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

PretenderOfisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – Pretender [Official Video]

This song drew huge attention as the theme for the film “Confidence Man JP.” It’s a love song from the perspective of a man with unrequited feelings, and in the lyrics his love never comes true.

He knows his feelings will never reach the other person and that the two of them won’t work out—yet he still can’t give up.

That straightforward, earnest emotion is vividly portrayed.

The piano-centered accompaniment sets the stage for a beautiful, slightly distinctive singing voice that resonates wonderfully.

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I wonder if they have a boyfriend/girlfriend.NEW!PLUE

PLUE / Do They Have a Lover? Official Music Video

This piece portrays the struggle of being unable to give up your feelings even though you know the other person already has a partner.

While facing the reality that the one you love stands beside someone who suits them, a clumsy hope leaks through, quietly waiting for your own turn somewhere in your heart.

Knowing it won’t come true, yet being unable to suppress your love—this situation will likely resonate deeply with those experiencing unrequited love.

The gentle melodies of PLUE, a rock band from Nagoya, and the warm yet heartrending vocals of Masayuki Mizukawa embrace those timid emotions.

When you’re worn out from loving, why not surrender yourself to this song?

one side; one of a pairNEW!eill

eill | Katappo (Official Music Video)

A quietly luminous, heart-wrenching ballad that captures the pain of an unattainable love.

It portrays fates that never intersect, missed connections, and warmth that lingers on only one side.

For those who carry love that won’t be returned in the same way, who feel lonely yet cannot stop their feelings, this song offers solace.

Included on eill’s November 2020 album LOVE/LIKE/HATE, the track was later chosen as the theme song for the drama The Night I Became a Beast: A Nameless Relationship.

Born at the piano on sleepless, anxious nights with tears overflowing, this piece carries that story within it.

It’s a song to hear on nights when the ambiguity of a relationship hurts and you just want to cry your heart out.

dramaNEW!wacci

wacci “Drama” Music Video

A ballad that portrays the desperate effort to keep growing feelings of love hidden in order to remain “just friends.” It’s a song by the five-piece band wacci, known for delivering music that nestles into everyday scenes, released as a digital-only track in March 2021.

It expresses the familiar heartache of pretending not to like someone you love, using the metaphor of a theater stage.

Though you truly want to be the protagonist, you try to fulfill the supporting role you’ve been given…

It’s a song that gently stays close to those suffering from an unrequited love that won’t be rewarded.

double bedNEW!Mahiru

[MV] Mahiru — Double Bed

That big piece of furniture the two of us used to share now feels unbearably spacious in a room where I’m alone.

This song paints the pain of heartbreak lingering in everyday life with unflinching honesty.

Co-created by Mahiru and RINZO, it was released in May 2023 and appears on the EP “EMERALD – EP” and the album “Handle.” Based on real experiences, it resonated widely—its music video alone has nearly five million views.

Rather than flashy expressions, this work lets a quiet sadness seep out from ordinary scenes of daily life.

If you’re trapped by an unforgettable past love and struggling to move forward, it will gently stay by your side and help you release your emotions, along with your tears.

Happy Endingback number

back number – Happy End (full)

This is a poignant song by back number that portrays a woman putting on a brave face at the moment of parting.

On the surface she tries to send him off with a smile, yet she cannot let go of her feelings for him, and the delicate depiction of her inner turmoil is deeply moving.

Written as the theme song for the film “My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday,” released in December 2016, it also drew attention for its music video featuring actress Erika Karata, and was later included on the album “Encore.” If you find yourself in a situation where you have no choice but to give up while still harboring feelings for someone you love, you may see yourself in this song.

It’s a soul-stirring track that will make you want to listen to it again and again through tears.

Only I liked it.suisou gurashi

Suysougurashi 'I Was the Only One Who Loved It.' Official Music Video

A heartbreak song by suisougurasu that delicately portrays the ache and lingering attachment of love.

Eye’s clear, translucent vocals beautifully capture the painful feeling of being left behind while the other person moves on to their next romance.

Many listeners will relate to the lyrics, which depict how a casual message from the person you like can throw your heart into turmoil.

Released in September 2021, this song is sure to resonate with anyone who can’t forget someone they love or is suffering from a love they can’t let go of.