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

PrologueUru

"Prologue" FULL ver.

A poignant ballad that portrays a love so strong it slips beyond one’s control—leaving you wondering how you could ever fall this hard.

Even knowing it’s hopeless, your eyes still follow the one you love; those wavering emotions surge through your chest alongside Uru’s crystal-clear voice.

Released as a single in December 2018, the song was chosen as the theme for the drama “Chugakusei Nikki” (Middle Schooler’s Diary), starring Kasumi Arimura.

It resonates with the story’s depiction of a forbidden relationship between teacher and student, and many likely found themselves in tears whenever it played at the drama’s climactic moments.

It was later included on the acclaimed album “Orion Blue.” For anyone spending nights on the verge of breaking, burdened by feelings that defy reason, this song will quietly stay by your side.

Dried flowersYuuri

Yuri “Dry Flower” Official Music Video - Director’s Cut ver. -

This ballad overlays feelings that don’t fade even after a breakup with the image of flowers that remain beautiful even when they wither.

Known as one of Yuuri’s signature songs, it is depicted as the after-story to the male-perspective heartbreak song “Kakurenbo.” The wavering emotions of a woman who tries—and fails—to grow to dislike her former partner press upon the heart along with the poignant melody.

Released for streaming in October 2020, it achieved the remarkable milestone of surpassing 1 billion domestic streams in July 2024.

It will be there for you on nights when memories of someone you loved make your chest tighten, or when you just need to have a good cry.

I want to forget.wacci

wacci “I Want to Forget” Music Video

A delicate breakup song by wacci that opens with the scent of cigarettes triggering the feeling that once-happy times are vanishing like smoke.

Despite the overwhelming desire to “forget,” the memory of the other person’s voice and kisses refuses to fade, lingering in the heart—expressed through a wistful, beautiful melody.

Released in July 2024 as the third installment in wacci’s three-part love song project, the track was distributed digitally and became a smash hit.

It’s a highly relatable piece that resonates with those who still have feelings for a past love or struggle to let go of an ex.

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?

premonitionMy Hair is Bad

Yokan

This song, which depicts an unbreakable love for a woman who already has a partner, is one of the tracks on the digital single “love,” released in December 2020.

Precisely because it was born during a time when the world was shrouded in anxiety, the personal and intensely written lyrics by Shiiki sink deep into the heart.

Progressing like a story, the piece leaves a profound afterglow, as if you’ve just watched a short film.

The emotionally charged band performance unfolding at a mid-tempo is also superb—the quiet intro building to a chorus where feelings overflow is a must-hear.

It’s perfect not only for those nursing the pain of an impossible love, but also for nights when you want to quietly immerse yourself in a world of storytelling on your own.

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.

raspberryMarushii

Raspberry

This is a song by Marcy that portrays someone who, while realizing their feelings won’t be returned, still wishes for their unrequited love to come true.

The tug-of-war between wanting to see the person and not wanting to—precisely because they understand how painful one-sided love can be—elicits strong empathy.

Within the refreshing band sound, the sharp tone of the guitar evokes the heartache that grows alongside their deepening affection.

It’s a song that candidly depicts the lack of emotional cohesion: the desire to make unrequited love come true ends up causing suffering, while the wish to be freed from that suffering coexists at the same time.

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