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

If there’s a “see you”Mirei Touyama

Mirei Touyama “If There Were Another Goodbye” Lyric Video

This is a bittersweet breakup song that gently wraps feelings of regret and gratitude toward a loved one in a clear, translucent voice.

Released by Mirei Toyama in August 2021, it portrays the struggle with the pain of parting while trying to find gratitude for a “once-in-a-lifetime happiness.” The hesitation over when to bring up the breakup, and the strength to be the one to finally say “thank you,” are also compelling.

As a track from the album “still,” this cover of a original song by Sorari Sawada offers quiet solace to those who must end a relationship or are suffering through a love they need to let go of.

flower fortune-tellingShimizu Miisa

MIISA Shimizu – Hanauarai (Flower Fortune-telling)

This is an unrequited love song that delicately portrays fleeting feelings with a clear, translucent vocal.

Released in April 2025 as the opening theme for the drama “Kiri-o Fan Club,” the track features Miisha Shimizu’s expressive vocals, beautifully harmonizing with the poignant melody line.

The sound arrangement, infused with elements of funk music, also leaves a strong impression.

It’s a song that stays close to the pains and anxieties of love, so give it a listen when you’re dealing with those feelings.

More than friends, less than loversAsa

ASA – More Than Friends, Less Than Lovers [Official Music Video]

This is a song by ASA that delicately portrays honest feelings and inner conflict.

The emotions swaying on the boundary between friendship and love are so relatable that they may feel like your own experience.

Released digitally in September 2022, the track is marked by a warm, gently enveloping vocal and an emotionally rich melody line.

Because you care so much about the other person, you can’t take that step forward—this tender, aching feeling slowly seeps into your heart.

You don’t want to lose either love or friendship.

That’s why the wish to protect the relationship as it is resonates deeply with listeners.

It’s a song I especially recommend to those struggling with their feelings for someone they like, or those who’ve realized how much a close friend means to them.

Fuzzy NavelConton Candy

Conton Candy – Fuzzy Navel [Official Video]

Formed in 2020, the three-piece girls’ band Conton Candy is gaining attention for a sound that fuses pop and rock in exquisite balance.

The trio—Tsumugi, Ren, and Hazuki—has established a genre they call “melt-pop” and has grown popular on social media.

In April 2023, their solo show at Shibuya eggman was a great success, fully showcasing the band’s appeal.

Their blend of sweet, bittersweet melodies and powerful sound resonates deeply, and they’ve been featured in ROCKIN’ON JAPAN and Natalie.

An album titled “melt pop” is slated for release in 2024, and with Tsumugi’s vocals expressing raw emotions and the band’s performance, they’re sure to capture the hearts of listeners seeking emotionally rich music.

Be sure to check them out!

I like you, please.FRUITS ZIPPER

[MV] FRUITS ZIPPER “Suki, Onegai”

A heartwarming love song that captures the pure feelings of a girl who dreams of an ideal romance, like the heroine of a drama.

It delicately portrays the shift in her emotions—from sweet bedtime fantasies each night to a love that becomes real—set to a tender melody.

Released by FRUITS ZIPPER in February 2025, the song was written as the opening theme for ABEMA’s popular dating reality show “Koisuru ♥ Shuumatsu Homestay 2025 Winter.” It’s a track that gently supports the heart of a girl swaying between ideal and reality, wishing to nurture love one step at a time.

Perfect for anyone who keeps feelings for someone they haven’t confessed to yet, or who dreams of a wonderful, drama-like romance.

youHY

you

A song by HY that paints a picture of aching, unrequited love.

Entrusting feelings for a beloved person to a song, yet being too awkward to express them honestly—that vulnerability is deeply moving.

Featured on the album “Street Story,” this track has been cherished by fans for years, and its raw lyrics, combined with Izumi Nakasone’s powerful yet delicate vocals, resonate with many listeners.

It’s perfect for anyone caught in the swirl of one-sided love, where joy and pain intertwine.

Highly recommended for those feeling heartache or looking for the courage to confess their feelings.

Thinking of youKEISUKE

KEISUKE – Thinking of You (Music Video)

Set to a bittersweet yet refreshing melody, this acoustic track by KEISUKE delicately portrays the emotional swings of unrequited love.

The gentle yet powerful vocals bring to life the many feelings unique to one-sided love: quietly watching over someone while hiding your affection, the ache of being unable to confess, and the complex emotions you feel toward yourself for falling in love.

Released in November 2019, it has surpassed 5 million views on YouTube.

It’s a song that gently stays by the side of anyone caught in the midst of a tender, aching romance—overflowing with feelings yet unable to take that crucial step forward.