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

worst; minimum; the lowest; awfulren78rank/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.

100-year first loveshikuramen79rank/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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yuri

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Fortune Cookie in LoveAKB4880rank/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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Shapes Of LoveEvery Little Thing81rank/position

Every Little Thing / Shapes Of Love（from「ELT 15th Anniversary Concert Tour “ORDINARY”」）

A refreshing depiction of a shy woman’s unrequited love, this song by Every Little Thing captures the frustration of being unable to confess her feelings and the flutter she feels at the other person’s smile.

It emphasizes a forward-looking desire to break free from unrequited love and win the other person’s heart, resonating with many listeners.

Released in October 1997, the track blends an up-tempo melody with empowering lyrics, offering courage to those who hear it.

It’s recommended not only for people troubled by love, but also for anyone ready to take on something new.

I like you.YOASOBI82rank/position

YOASOBI "I Like You" Official Music Video

A YOASOBI song packed with bittersweet first-love feelings and the courage to confess.

It carefully portrays the wavering emotions of a girl who tries over and over to confess to her crush.

Her determination to overcome past failures and speak her heart again resonates deeply with listeners.

Released in May 2022, the track was created as the second installment of a collaboration project with a Naoki Prize–winning author.

It was also featured in a hair care brand’s commercial, bringing it to many ears.

Perfect for students nearing graduation or anyone ready to confess their feelings.

Why not listen to this song and find the courage to put your heart into words?

To tell you the truth,yangusukinii83rank/position

Young Skinny – Actually, You Know, [Official Music Video]

A song whose poignant lyrics about unrequited love and memorable melody truly resonate.

Released by Young Skinny in October 2022, it was selected as the ending theme for TBS’s TV program “Osama no Brunch” for October and struck a chord with many listeners.

The protagonist’s struggle to be honest and their straightforward feelings for the one they love are carefully depicted, making it a piece that comforts those troubled by love.

It claimed the top spot on Billboard JAPAN’s Heatseekers Songs chart a total of eight times, and with over 100 million streams, it can be called a defining unrequited-love song of the Reiwa era.

Why not me?Misaka Saki84rank/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.