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

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.

That’s not fair…arekunn

That's not fair... / Ale-kun [Official Music Video]

Are-kun’s song, which beautifully portrays aching love and suffering, has deeply moved many listeners.

While harboring intense feelings for the other person, the work delicately weaves the complex emotions of a woman swayed by ambiguous behavior.

Released in August 2021 as an advance track from the album “Breath,” it was also chosen as the ending theme for TV Asahi’s “BREAKOUT” in September, allowing it to resonate with an even wider audience.

Confused and hurt by the other person’s vague kindness, yet unable to suppress her feelings—this piece offers heartfelt empathy and comfort to anyone who bears the pain of an unrequited love.

Leading someone on is a serious offense!arekunn

Teasing Is a Serious Crime! / Are-kun [Official Music Video]

This song is a love ballad that portrays a woman’s feelings as she falls for a man who gives her mixed signals.

It’s sung by Arekun, known for hits like “Baka.” and “You Made Me Fall for You.” Beyond the straightforward cry of the heart—“Please fall in love with me!!”—many listeners will relate to the lyric that echoes the title: “Mixed signals are a crime!!” If you’re currently nursing a crush, especially on someone who keeps sending mixed signals, this is a must-listen.

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Hane Keisuke

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