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

Blown by the yellow sandKudō Shizuka

Shizuka Kudo / Blown by Yellow Sand [Official Video]

This is a song by Shizuka Kudo with lyrics by Miyuki Nakajima.

It’s recommended for anyone going through the pain of unrequited love.

In the chorus, the lines “Even though there are people who resemble you, and even though there are men kinder than you—more than the grains of sand, traveler” make you realize that he isn’t the only one out there.

Switching your feelings isn’t easy, but because the song’s message isn’t direct and its elusive lyrics soften the heartache, I think it helps.

It’s perfect for those who want to end their current one-sided love and take a step toward something new.

SquallMatsumoto Eiko

Squall Eiko Matsumoto

It’s a masterpiece written and composed by Masaharu Fukuyama.

In keeping with the title “Squall,” the intro features thunder, conjuring a rainy backdrop for the song.

The track begins just as the rain has lifted and the sky has cleared, evoking a slightly refreshing scene.

There’s also a line about the man dressing the woman he loves in his own shirt—the outfit he wants her to wear.

You can imagine she got wet in the rain and stopped by his place to take shelter; the image of her slipping her arms into his oversized shirt at the home of the person she loves carries a shy, heart‑fluttering charm that stirs romantic feelings.

Since Fukuyama is also an actor, the lyrics feel decidedly cinematic.

Then, when the chorus arrives, he lays bare his feelings: that he’s in love, that his intense longing for the other person hurts, and that he can no longer hide it.

It’s incredibly relatable.

The ballad-like melody and the rainy imagery in the chorus deepen the sense of yearning even more.

This song powerfully conveys that bittersweet ache that inevitably appears after the early, joyful phase of love—precisely because you care so much—and it makes you feel like you want to give your current love your all.

It’s a truly wonderful song.

I fall in love with you againNishino Kana

Kana Nishino “Falling in Love with You Again” MV Full

This is a new song by Kana Nishino that sings about the ache of unrequited love.

It portrays the disappointment of finding out the person you like loves someone else, and the struggle of trying—and failing—to give up.

Released digitally in August 2024 and included on the EP “Love Again” in September, it drew attention as her second single since resuming activities.

In the music video, the turmoil of romance is depicted against settings like a tennis court and a laundromat.

It’s a recommended track for those who can’t be honest about their feelings or are suffering from one-sided love.

Why not listen to this song and find the courage to share your feelings?

Love SongGO!GO!7188

Koi no Uta / GO!GO!7188

It’s an unrequited love song sung by a girls’ band.

It feels like a very pure kind of affection, maybe from their school days.

The song doesn’t have any big twists or anything, but it still draws you in.

It has a slow, relaxed vibe.

Just by you being herekome kome CLUB

Just by you being here

Just having someone you love can change so many things; it makes your doubts disappear—that’s how this song makes me feel.

Tatsuya Ishii’s voice at the beginning is fantastic.

Even someone like him tells us that love can be scary, so it means we’ve got to do our best.

solitude -A True Farewell-KinKi Kids

This is a song by KinKi Kids from the early 2000s.

It’s about the lingering heartache of unrequited love even after a breakup.

The lyrics are deeply moving.

They feel quite truthful, and I imagine many people can relate.

love letterEvery Little Thing

Every Little Thing – – – Love Letter (Live Ver.) (Photo Slideshow)

It’s a heartrending song by ELT, Every Little Thing.

It captures the feelings of unrequited love.

The melody is also wonderful, enhancing the poignancy of the lyrics even more.

In the live version, you can really feel the emotions through the vocals.