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

I want to become the kind of thing the person I like likes.Suzuki Suzuki

I want to become what the person I like likes – Suzuki Suzuki [Official Music Video]

Suzuki Suzuki is a brother duo who became the sixth champion in the “Best Vocalist Tournament” on the music talk variety show Momm!!.

Their song “I Want to Become What the Person I Like Likes,” included on their first album 313, has a title with an impact that says it all.

The lyrics depict a love that grows while hiding one’s feelings for the person they like, making you want to cheer them on in hopes it will one day come true just by listening.

It’s an emotional number with beautiful harmonies only brothers can create.

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Hoshino Takashi

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a good personReina

Reina – A Good Person [Official Video] (Background Music for ABEMA’s “Don’t Be Fooled by Miss and Mr. Wolf”)

A heartbreaking love song by Reina that leaves an impression with its portrayal of emotions—hiding one’s vulnerability while being touched by the other’s kindness.

Set to a melody that’s both gentle and powerful, it carefully depicts the bravado that masks inner anxieties and the pure feelings toward the other person.

The song was written for ABEMA’s dating show “Don’t Be Fooled by Wolf-chan and Wolf-kun” and was released in August 2022 as her major-label second single.

It’s a must-listen for anyone struggling to express their feelings to someone they care about, or for those who feel the bittersweet ache of unrequited love.

Love’s Melody and Rainy SkiesAAA

AAA / “Love Sound and Rainy Sky” Music Video

I want to say I love you, but I get timid and can’t.

This song poignantly captures that feeling.

It’s perfect for unrequited love, with emotions about romance blending and wavering.

Each member’s clear, translucent voice adds color to the song while retaining their individual character.

Fortune Cookie in LoveAKB48

[MV full] Koi Suru Fortune Cookie / AKB48 [Official]

It’s a smash-hit song by AKB48.

With a fresh, quintessential idol vibe, its upbeat tempo naturally makes you want to dance.

The lyrics in the first verse are highly relatable: the person she has a crush on isn’t interested in her, and she’s bracing herself for yet another heartbreak—capturing the unique anxiety of a girl in love, sung with a light touch.

Since it’s not a somber ballad, you can even laugh at those bittersweet moments.

It’s a song that turns sadness into laughter and helps you feel positive.

Recommended for those who want to enjoy a one-sided crush while nurturing it into love.

Sorry for dreamingAKB48 U-21 senbatsu

[MV Full] Sorry for Dreaming / AKB48 U-21 Selection [Official]

A refreshing portrayal of bittersweet unrequited love in an AKB48 song.

Performed by the U-21 selected members, it expresses the feelings of a girl who knows her love won’t come true yet can’t give up on it.

Included on the single “Koi Tsunja tta,” released in July 2024, it was also used as the ending theme for the drama “Stardust Telepath.” Perfect for anyone who’s experienced only being able to watch the one they like from afar.

planetariumBUMP OF CHICKEN

planetarium

It evokes, with vivid clarity, a deeply narrative set of lyrics that blend a planetarium motif to portray the haunting memory of an embarrassing unrequited love from youth in a dreamlike way.

It’s a love song that only a band known for its distinctive music and vocals could create.

Annie WaitsBen Folds

Annie Waits- Ben Folds

As the title suggests, Annie is waiting for something… The story describes Annie’s situation from the very beginning, and at the very end comes the line: “The one Annie’s waiting for isn’t me.” It’s heartbreaking.

Even knowing her heart belongs to another man, you can’t hold back your feelings… Isn’t that what love is?