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

Having someone you likeJY78rank/position

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

A refreshing love song by JY that delicately captures the subtle stirrings of realizing you’re in love.

Though the protagonist struggles with frustration at not being able to be completely honest, they keep looking forward, believing they can “start over as many times as it takes,” making it a story anyone can see themselves in.

Lively guitar and a dynamic melody line further elevate the feelings of being in love.

Released in August 2016, the song was used as the main theme for a Fuji TV Monday 9 p.m.

drama, and its music video—directed by Mika Ninagawa—also drew attention.

It’s perfect not only for those wrestling with romance, but also for anyone who wants to reaffirm their straightforward feelings for someone they love.

worst; minimum; the lowest; awfulren79rank/position

Ren – The Worst (Music Video)

Carried by a piano melody where poignancy and fragility melt together, Ren’s translucent voice resonates throughout.

Portraying the anguish and heartache of a protagonist who can’t forget their feelings even while their lover keeps secrets, this work lays bare the inability to say anything to someone who’s crying, as well as the anxieties and frustrations lodged in both hearts.

Released in October 2022, it sparked major buzz, with a short video set against Tokyo’s night skyline—posted on social media—surpassing one million views.

With lyrics and a melody that speak to Gen Z, this song gently embraces listeners struggling with impossible love, such as affairs or unrequited feelings.

Just… I miss youEXILE80rank/position

EXILE / I Just... Want to See You - Short version -

An EXILE song that beautifully portrays the ache of unrequited love.

Set to a poignant melody led by piano and strings, it sings of heartbreak and lingering feelings for the one who got away.

The simple emotion of “I just want to see you” will resonate deeply.

Released in December 2005 after gaining attention as the au × EXILE campaign song, it topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

With cumulative sales of 562,000 copies, it has become one of EXILE’s signature tracks, beloved by many fans.

This is a song that offers solace to those feeling the pain of a breakup or the loneliness of being unable to see someone dear.

I won’t fall in love anymore.Makihara Noriyuki81rank/position

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara “I Won’t Fall in Love Again” (Music Video) [5th Single] (1992) Noriyuki Makihara / Mou Koi Nante Shinai

This timeless song depicts the pain of heartbreak through everyday moments and has continued to comfort many listeners.

Written by Noriyuki Makihara, it was released in May 1992 as his fifth single and became a major hit as the theme song for the Nippon TV drama “After the Children Are Asleep.” It was also included on the album “Kimi wa Boku no Takaramono,” released in June of the same year.

While it sings about the profound sense of absence felt in the shared room during fleeting moments, it ultimately holds a powerful resolve to move toward a new tomorrow.

It’s a song I recommend when you want to lift your head just a little from the depths of sorrow or take a next step while holding precious memories close—it gently gives you a push forward.

100-year first loveshikuramen82rank/position

Cyclamen “First Love After 100 Years” Music Video

“If you don’t give up and keep expressing your feelings, love will blossom!” This is a song by Cyclamen that gives a push to those with a one-sided crush.

Haven’t you ever tried your hardest to keep the conversation going so they wouldn’t get bored, or watched their back as they walked away because you couldn’t get your feelings across? Even painful experiences like these during unrequited love will, if they pile up, surely reach the other person someday.

The ending of the song isn’t depicted directly, but it’s probably a happy one! Nothing will change if you keep dragging around that foggy feeling.

Take the plunge and lay your feelings bare!

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Why not me?Misaka Saki83rank/position

Saki Misaka – Isn’t It Fine If It’s Me (Full ver.)

This song by Saki Misaka portrays the bittersweet feelings of gradually falling in love, even though you thought you were content just staying close as a friend.

With a clear, gentle voice, she expresses the conflict of wishing for the other person’s happiness while not wanting to see them with someone else.

Released digitally in February 2021, the track was also chosen as the theme song for ABEMA’s romantic reality show “Kyo, Suki ni Narimashita.” It’s sure to resonate with those who, despite knowing what would bring happiness, can’t let go, and who sense the other person’s feelings yet can’t bring themselves to speak up.

Fortune Cookie in LoveAKB4884rank/position

[MV full] Koi Suru Fortune Cookie / AKB48 [Official]

This is a song released by AKB48 in 2013, with Rino Sashihara serving as center.

Its relaxed tempo and disco-inspired sound are striking, and the matching choreography also drew attention.

The lyrics portray a girl living with unrequited love, expressing her resolve to take a brave step forward despite deep feelings of inferiority.

It conveys an encouraging message to blow away negative feelings and move toward the future.

Overall, it’s a fresh, fun track that lifts your spirits and turns your heart in a positive direction.

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kappamaki

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