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

A world without youto shiki

A world without you

This is a work by Toshiki, a singer-songwriter from Hyogo Prefecture, singing about overflowing feelings for someone precious who has disappeared from right before your eyes.

Released in August 2022, the song spread on social media after a post sparked buzz as a “heart-wrenchingly divine track,” inspiring over 4,000 fan-made videos.

It depicts the painful realization, only after losing them, that the ordinary days spent with someone you can no longer meet were the true happiness.

Perhaps everyone has experienced the torment of secretly holding on to love—still being in love even after a breakup.

A masterful ballad sung from a male perspective that gently embraces such sentimental feelings.

Please take your time and listen closely to his warm yet heartrending voice.

wishsumika

sumika / Wish [Music Video]

A song by sumika that portrays the bittersweet feelings of unrequited love and hope for the future.

The protagonist’s inner struggle—wishing happiness for the one they love while being unable to suppress their own feelings—is especially striking.

Released in December 2019 as the theme song for the drama “Ossan’s Love -in the sky-,” it reached No.

6 on the Oricon charts.

The music video has also been viewed over 20 million times, capturing the hearts of many.

It’s recommended not only for those wrestling with love, but also for anyone who wants to cherish the feeling of wishing someone else happiness.

Why not listen to this piece and face the “wish” that lies within you?

I want to be lovedYumcha

Yumcha “Aisaretai” [Lyric Video]

Set to a catchy pop sound, this song gives heartfelt voice to the ache of unrequited love.

Its down-to-earth lyrics portray the frustration of not being noticed by the one you like and the pure wish to win their heart.

It went viral on TikTok and Instagram, and since its release in November 2024, it has resonated with many listeners.

Yumcha’s clear vocals and uplifting message are comforting, gently encouraging girls who are working on bettering themselves.

Perfect not only for those in one-sided love, but also for anyone who needs a little courage to pursue romance.

loveback number

back number – Love (Short ver.)

A song I want people to hear when they’re keeping their feelings from someone they like.

Back number’s uniquely bittersweet, youth-filled lyrics have touched many people, regardless of gender.

With graduation just around the corner, you want to confess your feelings before it’s too late! This love song gives you the push you need.

underground mallyuzu

Underground Mall Yuzu yuzu with Chinese Subtitles

A Yuzu unrequited-love song that vividly paints scenes of the city.

Sung with just acoustic guitar and harmonica, it has an even richer flavor.

The way they honestly and straightforwardly express their feelings for the one they love is so quintessentially them, making it an uplifting love song.

Way to LoveMiho Karasawa

Way to Love / Miho Karasawa

This is a song that was used as the theme for a Monday 9 p.m.

drama.

It’s not exactly about a one-sided crush, but the phrase “on the way to falling in love” gives the sense that the romance between the girl in the song and the person she likes is just about to begin.

It’s a ballad, so it really tugs at your heartstrings with a poignant, aching feel.

The line in the chorus, “Being happy alone is already sad,” feels like it’s saying she doesn’t want the happiness of unrequited love—she wants a mutual love—and listening to it while you have a one-sided crush can be encouraging.

Wanting to see the person you’re drawn to, maybe being a little selfish in love—it’s a song that’s very easy to relate to.

Eine KleineYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Eine Kleine

Some listeners can’t help but be moved to tears by the lyrics, which are unique yet hit straight to the heart.

This artist is captivating for their soothing voice that lingers in your ears after just one listen, and this track—depicting the theme of unrequited love from a distinctive perspective—is deeply memorable.