Tear-jerking unrequited love songs that will break your heart: timeless classics about unattainable love

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.

Your happinessUru

[Official] Uru "Kimi no Shiawase wo"

A tale of unrequited love that begins with a poetry reading.

Crafted by Uru herself, this work beautifully portrays deep affection for the other person and a resolute acceptance of parting.

Though close in proximity, a distance in hearts is felt—the aching inability to convey one’s feelings.

Because she wishes for the other’s happiness, she suppresses her own emotions; her delicate inner world is delivered through a simple yet striking melody.

Released in November 2023, the song features a piano- and acoustic guitar–centered arrangement that is simple but deeply moving.

It’s a piece that stands beside those who harbor the complex feelings of loving someone while suffering as they wish for that person’s happiness.

I’ve fallen in love.YUTORI-SEDAI

YUTORI-SEDAI – I Fell in Love [Official Music Video]

A heartrending song that portrays an unstoppable longing, even while knowing you shouldn’t move forward.

It’s a rock track YUTORI-SEDAI delivers in July 2024.

With a sense of urgency like a racing heartbeat, it captures the emotional sway of not being able to suppress your feelings, even as you worry you might just be getting played.

The song was selected as the 50th anniversary commercial track for Aeon Topvalu, and the music video features Rio Kitano, a TikTok sensation.

It’s sure to resonate with anyone who can’t stop thinking about that special someone.

seesawtuki.

tuki. “Seesaw” Official Music Video

A bittersweet love song by tuki.

that overlays the delicate distance between two people in romance with the image of a seesaw.

It’s a track we hope those in relationships that aren’t progressing—and who feel that frustrating stagnation—will listen to.

When you’re struggling with the distance or mismatch in feelings between you and your partner, you’re sure to find moments that resonate.

The album “15,” releasing in January 2025 and featuring this song, is a collection of tracks she created up to the age of 15—be sure to check it out along with this track.

I’m really sorry.≠ME

≠ME (Not Equal Me) / 9th Single c/w “Gomen, Majide” [MV full]

This song beautifully captures the aching feelings of unrequited love.

The lyrics convey the struggle of staying just friends while being unable to confess your feelings.

Even knowing the person you like is drawn to someone else, you can’t hold back your own emotions—this complex state of mind tugs at the heart.

Featured on ≠ME’s ninth single, “Because Summer Has Come,” the track feels like peeking into the diary of a girl in love.

It’s perfect for anyone torn in a more-than-friends-but-not-quite-lovers relationship, or for those mustering the courage to confess.

Listen to this song, take a deep breath, and go tell them how you feel!

That’s not fair…arekunn

That's not fair... / Ale-kun [Official Music Video]

Arekun’s song, which beautifully captures the ache of unrequited love and the pain it brings, has been moving many listeners.

While harboring deep feelings for the other person, the song delicately weaves the complex emotions of a woman swayed by their ambiguous behavior.

Released in August 2021 as a pre-release track from the album “Breath,” it was also selected as the ending theme for TV Asahi’s “BREAKOUT” in September, allowing it to resonate with an even wider audience.

Confused by the other’s vague kindness, hurt yet unable to suppress her feelings—this work offers heartfelt empathy and comfort to those who carry the pain of a love that may never be returned.

You let me do as I please, and yet…arekunn

You’re the one who let me fall for you / Arekun [Official Music Video]

Arekun’s poignant love song carefully portrays the feelings of a woman who, after being led on and ultimately betrayed, struggles with complex emotions.

The protagonist, having fallen in love, rides an emotional roller coaster in response to the other person’s behavior, while gradually sensing the chill settling over their relationship.

Released in September 2020 and included on the album “Kokyū” (“Breath”), the song drew attention mainly on social media and resonated widely.

It is a moving track that offers solace to those who have been strung along by someone’s suggestive behavior or are troubled by their relationship with the person they care about.