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

The Door to TomorrowI WiSH

Door to Tomorrow – I WiSH (Ai Kawashima)

Haven’t you ever felt your heart skip a beat in your youth just from a crush’s fleeting expression or small gesture? That gentle feeling, carried by a gentle singing voice, resonates in your heart.

It makes you hope that someday this love will come true.

I love you. ~100 Regrets~Sonar Pocket

I love you. ~100 Regrets~ – Sonar Pocket (Full)

Even after we part, I can’t stop thinking about you.

I look at our emails and the scenery we once saw together, now on my own, and I feel how I’m still dragging it out.

Even when I try to forget, I still love you.

This is a message song that sings about those lingering feelings of love.

I want you to tell me you love me.Oku Hanako

Hanako Oku – I Want You to Say You Love Me (Live ’08)

This is a song by Hanako Oku, one of the queens of unrequited-love songs from the Heisei era.

Precisely because it’s a single-minded, unrequited love, the other person’s kindness feels painful, cruel, and agonizing.

Even if it means telling a lie, I’d be fine just staying by their side as a friend—but it also carries the wish that they’d at least turn and notice me a little.

STEP youHamasaki Ayumi

Ayumi Hamasaki / STEP you (Short Ver.)

The lyrics overflow with the feelings of a woman who, as she gets to know someone she likes little by little, finds herself wanting to have him all to herself.

I think the real charm of unrequited love lies in the push-and-pull of romance as you move through each step.

Ayu’s love songs often have lyrics that are easy to relate to.

LuckyKaneki Kazuya

Kazuya Kaneki “Lucky” MV

An insert song from the Toho-distributed film ‘Ao Haru Ride.’ The singer boasts that since the person they like already has a boyfriend, there’s only one rival, which is almost lucky—but the way the lyrics end with a frustrated ‘Damn it!’ makes it clear it’s just bravado.

A positive unrequited-love song.

I fell in love!tanpopo

Dandelion: I’ve fallen in love!

A love song that began with an email introduction from a friend, proudly singing of a maiden’s heart that soars higher and higher on the first date—this classic by Tanpopo is perfect for the season! The dance choreography is adorable too, and if everyone dances together, it’s sure to get the crowd going!

Teach me A to ZTamura Yukari

Teach me A to Z

It’s the opening theme song of the anime “B Gata H Kei.” When you think of songs about unrequited love, you tend to imagine something not too fast-paced and more mellow, but this one is super upbeat and makes you want to bounce along as you listen.

It has a cute vibe that doesn’t really evoke much sadness.