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

Try loving—it’s not like you’ll lose anything.neguse.

Bedhead. 'Try loving me—it won't cost you anything' Official Music Video

A one-sided crush song from a woman’s perspective crafted by Neguse., depicting unreciprocated feelings and complex emotions.

Released in April 2023, the track gained traction on social media, and by September its music video surpassed 2 million views.

In contrast to its poppy, catchy sound, the lyrics convey the weight and ache of saying “I like you.” It’s a song that offers comfort to those struggling with emotional distance or anxiety in love—highly recommended for anyone who relates to the frustration of a bittersweet crush.

More than friends, less than loversmatsumura kanau

More Than Friends, Less Than Lovers – Kanau Matsumura [Official Music Video]

This is a song by Kanau Matsumura that portrays the frustration of being unable to move a relationship forward and the inner conflict about breaking the current status quo.

People who want to move beyond just friends, or who struggle because the other person doesn’t notice their feelings, will likely find it especially relatable.

Gentle acoustic sounds are layered with strings, which seem to express a swell of emotion.

The words that regret it might have been better never to have become friends at all, rather than to suffer this inability to move ahead, communicate a painful heart with direct honesty.

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Say goodbye to the love I clung to.matsuri

Say goodbye to clinging love. / Matsuri (Good bye, toxic love) [Official Music Video]

This is a song by Matsuri that delicately portrays the feelings of a woman breaking free from a past dependence on love and trying to take a new step forward.

Released digitally in June 2022, it features striking lyrics about the struggle between telling herself she’s forgotten her former partner and the bittersweet memories that occasionally resurface.

The track gained popularity on TikTok and resonated with younger listeners, and a music video starring Yuu Miyazaki was also produced.

It’s a warm breakup song that offers comfort to those trying to face forward despite heartache and to those who still feel lingering attachment to past love.

sparklingmosao.

Kira Kira / Mosawo. [Music Video]

A sparkling expression of the feeling of being in love, a song by Mosa o.

The lyrics delicately depict the brilliance and bittersweetness of romantic emotions, and the gentle vocals resonate deeply.

From the lyrics, you can sense the lover’s anxieties and inner conflicts.

Released in September 2020, the song garnered widespread empathy, especially on social media.

It’s perfect for those with a one-sided crush or anyone who can’t bring themselves to confess their feelings.

When you want to summon the courage to take a step forward, this is a song that quietly gives you a nudge.

love-coloredmosao.

Koishoku / Mosawo. [Music Video]

It beautifully portrays the exhilaration of falling in love and the way feelings for someone overflow.

Released in September 2021 as a collaboration with the manga ‘A Sign of Affection (Yubisaki to Renren),’ it became a hot topic especially on social media.

Its acoustic sound and warm lyrics wonderfully capture love’s sparkle and bittersweetness.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to with someone special at the start of a new season.

Someone like you.riria.

riria. / Someone Like You. [Music Video]

This is a song by Riria.

that sings of the heartache of being unable to express your feelings.

It vividly captures the complex emotions of a girl who can’t be honest with herself, even though she can’t stop thinking about that special someone.

Released digitally in October 2024 as the ending theme for the anime Ranma 1/2, it received high acclaim, including reaching No.

2 on USEN’s weekly HIT J-POP rankings.

It’s the perfect track for anyone who’s felt their heart waver just by being near the person they like.

If you’re in unrequited love, give it a listen.

You’re unfair, you know.riria.

riria. / Sneaky You. [Music Video]

This song poignantly expresses the feelings of unrequited love.

Released in December 2024, it is also included on the album “Kiseki,” out in January 2025.

With a clear, airy vocal that paints wintry Christmas scenes, the track features a warm arrangement incorporating piano and strings.

The lyrics convey pure emotions toward a one-sided crush, something teens in particular are likely to relate to.

It’s a perfect winter song for elevating a romantic mood.