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

If only I could just come to hate you.Ryohei Ab

Ryohei Abe “If only I could just come to hate you.” Music Video

A pop song that tugs at the heart with the ache of being unable to confess your feelings even while carrying love inside.

Featured on the album “THE BEST 2020 – 2025,” releasing in January 2025, this track pairs warm, rich production with emotional lyrics that gently support anyone struggling with love.

Ryohei Abe’s delicate vocals and expressive delivery resonate deeply with those holding on to fragile feelings.

The song carefully portrays the frustration of being unable to let go of your emotions while agonizing over the distance between you and the one you like.

If you haven’t been able to tell that special someone how you feel, you’ll surely relate.

Ah, geez.Saucy Dog

Saucy Dog “Ah, geez.” Music Video

Saucy Dog is a three-piece rock band that gained attention with the huge hit of their 2021 release, Cinderella Boy.

Their major 10th digital single, “Ah, Mou,” was selected as the theme song for TV Asahi and TELASA’s special drama The Incompetent Duo, as well as a collaboration track with Morinaga’s DARS chocolate.

The lyrics, depicting the emotional ups and downs of unrequited love, are likely to resonate with many teenagers.

It’s a clear, transparent number whose refreshing ensemble—marked by memorable guitar strumming—ironically makes it all the more poignant.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Kasane AiSoala

Soala – Kasaneai [Official Music Video]

Soala’s translucent vocals gently embrace the feelings that pass each other by and the wish to reunite, delicately expressing subtle emotions.

Released in January 2025 as a track on the EP “Bluem,” the song is distinguished by its piano-centered, gentle sound and memorable melodic lines.

The music video—featuring model Ryoka Orita and actor Yusei Ito—has also garnered attention, spreading waves of empathy across social media.

It’s a song I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who carries a “what if”—wondering how things might have been if you’d met in a different way.

Look!Suiet

Look! – Suiet [ Official Music Video ]

A delicate love song by Suiet that captures intimate nighttime moments with someone special.

Its stylish sound incorporates jazz elements, and the lyrics vividly depict nocturnal scenes.

Released in February 2025, the track garnered over 160,000 plays within two days.

Illustrators su and Akko contributed to the artwork, creating a unique world by fusing music and visuals.

It’s a perfect song for those experiencing unrequited love or women wishing to spend a beautiful night with someone dear.

ContrastTOMOO

TOMOO – Contrast [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

A gem of a love song that exquisitely interweaves longing for someone with a tender ache.

The feelings TOMOO weaves—wavering between the joy and loneliness of love—gently embrace emotions anyone can relate to.

That bittersweet yearning of having someone right before your eyes yet being unable to close the distance between your hearts.

The pure emotion that slips out despite putting on a brave face.

Carefully giving voice to the heart of someone in unrequited love, this song has been airing since January 2024 as the ending theme for cour 2 of the anime Blue Box.

It’s a track we especially recommend to those who are in the midst of a romance, with their loved one nearby yet unable to be fully honest about their feelings.

Love SongUru

[Official] Uru “Love Song” — Theme song for Fuji TV’s Thursday drama series “My Fair Prince”

A song that gently embraces the feeling of wanting to look away from the person you see in the mirror.

Showcasing Uru’s delicate sensibility, this work sings about becoming stronger through encounters with others and through love.

Written as the theme song for the drama “Oshi no Oujisama” (My Dear Prince), it was released in August 2021.

The lyrics carry a message about realizing the importance of meeting special people and having companions while chasing your dreams, making it perfect for anyone looking to boost their motivation in love.

It’s also a song we hope those who find it hard to be honest about having someone in their heart will listen to.

I like you.YUTORI-SEDAI

[Official Music Video] YUTORI-SEDAI – I Like You (Suki)

A bittersweet love song by YUTORI-SEDAI packed with the flutter and ache of unrequited love.

Changing your nails or makeup, trying a new hair color… You can’t help but root for someone doing everything they can to get their crush to notice them.

Released in February 2023, this track became a huge hit on TikTok.

Haven’t you experienced something like this yourself? Before you work up the courage to confess, why not listen to this song and get yourself in the mood?