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

upperclassmanFingā 5

Finger Five Masao’s Concert “Upperclassman”

That unrequited crush who graduated and left school… It really takes away the joy of going to school, doesn’t it? Among Finger 5’s songs, this one isn’t very well known.

What really stands out is its soulfulness, on par with The Style Council.

I’d love to play it for Paul Weller—hard to believe it’s Japanese kayōkyoku.

Lemon flowerSangatsu no Phantasia

Lemon Flower by Sangatsu no Phantasia

A song by 3-gatsu no Phantasia that tells a sadly beautiful story of unrequited love.

Marked by its jazzy piano, this piece explores a romance warped by twisted love.

The struggle of a heart flailing amid impossible wishes is conveyed through Mia’s delicate vocals, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released in April 2023 as part of a tie-in project with a novel, this is a track we especially want those troubled by love or feeling the pains of youth to hear.

I want to go back to that day.Imai Miki

Miki Imai – I Want to Return to That Day (from “CONCERT TOUR 2014 ‘Dialogue’”)

This is Miki Imai’s cover of a classic song by Yuming.

Yuming’s beautiful lyrics are sung exquisitely by Miki Imai’s soothing voice.

I think everyone carries memories of sweet school-days romances, first loves, and relationships that didn’t work out because we were too young—full of joy and regret alike.

Although it’s a wish that can never come true, this song holds the lovely desire to go back to those youthful days and see the person you loved.

Listening to it brings back that sweet-and-sour feeling of youth and reminds you how pure young love was.

It’s a song that can return you to a pure state when you’re feeling low in the midst of unrequited love.

Planet of Love ‘You’Tomioka Ai

Ai Tomioka – Planet in Love “You” (Music Video)

A song by Ai Tomioka that depicts feelings of love against the backdrop of outer space.

Released on Valentine’s Day in February 2024, the track deftly portrays the ebb and flow of romance using fantastical cosmic imagery—UFOs, planets, comets, and more.

Its unique worldview is captivating, likening the pull toward a loved one to the gravity of a planet.

It’s a song that will warmly embrace not only those in love but also anyone carrying a touch of heartache.

I can’t hold back with a friend.Maeno Kenta

Kenta Maeno with Otogibanashi – Can't Stand Just Being Friends @ Ringo Music Festival 2012 (Autumn)

In love, friendship can be a really troublesome thing, can’t it? Friendship doesn’t necessarily lead to romance… but there are also romances where you want to believe it does.

This classic song is covered and sung by Nakimiso in the movie “Moteki.”

AitaiKato Miria

Miliyah Kato - “Aitai”

Even when you understand it rationally, love can become something you just can’t stop.

The more you fall for someone, the more you realize it hurts.

And even though you know they’ll never look your way, no matter how many warm tears run down your cheeks, you still can’t give up.

This is a song about that kind of love.

I love you more than anyone.Furuchi Toko

Toko Furuuchi - Even Though I Love You More Than Anyone

Doesn’t the distance between being friends and being lovers sometimes feel like tens of thousands of light-years? You were getting along so well as friends, but the moment you inch closer to being lovers, everything stops going smoothly—when it comes to singing about those delicate nuances of love, there’s no one better than Toko Furuuchi, right?