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

OrangeSMAP99rank/position

Lefty Hand Cream - Full Cover of SMAP 'Orange'

A song known as one of SMAP’s hidden gems is “Orange,” the B-side to their 2000 single “Lion Heart.” The single topped the Oricon charts, and “Orange” proudly took first place in a fan poll ranking of B-sides.

The lyrics, which depict two people who care deeply for each other choosing to part ways for the sake of their future, leave listeners with a bittersweet feeling.

Many high school couples choose to break up around graduation, but if you’ve had an unrequited crush, graduation might be the perfect chance to confess your feelings.

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Hamada Takuya

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Kasane AiSoala100rank/position

Soala – Kasaneai [Official Music Video]

Soala’s translucent vocals gently embrace the feelings that pass each other by and the wish to reunite, delicately expressing subtle emotions.

Released in January 2025 as a track on the EP “Bluem,” the song is distinguished by its piano-centered, gentle sound and memorable melodic lines.

The music video—featuring model Ryoka Orita and actor Yusei Ito—has also garnered attention, spreading waves of empathy across social media.

It’s a song I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who carries a “what if”—wondering how things might have been if you’d met in a different way.