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

Goodbye-byeTomioka Ai

Ai Tomioka – Goodbye Bye (Music Video)

A delicate song by Ai Tomioka that sings of a love so pure it almost hurts.

The transparent vocals capture the frustrating feeling of almost closing the distance with someone, yet never quite getting there.

Even while knowing the other person has someone special, the complicated emotions of being unable to let go resonate deeply.

Released in September 2023, it captured many hearts, reaching the Top 10 on Spotify’s Viral charts in six Asian countries.

The song is memorable for its blend of English and Japanese lyrics and its catchy melodic line.

It’s a track that comforts anyone holding onto unspoken feelings for someone they love, or struggling with a love that may never come true.

JealousyTomioka Ai

Ai Tomioka – Jealousy (Music Video)

Ami Tomioka’s song, which portrays a woman suffering from unrequited love, vividly reflects the feelings of people living in the age of social media.

Wrapped in a refreshing sound, the delicate emotions of lacking confidence despite having someone you like and comparing yourself to other women are rendered into a work that delivers empathy and comfort.

Released in July 2024, the track candidly expresses raw emotions in love—such as jealousy and inferiority—interwoven with her own experiences.

The protagonist’s heart, swaying between façade and true feelings, is sure to resonate deeply with anyone in unrequited love.

It’s a song that gently embraces the complex emotion we all know: “I want to know how they feel, but I don’t have the courage to find out.”

Gazing at TimeYoshida Minako

A love that has ended…

and yet feelings that are hard to let go.

That too is a one-sided love.

Even when you know time will heal everything, there are nights when the tears won’t stop.

On nights like that, I listen to this song.

evergreenŌhashi Chippoke

Ohashi Chippoke “Evergreen” Music Video

A song that sings of unwavering love warmly envelops the hearts of its listeners.

Its light, breezy melody and lyrics filled with deep affection blend beautifully, resonating with many people.

Included on the mini-album “you,” released in October 2021, it became a massive hit with over 100 million streams.

You can feel Ohashi Chippoke’s intention to express pure love throughout the entire track.

Brimming with tenderness toward a lover and a wish for happiness that lasts forever, this piece is perfect not only for those with unrequited feelings but also for anyone looking to deepen their bond with someone special.

aloeFunatsu Mahiro

Masato Funatsu “Aloe” Official Music Video – Ending Theme Song for the drama ‘By the Irori at Ms. Alice’s House’

This is a song by Masato Funatsu, woven with delicate words and melody, slated for release in January 2025.

It tenderly sings of the frustrating emotions born from a relationship that’s more than friends but not quite lovers—hearts so close, yet unable to draw nearer—wrapped in a gentle vocal delivery.

Also selected as the ending theme for the drama “Alice-san’s Irori Hearth,” the track harmonizes beautifully with the show’s warm portrayal of human relationships.

Love takes many forms, and this song resonates with listeners who find their hearts wavering in ambiguous relationships, offering comfort and empathy to many.

love at first sightFunatsu Mahiro

Masato Funatsu “Love at First Sight” Official Music Video

This is a song by Masato Funatsu that portrays a sweet, bittersweet feeling of love.

It sings, over a catchy melody, about pure emotions that begin the moment of love at first sight.

From the instant you first see them, your heart won’t stop racing and everything about that person becomes precious—many listeners will relate to that exhilarating start of a romance.

Released in May 2024, the song became a massive hit, surpassing 300 million views thanks to its spread on TikTok.

It’s the perfect track when you want to boost your motivation for love.

Give it a listen—and maybe find the courage to talk to that special someone.

Feeling in loveNishino Kana

Kana Nishino 'Feelings of Love' MV Full

A love song by Kana Nishino that portrays the struggles of two people who are more than friends but not quite lovers.

The secret feelings harbored for a longtime best friend are expressed with heartrending delicacy.

Even when the mind has given up, the heart can’t help but hold onto a faint hope—an emotion anyone who’s experienced unrequited love can relate to.

Featured on the album “with LOVE,” this track was released in November 2014 and captured the hearts of many listeners.

It’s a must-listen for anyone wavering between friendship and romance.