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

EsperanzaNishino Kana22rank/position

Kana Nishino “Esperanza” MV Full

A song by Kana Nishino that expresses the bittersweet feelings of a woman’s unrequited love through passionate Latin sounds.

Even though she knows the person she likes already has a partner, the woman’s complex emotions still resonate deeply.

The sound of Spanish guitar and the powerful vocals beautifully fuse heartache with a forward-looking spirit.

Released in May 2011, it was used as the theme song for Nippon TV’s “Sukkiri!!” and was included on the album “Thank you, Love.” It won the Excellence Award at the 53rd Japan Record Awards.

This is a song that stands by women troubled by unrequited love and gives them the courage to keep looking ahead without giving up.

Snow WhiteFlower23rank/position

Flower “Snow White” — 2nd album “Hanadokei (Flower Clock)” out 3/4

This is a poignant ballad, inspired by the world of fairy tales, that portrays forbidden love and uncontrollable emotions.

Flower’s fragile yet beautiful performance, combined with the lyrical world crafted by Masato Kotake, deeply resonates in the heart.

Released in December 2013 as their sixth single, it became the group’s first work to rank in the Top 3 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

It was chosen as the theme song for the NOTTV drama “We’re All Dead♪,” and its worldview, which tied in with the story, became a hot topic.

The song was later included on the album “Flower.” If you’re hurting from an unrequited love or looking to quietly sort out your emotions at night, why not give it a listen? Immerse yourself in this work that depicts the struggle that sways between reason and instinct, and surely your tightly wound heart will be set free.

I want you to tell me you love me.Oku Hanako24rank/position

Hanako Oku – I Want You to Say You Love Me (Live ’08)

All of Oku Hanako’s songs are captivating, and this one is also somewhat wistful, expressing sincere feelings straight from the heart—it’s one of my favorites.

The piano-and-vocal style creates a wonderful atmosphere that draws you into the world of Oku Hanako.

Love so sweetarashi25rank/position

ARASHI – Love so sweet [Official Music Video]

A classic hit by Arashi that sets a bittersweet love story to a catchy melody! Released in February 2007 as a TV drama tie-in, this song is sure to resonate with anyone who’s experienced long-distance love or a breakup.

The lyrics, which sing of two people connected under the same sky, are memorable and give you the courage to get through even the toughest nights.

The chorus is especially approachable and irresistibly singable.

It topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and sold about 204,000 copies in its first week.

Highly recommended for those troubled by love or anyone who wants to feel the bond with someone special!

I wish I were the one you liked.Te ga kuriimu pan26rank/position

I wish I were the one you love / Hands Like Cream Bread (Wishing I’m her / tegacreampan) [Official Music Video]

A heart-stirring ballad by Tegami Cream Pan, where earnest feelings and a bittersweet mood are woven together through a clear, transparent vocal.

It gently portrays a woman who carries deep feelings for someone important yet struggles to express them.

Featuring an evocative piano melody, the song was released in April 2023.

Showcasing her delicate expressive power to the fullest, this piece speaks on behalf of girls in love.

It’s a must-listen for those who keep their feelings for a crush to themselves or find it hard to be honest about their emotions toward someone dear.

MetronomeYonezu Kenshi27rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Metronome

A song by Kenshi Yonezu that portrays the ache of unrequited love and the pain of parting.

The protagonist’s feelings—still searching for their former lover even after the breakup—are expressed with delicate wording.

The lyrics, imbued with a strong desire to convey unwavering love to the one who left, captured the hearts of many.

Featured on the album “Bremen,” released in October 2015, this track is known as one of the works that marked a turning point in Yonezu’s musical career.

It’s a song that stands beside those bearing the pain of heartbreak or who have experienced a farewell with someone dear.

Listening to it might be a good chance to spend some time facing your own feelings.

beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko28rank/position

Beetle – aiko (Full)

It was their fourth single, released in 1999, and it was tied up as the ending theme for TBS’s “CDTV” in December 1999 and Fuji TV’s “Jobireba!?” It’s a rare song that expresses the feelings of unrequited love through a rhinoceros beetle.