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

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.

A happy promise.riria.

riria. / A Happy Promise [Music Video]

A story of love and promises woven by Riria’s singing voice.

Its heartwarming melody and relatable lyrics leave a strong impression.

Chosen as the opening theme for season two of the anime “My Happy Marriage,” this song also opens the album “Kiseki” (Traces).

It portrays the complex emotions of someone in love—the joy of discovering one’s true self and the anxieties on the path to happiness.

It’s great to listen to while thinking of an unrequited love, and equally wonderful to share with someone special.

Through this song, you might find the courage to face your own feelings.

DAYSanyuusuresu

Anyuseless “DAYS” MV

Any Useless is a five-piece rock band from Osaka.

Their song “DAYS,” which has been gaining attention mainly on social media like Instagram, is a one-sided-love track highlighted by a gentle, appealing vocal.

The biggest draw is the lyrics: the choice of words feels so real and relatable, like something straight out of everyday life.

While poetic lyrics with a fantastical worldview can be great, lyrics written in down-to-earth language like in this song can really hit you in the heart.

The performance is also refreshing despite its mid-tempo pace, so that’s another aspect worth paying attention to when you listen.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Yuuki

Report a problem

raspberryMarushii

Raspberry

This is a song by Marcy that portrays someone who, while realizing their feelings won’t be returned, still wishes for their unrequited love to come true.

The tug-of-war between wanting to see the person and not wanting to—precisely because they understand how painful one-sided love can be—elicits strong empathy.

Within the refreshing band sound, the sharp tone of the guitar evokes the heartache that grows alongside their deepening affection.

It’s a song that candidly depicts the lack of emotional cohesion: the desire to make unrequited love come true ends up causing suffering, while the wish to be freed from that suffering coexists at the same time.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kappamaki

Report a problem

wishMarushii

Marcy – Wish (Official Music Video)

A song by Marcy that sings of the bittersweet feelings for someone you’re secretly in love with.

It’s been making waves as the ending theme for the anime “I’m Going to Fall in Love Anyway.” The lyrics, imbued with feelings so strong you’d offer a prayer to God, are sure to resonate with many.

Ukyo Yoshida’s delicate vocals and the warm sound leave a lasting impression, offering comfort to anyone struggling with love.

Released to coincide with the anime’s broadcast starting in January 2025, this track is recommended not only for those with unrequited love but for anyone who holds someone dear.

Give it a listen when you need the courage to take a step forward.

the depths of the heartrokudenashi

Rokudenashi “In the Depths of the Heart” / Rokudenashi – Deep Down [Official Music Video]

A bittersweet love ballad by Rokudenashi that resonates deeply.

It weaves delicate words about the loneliness that comes at dusk and the urgent feelings hidden behind a smile.

While yearning to be loved, the wavering heart that hesitates to face its true feelings seeps in along with gentle piano melodies.

Released in February 2025 as the lead track from the album “Sigh,” this song reaches out to those who, even while carrying wounded, unsettled hearts, try to look ahead with cherished memories held close.

waiting in vainrokudenashi

Rokudenashi “Left Waiting” / Rokudenashi – Stood Me Up [Official Music Video]

This is a work by Rokudenashi, who began activities in 2021, delicately depicting the emotions of unrequited love.

The subtle shifts of a heart that can’t quite face the other person’s kindness, and the loneliness of being able only to watch them talk with someone else, leave a strong impression.

The vocals woven by Ninjin carry a warmth that feels like it gently heats the heart on a quiet winter night.

Written and composed by Hifumi, the song was released as a single in October 2021.

It’s a track that stands beside those troubled by love, offering empathy and comfort.

For anyone who holds a painful feeling they can’t confess to anyone—their love for someone dear—this song is meant for you.