Popular Unrequited Love Songs: Japanese Music/J-Pop Artist Rankings [2026]

One million “I love you”sRake64rank/position

Rake "One Million Times 'I Love You'"

This song passionately sings of a love so deep it moves the heart.

Released in March 2011 as Rake’s third single, it was also featured in a Yokohama Tires commercial.

Its refreshing acoustic guitar–based sound and lyrics that directly express feelings for a loved one leave a strong impression.

It captured many hearts, remaining in the TOP 30 of USEN’s overall J-POP chart for an entire year from November 2010 to November 2011.

It’s a perfect song for confessing your feelings or for weddings—any moment when you want to convey your love to someone special.

Why not let your loved one listen to it?

I like you.YUTORI-SEDAI65rank/position

[Official Music Video] YUTORI-SEDAI – I Like You (Suki)

A bittersweet love song by YUTORI-SEDAI packed with the flutter and ache of unrequited love.

Changing your nails or makeup, trying a new hair color… You can’t help but root for someone doing everything they can to get their crush to notice them.

Released in February 2023, this track became a huge hit on TikTok.

Haven’t you experienced something like this yourself? Before you work up the courage to confess, why not listen to this song and get yourself in the mood?

The decisive battle is on Friday.DREAMS COME TRUE66rank/position

DREAMS COME TRUE – The Showdown Is on Friday (from THE DREAM QUEST TOUR 2017 Live Ver.)

This is the 11th single by DREAMS COME TRUE, a song that boasts enduring popularity across a wide audience thanks to its overwhelming vocal power and striking impact.

Chosen as the theme song for Fuji TV’s program “Ureshi Tanoshi Daisuki,” it captured the hearts of even more listeners.

The lyrics, which express the rising excitement towards Friday and the anticipation of spending time with someone special, likely resonated with many people.

Its comfortable mid-tempo rhythm and funky sound reminiscent of Earth, Wind & Fire are guaranteed to liven up any karaoke session.

Released in September 1992, this work became DREAMS COME TRUE’s first million-seller and continues to be loved by many to this day.

Only for you, clear skiesYorushika67rank/position

Yorushika – Just Clear Skies for You (MUSIC VIDEO)

A delicate portrayal of fleeting love, Yorushika’s heartrending song pierces the heart with Suis’s translucent vocals and n-buna’s literary lyrics.

Featured on their second mini-album “No Encore for the Loser,” released in May 2018, the track became a massive hit, surpassing 100 million views on YouTube.

It carefully depicts the wavering emotions of “me,” who remains bound by past memories and can’t let go even into adulthood.

A song that stands beside those suffering from unrequited love and those who can’t give up on their feelings.

May this song bring a break in the clouds to your heart.

waiting in vainrokudenashi68rank/position

Rokudenashi “Left Waiting” / Rokudenashi – Stood Me Up [Official Music Video]

This is a work by Rokudenashi, who began activities in 2021, delicately depicting the emotions of unrequited love.

The subtle shifts of a heart that can’t quite face the other person’s kindness, and the loneliness of being able only to watch them talk with someone else, leave a strong impression.

The vocals woven by Ninjin carry a warmth that feels like it gently heats the heart on a quiet winter night.

Written and composed by Hifumi, the song was released as a single in October 2021.

It’s a track that stands beside those troubled by love, offering empathy and comfort.

For anyone who holds a painful feeling they can’t confess to anyone—their love for someone dear—this song is meant for you.

catDISH//69rank/position

DISH// – Cat [Official Live Video 2019]

A poignant, ephemeral farewell captured in DISH//’s gem of a medium-tempo ballad.

It overlays the unexpected loss of a lover with the image of a “cat,” expressing lingering attachment to a love that’s gone and a wish to meet again.

The yearning for a lover who vanished as suddenly as a whimsical, free-spirited cat, and the heartfelt desire to reunite in any form, strikes a chord.

In March 2020, vocalist Takumi Kitamura’s one-take acoustic performance sparked major buzz, and the song was later chosen as a TV drama theme the same year.

Crafted by singer-songwriter Aimyon, the melodic track gently supports those facing the pain of parting while trying to look ahead, delivering a warm light to the heart.

More than friends, less than loversmatsumura kanau70rank/position

More Than Friends, Less Than Lovers – Kanau Matsumura [Official Music Video]

A song that delicately portrays the inner conflict between the desire to grow closer and the anxiety that keeps you from taking that first step.

The frustration of romantic feelings sprouting from a close friendship, and the pain of being unable to confess those feelings, are fully conveyed through Kanau Matsumura’s clear, translucent vocals.

Released in July 2022, the track sparked a major response on social media and has surpassed 5 million views on YouTube.

It has drawn attention as a song that deeply resonates with those struggling in a mutual but hesitant relationship, where both feel the same yet can’t move forward.

Becoming lovers can mean losing something precious; that’s why some choose to keep things as they are.

This song is recommended for anyone who relates to such complex emotions.