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

SAY YESCHAGE and ASKA

[MV] SAY YES / CHAGE and ASKA

When it comes to CHAGE and ASKA’s “SAY YES,” it’s such a famous unrequited-love song that virtually everyone knows it.

It’s also known as the theme song of the legendary TV drama “The 101st Proposal.” In any case, it’s a heartbreakingly sad ballad.

Having someone you likeJY

JY 'Have Someone You Like' Music Video Short Ver.

JY’s “Suki na Hito ga Iru Koto” is a bittersweet unrequited love song recommended for girls.

The track was released as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m.

drama “Suki na Hito ga Iru Koto” and gained popularity.

The cute, heartwarming vocals are also a highlight.

beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko

aiko - 'Kabutomushi' music video

When it comes to aiko, it’s no exaggeration to say there’s no one who can surpass her in singing about a woman’s heart; she’s a singer-songwriter with an exceptionally strong female following.

It’s likely not just her songs, but her way of life itself that has garnered such enduring support.

1 2 3 ~Love Begins~ikimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari '1 2 3 ~Love Begins~ MUSIC VIDEO (Short ver.)'

Speaking of Ikimono-gakari, they’re a truly national band popular with people of all ages.

Their “1 2 3 ~Koi ga Hajimaru~” is a laid-back, easy-listening track.

The lyrics are quintessentially Ikimono-gakari, and the emotive tone of the music is striking.

More than friends, less than loversmatsumura kanau

More than friends, less than lovers

This song paints a bittersweet, relatable portrait of young love.

Released by Kanau Matsumura in July 2022, it carefully conveys the feelings of a protagonist struggling with a more-than-friends, not-quite-lovers relationship.

The lyric “I’ve gone way too far fantasizing about date plans” reveals how they can’t hold back their feelings.

Though the track gained attention on social media, it’s filled with emotions anyone with experience in love has felt at least once.

If you’ve ever found your heart racing when you were alone with your crush, this is a song you should definitely listen to.

Orange NotebookMomoiro Kurōbā Zetto

Momoiro Clover Z Orange Note Calls

This song was originally performed only at live shows starting in 2010 and became very popular, but it was first officially recorded on the 2011 album “Battle and Romance.” During a free live concert held at an event space at Tokyo Tower, there was a mishap where the sound system cut out in the middle of this song, but the five members kept going and sang it a cappella all the way to the end.

truekuriipuhaipe

CreepHyp – “Real” (MUSIC VIDEO)

Creep Pipe is a rock band that enjoys charismatic popularity among young people.

One of their charms, I think, is the vocalist’s indescribably sweet, husky voice.

This song, “Hontō” (“Truly”), is an unrequited-love tune where you can fully savor that appeal.