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

You know what,are-kun &『yuika’}

You know. / Are-kun & “Yuika” [MV]

A refreshing melody that evokes the feeling of spring and lyrics that capture the innocence of first love make a lasting impression! This is a duet song by Are-kun and Yuika.

Created solely through exchanges on social media, the track was born from a fateful encounter where they met in person for the first time at the recording session.

It vividly portrays the frustrating emotions of two people who have feelings for each other but can’t quite express them honestly.

Released in April 2022, the song gained attention for its youthfully nostalgic music video, in which a high school boy and girl share their feelings as cherry blossoms flutter around them.

It’s recommended not only for those experiencing unrequited love, but also for anyone looking to start a new romance with the arrival of spring.

Where Love Is Headedsutopuri

Where Love Will Go / Strawberry Prince Music Video

How about a song that contemplates the outcome of love? It’s a track by the entertainment group Strawberry Prince (SutoPuri), released as a digital single in November 2024.

The lyrics and composition were created by Mao and Yuya from the rock band SID.

The lyrics, which depict unrequited feelings and inner conflict, are especially moving for younger listeners.

If you’re experiencing a crush right now, you’ll surely relate.

Be sure to listen closely and savor it!

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.