

Kanano Senritsu’s fragile vocals beautifully express the inner turmoil of the conflicted woman.

Released in September 2024 as Kanano Senritsu’s solo major debut track, the song depicts the complex emotions of recognizing the other person’s lies yet accepting them, as well as a mixture of regret and lingering attachment—inviting empathy from those who have experienced something similar.

for a whilerikon densetsu

Divorce Legend – For a While (Official Music Video)

A ballad that portrays a bittersweet love, scattered with striking imagery—an hourglass by the window, light reflected in cracked glass.

Released by Rikon Densetsu in January 2025, this work features melodies that evoke a sense of loss and nostalgia, striking straight at the heart.

Crafted over three years since the early days of their career, it conveys a strong resolve to keep moving forward while staying close to memories of someone precious.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to while walking at night, savoring the ache of a broken heart.