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

YOU… feat. Izumi Nakasone (HY)Kato Miria

Miliyah Kato “YOU… feat. Izumi Nakasone (HY)”

Speaking of collaborations between powerhouse female singers, we can’t forget this song by Miliyah Kato and Izumi Nakasone of HY.

Based on real unrequited-love stories sent in by radio listeners, the two artists co-created this gem of a ballad.

Released in September 2014 as their 30th single, it was also included on the milestone 10th-anniversary album “MUSE.” The frustration of not being able to put your feelings into words, and the emotional wavering as you move toward confessing your love, come through poignantly in the harmony between Kato’s delicate vocals and Nakasone’s warm voice.

Chosen as the theme song for a radio drama, this track just might gently give you the push you need if you’re struggling with a one-sided love.

100 Centimeters to YouUeda Yūji

100 Centimeters to You - Japan ACG

This is a song from voice actor Yuji Ueda’s album “Yoshio Saotome/100% no Jibun,” released on December 8, 1998.

The track is sung by Yuji Ueda, who portrays the character Yoshio Saotome from the video game Tokimeki Memorial.

He also wrote the lyrics himself.

The song expresses a man’s romantic feelings toward a woman.

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.

You look like an idiot.Saucy Dog

Saucy Dog “Like a Fool.” Music Video (Theme song for ABEMA’s “You Can’t Fool Me, Mr. Wolf”)

It carefully portrays the delicate feelings of a woman who can’t express herself well: while harboring the desire to know the other person more and to have them all to herself, and feeling love for them, she’s already fed up, believing there’s nothing more she can do.

Chosen as the theme song for ABEMA’s dating reality show “Don’t Be Fooled by Me and Mr.

Wolf,” the track was released digitally in August 2024, and is memorable for its emotional band sound and Shinya Ishihara’s vocals.

It’s a perfect song for those who can’t grasp how the person they like truly feels and are struggling with inner conflict.

Recommended for anyone who can relate to the sorrow of loving someone yet being unable to move forward.

youHY

you

A song by HY that paints a picture of aching, unrequited love.

Entrusting feelings for a beloved person to a song, yet being too awkward to express them honestly—that vulnerability is deeply moving.

Featured on the album “Street Story,” this track has been cherished by fans for years, and its raw lyrics, combined with Izumi Nakasone’s powerful yet delicate vocals, resonate with many listeners.

It’s perfect for anyone caught in the swirl of one-sided love, where joy and pain intertwine.

Highly recommended for those feeling heartache or looking for the courage to confess their feelings.