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

two peopleaiko

aiko - “Futari” music video

This is a song by aiko that captures the hazy, conflicted feelings in love.

The poignant lyrics contrast strikingly with the up-tempo melody.

It portrays a strong attraction to the other person while also expressing anxiety about falling too deep and a sense of self-protection, brilliantly conveying the complexity of romance.

Released in March 2008, it reached No.

3 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

Six years later, in 2014, it was used in a Hoyu commercial, drawing renewed attention.

It’s a recommended track for those struggling with love or having trouble sorting out their feelings.

Mutual loveaiko

aiko - “Mutual Love” music video

From the flutter in your chest the moment you fall in love to the ache of feelings that don’t reach the other person, Aiko’s crystal-clear voice resonates deep in the heart.

Delicately portraying the emotions of longing for someone, this work—released in May 2024 and spotlighted as the theme song for a popular animated film—has struck a chord with many listeners.

Aiko’s vocals and the film’s world blend beautifully, further enhancing the piece’s allure.

It’s the perfect song for those experiencing unrequited love or looking to boost their motivation in romance.

Why not listen to this track and find the courage to share your feelings?

You said the moon is beautiful.berry meet

berry meet / The moon is beautiful [Music Video]

This song paints a picture of a winter night sky and the bittersweetness of love.

Its delicate vocals and acoustic tones settle quietly in the heart like falling snow.

The melody gently embraces the anxiety, hopes, and unspoken frustrations of someone in love, leaving a strong impression.

Released as berry meet’s single in November 2023, it resonated with many listeners.

Listening during the winter season—especially while gazing up at the night sky—deepens the feelings of someone in love.

It’s a perfect track for those with unrequited feelings or those hesitating to confess.

My name is Unrequited Loveindigo la End

indigo la End "The Name Is Unrequited Love"

This is a song by indigo la End that portrays a heartrending unrequited love beginning with love at first sight.

Set to a lively mid-tempo track crafted by Enon Kawatani in January 2023, it sings of the protagonist’s complex emotions after falling for someone of the same sex.

While feeling the pain of social prejudice and unspoken pressures, the story tightens the chest as the protagonist suppresses their own feelings for the sake of the other person’s happiness.

It’s a song that will resonate with those who, having fallen in love, lose sight of themselves yet can do nothing but carry those feelings, as well as those struggling with a love they can’t tell anyone about.

Old Rookiemoon drop

moon drop [Old Rookie] Official Audio

Moon Drop is a four-piece rock band from Ise City in Mie Prefecture.

Their song “Old Rookie” is captivating for its beautiful lyrics, especially the line “I want to be in love and feel butterflies for the rest of my life,” which pierces the heart.

In particular, the harmonized vocals of lead singer-guitarist Toya Hamaguchi and bassist-chorus Tomoya Saka instantly lift the mood toward romance.

The lyrics conveying “Even if it’s not flashy like a drama, just being able to be with the natural you is enough” also do a great job of expressing a man’s feelings.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Yuuki

Report a problem

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.