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

Unrequited loveSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER “Unrequited Love” MV

It’s a rock ballad that portrays earnest emotions.

SUPER BEAVER, known for their fiery live performances, have garnered strong support.

Included on the single “Unrequited Love / The True Nature of Tears,” released in March 2025, this song was written specifically as an insert track for the NHK late-night drama “Vanilla na Mainichi.” The lyrics convey the nobility of loving someone without expecting anything in return—feelings that are deeply moving.

Be sure to give this emotional track a listen.

Coffee SongHOWL BE QUIET

HOWL BE QUIET – Coffee Song

A love song that overlays the ache of unrequited feelings onto an everyday moment.

Released digitally in 2021 by the piano rock band HOWL BE QUIET and later included on their final album, HOWL BE QUIET, this track is also known for having been created through communication with fans during livestreamed performances.

Told from a female perspective, its portrayal of a love that goes unrewarded is deeply moving.

With lyrics that revive memories along with the aroma of coffee, it’s perfect for nights spent thinking of someone.

A song for everyone who carries feelings that can’t reach their destination.

LÖVE MEBUDDiiS

BUDDiiS「LÖVE ME」Official Music Video

It’s a BUDDiiS track that captures the frustrating feelings of a one-sided crush—wanting to get closer to someone but not being able to—in straightforward, relatable words.

Released as a single in May 2025, it blends sweet-and-sour lyrics with classic pop sounds, creating a cute world that makes your heart race just by listening.

Many will relate to the pure feelings of love sung over its dramatic melody.

For anyone stuck on the verge of stepping forward toward the person they can’t take their eyes off, this song gives a gentle push.

mutual unrequited loveDXTEEN

DXTEEN | 'Mutual Crush' Official MV (Theme Song for the Drama 'I Joined a Group I’m Not Close With on the School Trip')

It’s a heart-tickling youth love song packed with the sweet, bittersweet flutter of the moment when love begins to move.

Released in September 2025 as DXTEEN’s 6th single, the track portrays that delicate distance between two people who like each other but can’t quite take the next step.

It also drew attention as the theme song for the drama “I Joined a Group I’m Not Close With on the School Trip.” The initial rush of romance and the thrill of feeling the gap slowly close with someone you like are vividly expressed through the members’ fresh, breezy vocals.

Give it a listen when you want to move your relationship forward.

Summer SkyFaulieu.

Faulieu. “Natsusora” - Lyric Video -

With a thrilling sense of momentum, the song pours unspoken feelings of love into its performance.

It’s a bittersweet rock number, tinged with the air of late summer, featured on the EP “My name is Faulieu.” set for release in August 2025, and performed by Faulieu.

The bassist and backing vocalist Ayano wrote both the lyrics and the music.

Because they care so deeply, they can’t bring themselves to confess—afraid to break what they have now.

The lyrics capture a page of youth so vividly it tightens your chest.

Why not listen as you overlay your own secret feelings onto the passing scenery of the seasons?

Specter feat. HACHIMIMiNARI

Spectrum feat. HACHI / MIMiNARI: Music Video

A tender crush that changes the color of your world is wrapped in a voice full of transparency.

Part of MIMiNARI’s “turning memories into music” project, the track features singer HACHI on vocals.

It’s the lead song from their first full-length album, “freq.,” released in March 2025.

With stylish, Chinese-inspired arrangements, the sound stands out.

The lyrics capture the frustrating feelings of a girl who hasn’t quite grown up.

Give it a listen when you’re unsure where your love is headed.

Unrequited Love Magnetmekakushe

mekakushe – Unrequited Love Magnet (Official Music Video)

Though they love each other, they can’t be honest—sticking together and pulling apart like magnets.

This song by singer-songwriter mekakushe delicately yet poppily portrays that frustrating feeling of love.

The airy vocals and bright horn sounds amplify the thrill of being in love.

But it’s not all sweetness; the lyrics also hide clashes born from being so alike, and the bittersweetness of love.

If you’re clumsily nursing a one-sided crush, this song is sure to be by your side.