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

wrapTENSONG

TENSONG “Matoi (Wrapped In)” [Official Music Video]

A heartrending breakup song that portrays the end of unrequited love.

The regret of not being able to confess and the inability to forget the other person resonate deeply with listeners.

Released in July 2021 and widely discussed on social media, the song draws from vocalist Takabō’s real experiences.

Through simple yet profound lyrics, it expresses the meaning of cherishing feelings for someone you can’t forget as precious memories kept in your heart.

It also carries messages about the importance of acknowledging the feeling of “love” and understanding gender diversity, making it a track that gently supports those struggling with the conflicts of romance.

You look like an idiot.Saucy Dog

Saucy Dog “Like a Fool.” Music Video (Theme song for ABEMA’s “You Can’t Fool Me, Mr. Wolf”)

It carefully portrays the delicate feelings of a woman who can’t express herself well: while harboring the desire to know the other person more and to have them all to herself, and feeling love for them, she’s already fed up, believing there’s nothing more she can do.

Chosen as the theme song for ABEMA’s dating reality show “Don’t Be Fooled by Me and Mr.

Wolf,” the track was released digitally in August 2024, and is memorable for its emotional band sound and Shinya Ishihara’s vocals.

It’s a perfect song for those who can’t grasp how the person they like truly feels and are struggling with inner conflict.

Recommended for anyone who can relate to the sorrow of loving someone yet being unable to move forward.

HeartacheONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK – Heartache [Studio Jam Session]

Their ballads, whether about unrequited love or heartbreak, really resonate.

This is “Heartache,” which was also the theme song for the film Rurouni Kenshin.

Vocalist Taka’s high tones convey the pain so well.

Even on their overseas stages, where they’ve become a globally popular band, crowds sing along in Japanese—second only to their masterpiece “Wherever you are.” It really shows the scale of what they’ve achieved!

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Why not me?Misaka Saki

Saki Misaka – Isn’t It Fine If It’s Me (Full ver.)

This song by Saki Misaka portrays the bittersweet feelings of gradually falling in love, even though you thought you were content just staying close as a friend.

With a clear, gentle voice, she expresses the conflict of wishing for the other person’s happiness while not wanting to see them with someone else.

Released digitally in February 2021, the track was also chosen as the theme song for ABEMA’s romantic reality show “Kyo, Suki ni Narimashita.” It’s sure to resonate with those who, despite knowing what would bring happiness, can’t let go, and who sense the other person’s feelings yet can’t bring themselves to speak up.

366 daysHY

366 Days – HY (Full)

A timeless masterpiece by HY that sings of an undying, profound love for someone who has left.

As the singer senses the other’s feelings drifting away, the way they bravely hold back their sorrow tightens the heart.

This song was included on the album “HeartY,” released in April 2008, and was chosen as the theme song for the film Red Thread.

Moreover, in 2024, a drama inspired by this piece was also broadcast.

Heartbreak is painful, but the experience of loving one person so deeply will surely benefit your future relationships and life.

Listen to this song, take confidence in the thought that “this love was not a mistake,” and move forward into a new romance!

I’ve fallen in love.YUTORI-SEDAI

YUTORI-SEDAI – I Fell in Love [Official Music Video]

A heartrending song that portrays an unstoppable longing, even while knowing you shouldn’t move forward.

It’s a rock track YUTORI-SEDAI delivers in July 2024.

With a sense of urgency like a racing heartbeat, it captures the emotional sway of not being able to suppress your feelings, even as you worry you might just be getting played.

The song was selected as the 50th anniversary commercial track for Aeon Topvalu, and the music video features Rio Kitano, a TikTok sensation.

It’s sure to resonate with anyone who can’t stop thinking about that special someone.

Tulipindigo la End

indigo la End “Tulip”

This song by indigo la End beautifully captures the pain and fragility of a love born from heartbreak.

A red tulip symbolizes “true love,” a white tulip “lost love,” and a yellow tulip “hopeless love.” Using the meanings of these three colors as its motif, the song portrays the poignant feelings of a protagonist completely dyed in the other person’s colors.

The members’ gentle performance and Enon Kawatani’s delicate vocals envelop the emotions that waver between clinging to love and accepting its end.

Released as a digital single in February 2020 and later included on the album Yakou Himitsu, this track offers comfort to those facing the end of a romance or looking back on a past love.