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

Someone who isn’t you ~Tejina~DEEP

DEEP / Anyone Who Isn’t DEEP BEST-kun ~Tejina~ (Long Ver.)

A tearful song that compares unrequited love to a magic trick.

There’s no chance this crush will ever come true, yet once it starts, it pulls you in deeper like a trick you can’t look away from.

From a male perspective, the tight-chested imagery and emotive vocals bring tears to your eyes.

Why magic? you might wonder—but when you try doing magic, it’s surprisingly fun and addictive, isn’t it? It’s the same here: without any logic, he finds himself drawn to her.

For those who know it won’t be returned, yet can’t help but fall in love anyway.

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Thinking of youKEISUKE

KEISUKE – Thinking of You (Music Video)

This song, packed with the worries and inner conflicts of unrequited love, is one I especially want men who are going through it to hear.

The beautiful high notes over a piano accompaniment are a highlight, but what really stands out are the lyrics.

Any man will surely find himself relating to the story woven throughout.

You know in your head that this love won’t come true, but your heart won’t listen; you’re elated and crushed by her every word and action; you start to hate yourself for being that way…

Even so, the ending—where he resolves to face this love until he’s satisfied—hits you in the chest and makes you feel like you, too, can give it everything you’ve got.

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Hane Keisuke

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Karada no KankeiYUTORI-SEDAI

YUTORI-SEDAI – Body Relationship [Official Music Video]

A song that delicately portrays the ache of unrequited love.

Released by YUTORI-SEDAI in August 2022, this track vividly captures the raw emotions of a woman suffering from a love that will never be fulfilled.

The protagonist, unaware that the other person already has a partner, deepens the relationship.

Even as she pleads, “Don’t leave me,” she is tormented by the guilt of stealing someone else’s love—a portrayal that is truly heart-wrenching.

Midway through the song, her earnest efforts to improve herself for the other person are depicted, resonating deeply with listeners.

It’s a recommended track for those seeking to soothe the pain of heartbreak or to find empathy in the struggle of one-sided love.

I like you, but it seems like you don’t really like me.back number

Bokuwa Kiminokotoga Sukidakedo Kimiwa Bokuo Betsuni Sukijyanaimitai

This is a song by back number that candidly expresses the feelings of a bittersweet unrequited love.

The more the narrator thinks about the other person, the deeper they sink into it, singing of the pain of such a love.

You can really feel the ache of wanting to give up—saying “I’m not your type, am I?”—yet being unable to let go.

Released in December 2015, this track is recommended not only for those struggling with unrequited love, but also for anyone who wants to look back on a past romance.

Why not listen to this song and let the feelings you’ve kept tucked away in your heart be set free?

A triangular lovesaji

saji – “Triangular Love” MUSIC VIDEO

A saji song that portrays the pain of unrequited love with a heart-wrenching voice and delicate words.

The aching feelings of being unable to hold back one’s love are expressed with striking directness.

Many listeners will inevitably relate to the narrator’s position—unable to become a lover yet continuing to harbor unwavering affection.

Included on their second mini-album Hanabi no Uta, released in September 2020, the track became a hit through TikTok.

The arrangement, featuring live strings, further enhances the song’s appeal.

It’s a piece that offers solace to anyone who has experienced heartbreak or unrequited love—or is struggling with it right now.

wishsumika

sumika / Wish [Music Video]

A love where you have to step back precisely because you care deeply about that person… just imagining it makes your heart ache, doesn’t it? This is a song by the pop-rock band sumika, released in 2019 as their ninth single.

The eyes of the one you love aren’t following you, but someone else.

And so, wishing for their happiness, you decide to walk away.

With lyrics that paint a vivid story and strike a chord, it’s a winter heartbreak song.

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Araki Jakkan

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short-sleevedImai Miki

short-sleeved

Released in 1990, it’s a song by Miki Imai about an unattainable love.

It conveys the anguish and resolve of a woman who has fallen for a man with a wife and child.

She must have witnessed him cherishing his family.

Even knowing he will not love her, you can feel her wavering feelings as she tries to keep loving the man she loves.