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

beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko29rank/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.

Beyond a thousand nightsAqua Timez30rank/position

Aqua Timez 'Beyond a Thousand Nights' Music Video (Theme song of the movie 'BLEACH: Memories of Nobody')

Known as one of the defining unrequited love songs of the Heisei era, this piece conveys the protagonist’s feelings as they try to overcome their heartbreak, expressed through memorable melodies and lyrics.

Released in November 2006 as Aqua Timez’s second single, it was used as the theme song for the Toho-distributed animated film BLEACH: Memories of Nobody.

The lyrics, centered on the importance of honestly conveying one’s feelings to a loved one, resonated with many struggling in love and have remained beloved for years.

It’s also a popular karaoke choice, recommended for those seeking to heal the pain of a broken heart or to find the courage to express their feelings.

One more time,One more chanceYamazaki Masayoshi31rank/position

Masayoshi Yamazaki – “One more time, One more chance” MUSIC VIDEO [4K Quality]

It’s a gem of a love song overflowing with bittersweet longing, about searching the city for the irreplaceable person you can no longer meet.

It’s one of singer-songwriter Masayoshi Yamazaki’s signature songs, released in January 1997 as his fourth single and a long-running hit.

It became a hit as the theme song for the film The Moon and a Cabbage, in which Yamazaki himself starred, and years later it was also chosen as the theme song for the animated film 5 Centimeters per Second.

The delicate tones of the acoustic guitar and Yamazaki’s emotionally rich vocals quietly sink in.

Even knowing the love won’t come true, you can’t help but hope for a miracle…

This song gently stays close to that wavering heart.

It’s one of those J-pop masterpieces that we want to be passed down forever—something we especially want people bearing the pain of unrequited love to hear.

#302Hirai Ken32rank/position

Ken Hirai '#302' MUSIC VIDEO

“#302,” a song by Ken Hirai that painfully captures one-way feelings—aching, bittersweet, and sad.

Paired with his vocals, it’s a heartbreaking unrequited love song that tightens your chest.

Every lyric is poignant and painful, and it even makes you feel like you’re watching a drama.

The song conveys, with striking clarity, the strong yet gentle desire to stay close to someone you love, even knowing they love someone else.

If you’re experiencing a similar kind of love, it’s a sorrowful love song that will surely bring you to tears.

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utatane

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First LoveUtada Hikaru33rank/position

Hikaru Utada – First Love

This song was released as a single from Hikaru Utada’s debut album First Love and was used as the theme for the drama Majo no Joken, starring Nanako Matsushima and Hideaki Takizawa.

Many people likely remember it vividly along with the drama’s iconic scenes.

The Netflix original drama First Love, starring Takeru Satoh and Hikari Mitsushima, which became a major hit in 2022, also drew inspiration from Utada’s work “Hatsukoi” (First Love), just like this song.

It’s a timeless, beloved love song that continues to be cherished across generations.

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yuri

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planetariumOtsuka Ai34rank/position

Ai Otsuka / Planetarium

A song by Ai Otsuka that became a massive hit as the image song for the drama “Hana Yori Dango,” starring Jun Matsumoto and Mao Inoue.

It portrays the aching feelings for a loved one who is no longer by your side, along with beautiful imagery.

Unrequited love and heartbreak are painful, but the memories left behind never fade.

Whether you tuck those memories deep in your heart and move forward, or immerse yourself in them and become unable to move on, is up to you.

It would be nice to carry them as beautiful memories—like “Planetarium”—while taking your next step.

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yuri

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When I realized it, I was in unrequited love.Nogizaka 4635rank/position

When I realized it, I was in unrequited love.

A song that portrays a love that sprouts in everyday life and, by the time you realize it, has already passed the point of no return.

Nogizaka46’s eighth single, “Kizuitara Kataomoi,” released in April 2014, is distinguished by its poignant piano and string arrangement.

The lyrics and vocals convey the unending feelings toward someone you suddenly find yourself in love with.

It’s a theme many students, in particular, may find relatable.