Ayumi Hamasaki’s Unrequited Love Songs: Popular Song Rankings [2026]

No way to sayHamasaki Ayumi1rank/position

Hamasaki Ayumi / No way to say

Ayu Hamasaki’s 31st single, by an artist who epitomized the Heisei-era music scene and garnered immense support as a fashion icon.

Released in November 2003, the song was featured as the theme for the TBS variety show “Koisuru Hanikami!” and is also known for helping her achieve an unprecedented third consecutive win at the 45th Japan Record Awards.

The lyrics, which portray the frustration of being unable to honestly express your feelings to someone important, intertwine with the winter chill to evoke a heart-wrenching sense of poignancy.

This grand ballad, resounding with beautiful strings, is sure to bring back memories from that time.

Who…Hamasaki Ayumi2rank/position

Ayumi Hamasaki / Who… [Live Lyric Video] [from “A BEST -15th Anniversary Edition-”]

The bittersweet lyrics make me realize once again that there’s so much we can learn from loving someone and being in a relationship.

Ayumi Hamasaki’s uniquely delicate and masterful singing is a must-hear.

A grand ballad by the diva of the Heisei era.

She is undoubtedly an artist who will go down in history.

DaysHamasaki Ayumi3rank/position

Ayumi Hamasaki / Days (Short Ver.)

It’s a song about wanting to stay in love, even knowing it’s a hopeless romance.

It makes you realize that there are loves where, even if you know the person you like has someone else, their very presence feels like an oasis for your heart.

The song is Ayumi Hamasaki’s 44th single, released in 2008, and it was also used in a commercial for NTT Communications.

It’s a quietly sung ballad.

is this LOVE?Hamasaki Ayumi4rank/position

Ayumi Hamasaki / is this LOVE?

I think knowing who the person you like has feelings for can be very painful.

Ayumi Hamasaki’s “is this LOVE?” is a song that expresses that kind of bittersweet emptiness.

It was also used in a commercial.

The intense, rock-style sound seems to convey a complex swirl of emotions, as if shaken to the core.

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gummy

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STEP youHamasaki Ayumi5rank/position

Ayumi Hamasaki / STEP you (Short Ver.)

Here’s a recommendation for when you’re experiencing unrequited love: “STEP you” by Ayumi Hamasaki, the songstress of the Heisei era.

It’s a love song that honestly expresses feelings toward someone special.

It’s packed with the fluttery excitement of being in love, and the sense of emotions building up makes it perfect for anyone with a crush.

In the latter half of the song, the way the girl gradually becomes a bit more greedy is super relatable, too.

It’ll give you courage when you want to confess your feelings but can’t take that first step.

By the way, Ayumi Hamasaki is ridiculously cute in this music video, so definitely check it out!

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Kado(guchi) Shichigatsu

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DearestHamasaki Ayumi6rank/position

Ayumi Hamasaki / Dearest

A singer-songwriter who reigned at the pinnacle of the J-POP scene as a “charismatic icon for high school girls,” Ayumi Hamasaki released her 24th single in September 2001.

Widely beloved as the ending theme for the TV anime Inuyasha and as a song for Tu-Ka commercials, it is a renowned ballad that won the 43rd Japan Record Award.

Set to a grand melody woven by piano and strings, the lyrics convey a heartfelt resolve to accept parting and loss while continuing to wish for the other person’s happiness.

It’s a gem of a number you’ll want to listen to while thinking of someone dear, as the season begins to carry a hint of winter.