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

wailing in griefKudō Shizuka

Kudō Shizuka - Dōkoku

Through the lyrics, you can feel how she realizes her true feelings of love when the guy she saw as more than a friend but not quite a boyfriend asks her for romantic advice—making her realize he doesn’t see her that way.

This leads her to be overwhelmed by regret and despair.

Why not me?Misaka Saki

Saki Misaka – Isn’t It Fine If It’s Me (Full ver.)

This song delicately portrays the bittersweet feelings of unrequited love.

They were close as friends, but before he knew it, romantic feelings had begun to grow.

Those complex emotions of a boy are expressed through a clear, transparent singing voice.

Released in February 2021 as the theme song for ABEMA’s popular romance reality show “Kyo, Suki ni Narimashita” (Today, I Fell in Love), it resonated with many listeners.

It’s a perfect track for anyone struggling with their feelings for a crush.

Listening to this song might give you the courage to take a step forward.

LiarUeto Aya

Aya Ueto - Usotsuki

Aya Ueto delivers a moving song that delicately portrays a person who, after a breakup, tries to move forward while hiding their true feelings.

The folkloric, wistful melody and her clear, transparent vocals vividly express the inner state of someone putting on a brave face yet still thinking of their former partner.

Released in November 2004 as Ueto’s 10th single, the song was written and composed by Tetsuro Oda and included on the album “Re.” It’s a track that deeply resonates with anyone striving to walk forward after heartbreak while keeping their innermost feelings concealed.

Despite the show of strength, her tender, aching voice is sure to warm your heart.

So she’s not your girlfriend, huh?Ueno Yūka

Yuhka Ueno “I’m Not Your Girlfriend, Right?” Music Video

A poignant breakup ballad by Yuuka Ueno that portrays the final moments of a couple who have decided to part and arranged to meet one last time.

Crafted by Yohei Hashiguchi of wacci, this song is included on the mini-album “Konya Atashi ga Naite mo,” released in March 2020.

With great care, it traces the feelings of a woman who holds dear memories close to her heart as she tries to accept reality, conveying both the loneliness of no longer being able to be with the one she loved and her resolve to face forward even while lingering attachments remain.

Ueno’s gentle vocals and the warm melody quietly encourage those who, while confronting the pain of farewell, are ready to take a new step forward.

Time-Limited Unrequited LoveNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 'Time-Limited Unrequited Love'

A gentle, coming-of-age love song that tenderly embraces the fragility of unrequited feelings.

It’s an original track by the 6th generation members, included on Nogizaka46’s 38th single “Navel Orange,” released in March 2025.

The scenes painted by Yasushi Akimoto’s spun lyrics and the sound crafted by 3grass and Yuta Asao feel like a moment from a film.

If you’re about to graduate and can’t find the courage to confess to the one you like, this song might give you the push you need.

Read the skyDREAMS COME TRUE

DREAMS COME TRUE – Reading the Sky (from DWL 2015 Live Ver.)

This is the coupling track to DREAMS COME TRUE’s 35th single, “Nando Demo,” released on February 16, 2005.

It once ranked second in a listener poll of DREAMS COME TRUE songs on Masato Nakamura’s radio show.

It’s a song that likens feelings of love to the sky.

fragileEvery Little Thing

Every Little Thing / fragile

Speaking of Every Little Thing, they’re a music duo known for singing many songs that brilliantly capture women’s feelings.

Among their numerous hit songs, one of the most popular is “fragile.” It’s a heartrending unrequited love song.