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

ShioyaŌe Senri

Shioya – Senri Oe (Cover)

For two people who have spent so much time together, it isn’t something you can neatly categorize as love or friendship, is it? In a parting where such complex feelings are entwined, it portrays a longing that will never fade.

I can’t believe Senri Oe won’t write songs like this anymore…

loveOku Hanako

A heartrending, tear-jerking song: 'Koi (Love) / Hanako Oku'

It vividly portrays the bittersweet feelings of a woman who has fallen for someone already in a relationship.

Beyond the sadness, it also sings of the frustration and inner conflict of an unrequited love.

When it comes to breakup songs, people say she’s the one—and Okuda Hanako’s music truly expresses a woman’s feelings of love with honesty.

FINAL DISTANCEUtada Hikaru

Hikaru Utada – FINAL DISTANCE

Is it mutual love or one-sided…? That wavering is what “Distance” seems to be.

Saying you won’t push it while whispering that maybe it’s okay if you do, you probe the other person’s feelings as you pour out the emotions you can’t hold back in a heartfelt song.

It’s impressive how vividly this feeling is portrayed.

Christmas EveYamashita Tatsuro

Nana Eikura stars in Tatsuro Yamashita’s “Christmas Eve” special movie-version PV

It’s such a classic Christmas song that there’s probably no Japanese person who doesn’t know it.

The intro and overall feel are full of Christmas spirit and sound bright, but the lyrics are incredibly heartrending.

“Surely you won’t come—Christmas Eve all alone” is truly sorrowful.

Tatsuro Yamashita’s even, unadorned voice really sinks into the hearts of people with unrequited love.

It’s a bittersweet song that, in a way, makes you feel brighter, almost as if it’s encouraging you.

Since it’s so widely known, I can recommend it to everyone—from kids in love to adults.

One more time,One more chanceYamazaki Masayoshi

Masayoshi Yamazaki – “One more time, One more chance” MUSIC VIDEO [4K Quality]

Masayoshi Yamazaki’s voice is incredibly soothing, and the way he sings feels like he’s speaking directly to you, so it truly reaches your heart.

You can really feel the deep pain of a man devastated by the sense of loss after a breakup.

It’s unclear whether it happened recently or some time ago, but he still can’t forget her and keeps looking for her, which makes you feel just how hard it must be.

It’s a song that makes you wish they could start over again.

The acoustic guitar also heightens the feeling of sadness.

I recommend this love song not only to those who can’t let go of a past love, but to everyone.

A Little Love SongAragaki Yui

Yui Aragaki - A Little Love Song

This is a song in which Gakky—Yui Aragaki—covers a big hit by MONGOL800.

Songs by Monpachi, which usually have strong elements of punk, rock, and melodic hardcore, take on a very pure and delicate feel when sung in Gakky’s cute voice.

It’s the kind of track that makes you want to nurture innocent feelings of love.

It’s also a great boost for anyone in unrequited love who has trouble expressing their feelings.

It helps you feel positive, boosting your feminine charm so your feelings reach the other person more.

Recommended for both men and women.

Flash-Frozen LoveAnsako

Flash-Frozen Love

Released in April 2023, this work drew attention as Anzako’s first release after announcing her move to freelance activity.

It’s a fresh, pop track that vividly captures moments of falling in love, with the music video released on April 24.

The piano melodies, band sound, and pleasant beat blend together to create a thrilling sense of speed.

If you’re looking for a song to elevate your romantic mood, this is a must-listen.