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

What is love?Ryokushokushakai

Ryokuoushoku Shakai – “What Is Love?” / Koitte

A number by Ryokuoushoku Shakai that vividly captures the pounding excitement when love begins.

Composed by the keyboardist peppe, the song is striking for its buoyant piano melody and an exhilarating beat that makes you want to clap along.

The lyrics portray the confusion and flutter of liking someone for the first time, and the bittersweet image of hiding your true feelings with a casual “Just kidding,” which may make you reflect on your own experiences.

After being included on the mini-album ADORE released in August 2017, the track was later chosen as the theme song for ABEMA’s dating show “Love’s Coach Is My Ex” in 2021.

It’s a song that gently gives a push to anyone carrying the sweet-and-sour ache of unrequited love.

I’m in love right now.≒JOY

≒JOY (Nearly Equal Joy) / “I’m in Love Now” [MV full] Vertical video

A bittersweet summer love song told from a male perspective about unrequited feelings.

It captures a rush that makes you want to take off on a bicycle, along with the frustrating distance of watching someone from afar, striking a chord with its purehearted romance.

With lyrics by Rino Sashihara, it was released in August 2025 as part of a “Summer Special Song” project.

The vertically shot school-set music video also drew attention, with its story-driven visuals vividly enhancing the song’s world.

While wishing happiness for the dazzling person they love, the singer laments the ache of not being able to be part of that story.

It’s a must-listen for anyone holding feelings they can’t convey right now, or for those who want to savor the sweet-and-sour taste of love.

Many listeners are sure to relate.

You don’t listen to rock.aimyon

Aimyon – You Don’t Listen to Rock [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

A signature song by Aimyon that blends the sweet tang and faint bitterness of youth, gripping listeners’ hearts and never letting go.

Released in August 2017 as her third single, this track portrays a clumsy crush: trying to convey one’s feelings to someone who isn’t into rock through a beloved record.

Many will likely see their younger selves in the earnest “I,” wishing to close even a little of the distance.

Upon release, it earned power-play rotation at 42 radio stations nationwide, catapulting her recognition.

When you’re wrestling with the frustration of unrequited love, why not listen to this song for a dose of courage?

Vanillakyanai

Kyannai – Vanilla [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Singer-songwriter Kyanai, who gained attention through street performances and social media posts.

Released in March 2022, this piece is a captivating track featuring a lingering piano melody and a sweet singing voice.

At first glance it seems like a happy love song, but in fact it carries feelings for a lover they can no longer meet.

That deep narrative quality captured the hearts of many listeners, earning it the top spot on Billboard JAPAN’s 2022 “Heatseekers Songs.” The delicate world depicted in the music video further enhances the song’s poignancy.

It’s a companion not only for joyful moments spent with someone dear, but also for quiet nights when you want to think of someone alone.

PrologueUru

"Prologue" FULL ver.

A poignant ballad that portrays a love so strong it slips beyond one’s control—leaving you wondering how you could ever fall this hard.

Even knowing it’s hopeless, your eyes still follow the one you love; those wavering emotions surge through your chest alongside Uru’s crystal-clear voice.

Released as a single in December 2018, the song was chosen as the theme for the drama “Chugakusei Nikki” (Middle Schooler’s Diary), starring Kasumi Arimura.

It resonates with the story’s depiction of a forbidden relationship between teacher and student, and many likely found themselves in tears whenever it played at the drama’s climactic moments.

It was later included on the acclaimed album “Orion Blue.” For anyone spending nights on the verge of breaking, burdened by feelings that defy reason, this song will quietly stay by your side.

Last Love Lettermoon drop

moon drop [Last Love Letter] Music Video

From an intro that bursts with the sweet tang of youth and sets your heart dancing, this is the quintessential popular number by moon drop.

Many listeners are sure to feel their chests tighten at the lyrics’ worldview, where the frustration of unrequited love and unspoken feelings intersect.

The track is included on their first full-length album, “Kono Tenohira ga Mada Kimi o Oboete Iru,” released in January 2022.

It was also used as a CM song for Honda Cars, broadcast across seven prefectures in the Chubu region, including Aichi and Mie, so plenty of people have likely heard its refreshing melody on TV.

This song sets indecisive feelings toward someone you love and a premonition of love’s end to an easygoing beat.

It’s perfect not only for students swaying with tender crushes, but also for anyone who wants to bask in bittersweet memories from the past.

Heroineback number

back number “Heroine” Music Video

Back Number, hugely popular among young people for their relatable lyrics.

This is one of their many unrequited love songs.

Since it was also used in a commercial, some of you may have heard it.

A love song where the slightly timid “I,” while feeling restless, thinks of you with unwavering sincerity.