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

Chu of addictivesurii

Addictive Chu / Surii

A wistful love song by Surii, released in July 2023, where electronic sounds intertwine with a catchy melody.

It portrays the wavering emotions between the desire to monopolize the one you love and clear-headed judgment, skillfully weaving in playful wordplay.

While pop in style, the tune carries a hint of sadness that deeply resonates with listeners.

It’s a song I wholeheartedly recommend to those who feel the precariousness and instability of being in love, or who find themselves overwhelmed by feelings that are too strong for someone dear to them.

Try loving—it’s not like you’ll lose anything.neguse.

Bedhead. 'Try loving me—it won't cost you anything' Official Music Video

A one-sided crush song from a woman’s perspective crafted by Neguse., depicting unreciprocated feelings and complex emotions.

Released in April 2023, the track gained traction on social media, and by September its music video surpassed 2 million views.

In contrast to its poppy, catchy sound, the lyrics convey the weight and ache of saying “I like you.” It’s a song that offers comfort to those struggling with emotional distance or anxiety in love—highly recommended for anyone who relates to the frustration of a bittersweet crush.

selling oneselfRosu

selling oneself

Set in a red-light district, this narrative song portrays a courtesan bearing an aching love for a man she adores.

With delicate wording, it weaves the emotions of a woman wavering between her unrequited feelings for someone who won’t even meet her gaze and the reality of living as a courtesan.

Ros’s protean vocals vividly express the poignancy and sorrow.

Released digitally in March 2022 and included on the album “Yoru no Shito,” the piece has also been tied to projects such as the drama series “My Beautiful Man.” It will resonate deeply not only with those suffering from impossible love, but with anyone who knows the bittersweet ache of loving someone relentlessly.

senpainozomi

Noashi (Noa) – Senpai [Official Music Video]

An unforgettable song that delicately captures wavering feelings for an older upperclassman.

Told from the perspective of a younger student tossed about by their senior, it portrays the anguish of love.

While captivated by every little gesture—the red lipstick, swaying earrings, and pale fingertips—the narrator is painfully torn by the fear they might be nothing more than a way to pass the time.

Released in August 2023, this self-produced work was entirely handled by Noshi, from lyrics and composition to arrangement.

It’s a song that speaks for your heart—highly recommended for anyone who has fallen hard for someone much older, or who’s stuck in the haze of not knowing how the other person really feels.

motion sickness from proximitywanuka

Yori Yoi / Wanuqa [Music Video]

A song by Wanuka that portrays the protagonist’s wavering emotions as they try to confess their feelings to someone they like, borrowing courage from a tipsy buzz yet unable to be completely honest.

Included on the album Aonisei, the track has sparked a major response since its February 2021 release, especially on social media, and has been widely embraced for its uniquely Japanese-flavored melody and relatable lyrics.

The image of a pleasantly drunk protagonist swaying between the desire to get closer and the frustration of not being able to express those feelings is the very essence of a romantic experience everyone’s had.

It’s a heartfelt recommendation for anyone who feels the urge to have someone all to themselves yet struggles to put those feelings into words.

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!