[Heartbreak Songs] A selection of poignant love songs that pierce the heart of those with unrequited love
A bittersweet crush that makes your chest tighten.
But have you ever had a moment when you suddenly realized that your feelings would never come true?
Like when the person you like asks you for love advice and your heartbreak is sealed, or when you and a friend fall for the same person and you can’t bring yourself to confess—things like that.
Unrequited love can end for many reasons besides confessing and being rejected.
In this article, we’ve gathered “unrequited love heartbreak songs” for those who can’t forget the one they love and feel pangs of regret whenever they remember.
May you find a song that gently stays by your aching heart.
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[Heartbreak Songs] A selection of bittersweet love songs that pierce the hearts of the lovelorn (11–20)
Love’s Melody and Rainy SkiesAAA
AAA’s hit song “Koion to Amazora,” released in 2013, resonated especially with young women for its straightforward portrayal of romantic feelings.
It won the Excellence Award at the 55th Japan Record Awards.
“Koion to Amazora” sings about recalling a lost love and the poignant feeling of “I really want to start over, but I can’t say it.” If the two remain friends after breaking up, it’s even harder to speak up—because you’re afraid of ruining the relationship again.
I want to be your lover.Abe Mao
Singer-songwriter Mao Abe’s second single, “I Want to Be Your Girlfriend.” It’s a song written based on the feelings she had in high school.
With gentle yet powerful vocals, she sings about the frustration of not getting replies to emails and the longing to know the other person better.
calm (of the sea), lull; Nagi (a Japanese given name)Marushii
A heartwarming ballad by Marcy that gently embraces the loneliness after a breakup and the resolve to grow.
Vivid memories—like the donuts eaten at the station and a rainbow-colored umbrella—are painted throughout, and while it conveys the complex feelings toward an ex who has found a new love, the lyrics pierce the heart with the strength of someone determined to become more mature.
Included on the November 2023 album “Candle” and featured as an insert song in ABEMA’s serial drama “High-Teen Diary,” this piece is a warm, encouraging song that softly supports those who, despite the pain of heartbreak, are trying to face forward and keep walking.
Everyday Revolutionneguse.
A heartbreaking breakup song sung by Neguse.
The protagonist’s feelings are delicately portrayed as they realize, only after losing the one they love, just how deep those feelings ran.
The loneliness of being alone in a room without their partner, and the image of them wearing his clothes while crying, is enough to make your chest tighten.
Included on the mini-album “Wonderland ni Aijō o!” released in September 2022, this track has become a fan favorite with its music video surpassing 7 million views.
Its down-to-earth lyrics and catchy pop melody capture the band’s appeal.
It’s a song that gently stays by the side of anyone carrying the pain of heartbreak or who has experienced losing someone important.
I forget you, who are so quiet, in October.atarayo
A song by Atarayo that portrays the ache of unrequited love and the pain of heartbreak.
It begins with a scene on the morning of a breakup, and regret and hurt over a lost love permeate the lyrics.
The skillful depiction of an inability to accept the separation and the complex feelings toward the other person will resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced heartbreak.
Released digitally in March 2021, it became a major hit, amassing over 45 million views on YouTube.
It’s the perfect track for those carrying the pain of a breakup or struggling with unforgettable memories of love.
I want you to tell me you love me.Oku Hanako
Okuhana-ko, who is popular for songs about heartbreak and unrequited love, is best known for her signature track “I Want You to Tell Me You Love Me.” True to its title, the song pours out unbearably poignant feelings for someone who can never be hers, wishing that—even if it’s a lie—they would at least say words of love.
[Heartbreak Songs] A selection of bittersweet love songs that pierce the heart of the lovelorn (21–30)
Swelling FeelingsCHiCO with HoneyWorks
Have you ever spent time close to someone as a friend, only to suddenly realize, “I like this person!”? In moments like that, you might worry about your existing relationship or how your mutual friends will see it, and find it hard to take the first step.
This song sings about that helpless, uncontainable feeling of falling in love.
I’m sure there’s a lot you’ll relate to, so please give it a listen!
