A wonderful heartbreak song

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

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.
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!

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.

[Heartbreak Songs] A selection of bittersweet love songs that pierce the heart of the lovelorn (21–30)

I like you, but it seems you don’t really like me.back number

I like you, but it seems you don't really like me / back number (cover)

I like you, but it seems you don't really like me.back number

As its straightforward title, “I Like You, But You Don’t Seem to Like Me,” suggests, this back number song expresses the feelings of confessing love only to be turned down.

Included on their fourth major studio album, Chandelier, released in 2015, the track was never released as a single yet remains highly popular among fans, and it even inspired the short film “Everything I Can Still Do for You.” Sung from a male perspective, it’s a heartrending piece that captures emotions that can’t be contained.

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Love’s Melody and Rainy SkiesAAA

AAA / “Love Sound and Rainy Sky” Music Video

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.

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I forget you, who are so quiet, in October.atarayo

Atarayo - Forgetting You, the Quiet One in October (Music Video)

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.

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Swelling FeelingsCHiCO with HoneyWorks

Tsunoru Kimochi -M.edit- / CHiCO with HoneyWorks

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!

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calm (of the sea), lull; Nagi (a Japanese given name)Marushii

Marcy – Nagi (Official Music Video)

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.

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Until we meet againHirai Dai

Hirai Dai / Until We Meet Again (HIRAIDAI Live Tour 2016 ~ LOCALS ONLY ~ at EX THEATER ROPPONGI LIVE)

Until we meet againHirai Dai

This is a ballad by Dai Hirai that intertwines the bittersweet longing to reunite with a former lover and the resolve to set out on a new journey.

Alongside vivid depictions of the seasons from spring to winter, it expresses heartfelt feelings for someone special.

Released in February 2015 and included on the album “Slow & Easy,” the song delivers the sorrow of parting and the hope of reunion through a gentle vocal and an acoustic sound with elements of surf music.

For those who have experienced a farewell and want to move forward but find it hard to take the first step, this song will gently give you a push.

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But,Takase Tōya & Ren

Takuya Takase, Ren / Demo, (Official Music Video)

But,Takase Tōya & Ren

A heart-stirring song delicately portraying the pain of parting and lingering feelings, crafted by Toya Takase and Ren.

It carefully expresses deep love for the other person and the inner conflict of being unable to accept the breakup.

Telling yourself “I’ll be okay tomorrow,” yet the lingering scent of perfume in the room brings back memories—capturing emotions that anyone who has experienced heartbreak can relate to.

Featured on the December 2023 album “Ai-Do,” the track blends J-pop with electronic elements, offering a memorable sound that gently encourages you to take a step forward even while carrying the pain of a broken heart.

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