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

5 seconds before I fall seriously in loveHirosue Ryōko

[Official] Ryoko Hirosue “Five Seconds Before I Fall Seriously in Love” (MV) Ryoko Hirosue / Maji de Koi Suru 5 Byou Mae MK5 [1st Single]

This Motown-flavored song was written and composed by Mariya Takeuchi.

It’s a charming track that captures the feeling of finally finding a chance to get close to the boy you’ve had your eye on, and then hopping onto the roller coaster of love as everything starts to roll.

I’ve always liked you.Saitō Kazuyoshi

Kazuyoshi Saito – I’ve Always Loved You [Music Video]

Haven’t you ever felt your heart skip a beat when, as an adult, you ran into the person you liked back in your school days at a reunion or something? You couldn’t confess your feelings back then, but the fact that those strong feelings still remain as a beautiful memory now is really wonderful, isn’t it? As a woman, I’d love to hear something like that said to me.

One thing I want to ask youSHISHAMO

SHISHAMO "One Thing I Want to Ask You"

It’s an adorable unrequited-love song that captures feelings for someone whose name you don’t even know.

Released by SHISHAMO in June 2025, it stands out not only for the music but also because vocalist Asako Miyazaki plays the heroine in the music video.

The lyrics distill a pure desire to know everything about the other person, and together with the warm musical tone, it’s sure to make your heart flutter.

If you’re in the midst of a crush right now, you might find it incredibly relatable.

First lovematsumura kanau

First Love – Kanau Matsumura [Official Music Video]

This is a song by Kanau Matsumura that’s packed with the sweet-and-sour feelings and frustrations of thinking about someone you like—the full spectrum of first love.

Released in June 2025, it’s a track that could be called the essence of his artistry.

The growing feelings for someone you can only meet in your dreams, the bittersweet longing that makes you take the long way home—listeners may find these emotions overlap with their own experiences.

When you like someone but can’t see them, even small things can make you anxious.

This gentle voice might softly stay by the side of that wavering heart.

Embraced by the wintry windKoizumi Kyoko

Aya Hirano in Springs (unit name undecided) “Embraced by the Wintry Wind” [PV] (2003-02-26)

It’s a classic ballad by Kyoko Koizumi.

The song has some minor-key elements and a really cool vibe.

Koizumi is the kind of singer who articulates the lyrics clearly, so they really sink in.

The theme of unrequited love that goes unnoticed by the other person appears in the song, and it feels truly heartbreaking.

It conveys the painful, aching feeling so intensely that you almost wish you could forget ever falling in love if that wish could be granted.

Since Takamizawa from THE ALFEE wrote both the lyrics and music, it also has a rock flavor, making it a truly wonderful song.

Why not me?Misaka Saki

Saki Misaka – Isn’t It Fine If It’s Me (Full ver.)

This song delicately portrays the bittersweet feelings of unrequited love.

They were close as friends, but before he knew it, romantic feelings had begun to grow.

Those complex emotions of a boy are expressed through a clear, transparent singing voice.

Released in February 2021 as the theme song for ABEMA’s popular romance reality show “Kyo, Suki ni Narimashita” (Today, I Fell in Love), it resonated with many listeners.

It’s a perfect track for anyone struggling with their feelings for a crush.

Listening to this song might give you the courage to take a step forward.

DarlingSuda Keina

Keina Suda – Darling (Music Video)

An emotional song by Keina Suda that powerfully portrays a fleeting yet earnest longing for love.

It expresses one-sided devotion, the pain of not being accepted, and feelings of self-denial, all conveyed through an addictive melody and delicate vocals.

Released in January 2023, the music video—created in collaboration with illustrator Avogado6—garnered attention for its innovative visual beauty that blends animation with live action.

It’s a song that gently resonates with those struggling with dependency and inner conflict in love, or with the heartache of not being accepted by the one they care for.