[J-Pop] A Collection of Unrequited Love Songs That Stay Close to Your Heart

seesawtuki.

tuki. “Seesaw” Official Music Video

A bittersweet love song by tuki.

that overlays the delicate distance between two people in romance with the image of a seesaw.

It’s a track we hope those in relationships that aren’t progressing—and who feel that frustrating stagnation—will listen to.

When you’re struggling with the distance or mismatch in feelings between you and your partner, you’re sure to find moments that resonate.

The album “15,” releasing in January 2025 and featuring this song, is a collection of tracks she created up to the age of 15—be sure to check it out along with this track.

Ingot of Pure Lovetuki.

tuki. “Ingot of Pure Love” Official Music Video

A song by tuki.

that moves the heart with delicate emotional expression and deep insight.

Like an ingot—a solid block of metal—it beautifully depicts a form of love that is pure and valuable.

Sweet yet heartrending feelings of romance are intertwined with the weight and responsibility that love carries, resulting in a philosophical track.

Included on the album “15,” released in January 2025, it stands as one of the fifteen tracks that showcase the blossoming of tuki.’s new talent.

It’s a perfect song for those who want to reexamine the essence of love or seek resonance with pure, earnest romantic feelings.

Sniper.Yuika

Sniper. / “Yuika” [MV]

The sweet, bittersweet vocals and lyrics that capture a girl’s heart as she can’t stop thinking about the one she likes are striking! It’s a cute love song sung by the singer-songwriter Yuika.

Many of us have experienced closely watching the actions of our crush or feeling our heart race over a small comment.

In this piece, the unique metaphor of a “sniper” is used to cleverly portray the exhilaration and restlessness of unrequited love.

Released in April 2024, the song became a big topic, especially on social media.

It’s a recommended track for anyone currently in a one-sided crush or those who want to feel the thrill of love.

Because I like you.Yuika

Because I love you. (feat. Ren) / “Yuika” [Music Video]

A cute love song by Yuika that portrays the pure feelings of a high school romance.

Set to a gentle melody, the lyrics express in down-to-earth words how the singer is drawn to a crush’s small gestures and unexpected personality contrasts.

The heartfelt wishes—“Please turn around,” “Please notice me”—will remind anyone of a page from their own youth.

Released in June 2021, the track became a major sensation, especially on TikTok, topping viral charts in many countries.

It’s a perfect pick for those feeling the ache of unrequited love or looking to boost their motivation in romance.

Love thief.Yuika

Love Thief. / “Yuika” [MV]

Its relaxed, sweet vocals and lyrics that candidly portray a girl falling in love are striking! This is a cute love song sung by singer-songwriter Yuika, who’s active on YouTube and TikTok.

Many people have probably experienced being captivated the moment their eyes met, unconsciously following their crush with their gaze, or feeling their heart race just from hearing their laughter.

Released in March 2022, this song gently encourages those who want to make their one-sided love come true with the twist that “it turns out the other person liked me too.”

Say you like me.aimyon

Say you like me.

This is a song from Aimyon’s second album, “Nikumarekko Yo ni Habaru,” released in 2015, that sings about a slightly endearing—almost frightening—maiden’s heart.

Aimyon’s second album seems to confront themes of “life” and “death,” so this track, which sits as a pure love song among them, feels a bit unusual.

The lyrics, in which a girl who was cheated on and dumped pours out her resentment, are something many women who’ve been betrayed might find all too relatable.

It’s also amusing how the title “Sukitte Itte yo” (“Say you love me”) starts to sound more like “Suki to Ieyo” (“Say you love me, now”).

To Those Who Know the Blue of the Skyaimyon

Aimyon – A Person Who Knows the Blue of the Sky [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

A bittersweet youth love song filled with yearning.

Inspired by a film, Aimyon paints a track that conveys the ache of unrequited love alongside a faint glimmer of hope.

Released as a single in October 2019, it drew attention as the theme song for an animated movie of the same name.

The lyrics evoke a nostalgic look back at a love that has passed, gently wrapping you in feelings of heartache that everyone has experienced.

It’s perfect for high school students who want to listen while thinking of someone they like.

It’s great for quietly listening alone, and also for sharing with friends to reminisce about your youth.