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

Witch HazelMakihara Noriyuki

Noriyuki Makihara Witch hazel with lyrics

This is a song from Noriyuki Makihara’s album “SELF PORTRAIT,” released on October 31, 1993.

At the time, he heard on the radio that “witch hazel,” an herb, was used as an ingredient in sunscreen, and he thought it would make a good title for a summer romance song.

Just by you being herekome kome CLUB

Just by you being here

Even now, long after its release, Kome Kome Club’s “Kimi ga Iru Dake de” remains a hugely popular unrequited-love song at karaoke and elsewhere.

It is also known as the band’s biggest hit.

The song was the theme for a hit Fuji TV drama.

love letterEvery Little Thing

Every Little Thing – – – Love Letter (Live Ver.) (Photo Slideshow)

This is a heartrending song by ELT, short for Every Little Thing.

It portrays the feelings of unrequited love.

The melody is also wonderful, enhancing the poignancy of the lyrics even more.

In the live version, you can really feel the emotion through the vocals.

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.

You’re unfair, you know.riria.

riria. / Sneaky You. [Music Video]

This song poignantly expresses the feelings of unrequited love.

Released in December 2024, it is also included on the album “Kiseki,” out in January 2025.

With a clear, airy vocal that paints wintry Christmas scenes, the track features a warm arrangement incorporating piano and strings.

The lyrics convey pure emotions toward a one-sided crush, something teens in particular are likely to relate to.

It’s a perfect winter song for elevating a romantic mood.

Goodbye-byeTomioka Ai

Ai Tomioka – Goodbye Bye (Music Video)

A delicate song by Ai Tomioka that sings of a love so pure it almost hurts.

The transparent vocals capture the frustrating feeling of almost closing the distance with someone, yet never quite getting there.

Even while knowing the other person has someone special, the complicated emotions of being unable to let go resonate deeply.

Released in September 2023, it captured many hearts, reaching the Top 10 on Spotify’s Viral charts in six Asian countries.

The song is memorable for its blend of English and Japanese lyrics and its catchy melodic line.

It’s a track that comforts anyone holding onto unspoken feelings for someone they love, or struggling with a love that may never come true.

to cry innocently; to weep with a childlike airAKASAKI

[AKASAKI] Adokenaku / Innocently Crying (Lyric Video)

This song resonates with the heart through its tenderness that tries to embrace a pure soul holding back tears, and the bittersweet ache of feelings that aren’t returned.

AKASAKI’s delicate portrayal of emotion and straightforward expression of love are deeply moving.

Released as a single in January 2025, it became a hot topic after being selected as Kiss FM KOBE’s recommended Japanese track for the month.

The intertwining of the desire to protect someone and the loneliness of unfulfilled devotion evokes empathy as an emotion many have experienced.

It’s a song that gently stays by the side of anyone striving to move forward while carrying feelings for someone dear.