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

I tried falling in love with you.chay86rank/position

chay "I Tried Falling in Love with You" (short ver.)

The sixth single released in February 2015 by chay, who is active as both a model and a singer-songwriter, became popular as the theme song for the Monday 9 p.m.

drama “Date—What Is Love Like?” starring Anne.

The song is packed with the pure feelings of a protagonist who’s clumsy in love.

Its retro, pop sound reminiscent of the ’60s, complemented by lush strings, perfectly captures the giddy excitement of the moment a romance begins.

The lyrics portray that magical, empowering feeling that makes you think you can do anything just because there’s someone you like—something many listeners can relate to.

It’s a bright, pop number you’ll want to play to lift your spirits, like right before meeting someone special.

To tell you the truth,yangusukinii87rank/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.

AiHata Motohiro88rank/position

Moto Hiro Hata – “Ai” Music Video

This is a moving ballad where you can fully savor Motohiro Hata’s delicate, heart‑stirring voice.

It portrays a protagonist who had been timid about love, now savoring the joy of meeting someone precious.

The expression that one second feels longer than eternity perfectly captures the feeling of being in love.

It overlaps with the pounding heart and bittersweetness of unrequited love, stirring deep emotion.

Released in January 2010 as his ninth single, the song is also included on the album “Documentary,” and was used as the ending theme for a TV Miyazaki program.

When your heart is full of feelings for someone you love, listening to this will gently embrace that pure emotion.

Shapes Of LoveEvery Little Thing89rank/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.

One million times, I love youRake90rank/position

Rake "One Million Times 'I Love You'"

Released in 2011, this song went triple platinum and even achieved the remarkable feat of reaching No.

2 on the year-end overall chart, so many of you may already know it.

The lyrics are straightforward—it’s a unrequited love song, but it’s often used for confessions as well.

The chorus has a strong impact, and that section really shapes the entire impression of the track.