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

SparkleIkuta Rira36rank/position

Rira Ikuta “Sparkle” Official Music Video

Released digitally in January 2022, it was selected as the theme song for ABEMA’s romance reality show “Kyou, Suki ni Narimashita.

Mikan Arc.” For this piece, the melody was crafted first, then carefully layered with the tones of an acoustic guitar to complete the track, and it looks back on an unrequited love.

The protagonist’s feelings—overcoming the pain of a love that never came true and trying to move forward into the future—resonate quietly alongside her clear, transparent vocals.

It’s a song that will stay by your side on a night just after heartbreak, when you wish to face forward once again.

I want to be lovedYumcha37rank/position

Yumcha “Aisaretai” [Lyric Video]

A song for anyone struggling with unrequited love who wants to make their crush turn around.

It’s a track by singer-songwriter Yumcha, known for works like “More Than Friends, Less Than Lovers.” The lyrics portray a brave, upbeat protagonist who tries self-improvement to get noticed and even uses Instagram’s Notes feature to express their feelings.

Love that doesn’t easily come to fruition can be disheartening at times.

This song wraps your heart in comfort and fills you with a strong resolve to become even cuter and try again.

Released in November 2024, it quickly became a hot topic on social media and resonated with many, even reaching No.

30 on Spotify’s charts.

mayflyONE OK ROCK38rank/position

mayfly

A ONE OK ROCK track that portrays the bittersweet feelings of unrequited love, where you can’t be honest even though you care so much.

The song likens the unspoken emotions flickering in one’s heart to a fragile heat haze that seems ready to vanish at any moment.

It conveys the unstable fear of admitting those feelings precisely because you love so much—so vividly that it tightens your chest.

This piece is included on their landmark first full-length album, “Zeitakubyo,” released in 2007.

For anyone struggling with a frustrating love, it’s a song that will gently stay by your side.

I became someone else’s girlfriend.wacci39rank/position

wacci “I Became Someone Else’s Girlfriend” Music Video

A love song woven with a voice that leaves a bittersweet afterglow, capturing a form of love different from a simple unrequited crush.

The emotions of a woman swaying between reason and feeling are portrayed with delicate nuance.

Though she should be satisfied with her new relationship, the frustration of being unable to sever her feelings for her ex presses on her heart.

Released digitally by wacci in August 2018, the song gradually gained popularity through word of mouth on social media, reaching 100 million total streams in June 2021.

It has sparked a major response, with many artists covering it.

This is a track that deeply resonates with anyone who feels, “I should be happy, yet I’m not fulfilled,” and who carries such complex romantic emotions.

You let me do as I please, and yet…arekunn40rank/position

You’re the one who let me fall for you / Arekun [Official Music Video]

A heart-wrenching love song by Are-kun that delicately portrays the feelings of a woman suffering from complex emotions after being led on and ultimately betrayed.

The protagonist falls in love and rides an emotional roller coaster in response to the other person’s behavior, while gradually sensing the loneliness of a cooling relationship.

Released in September 2020 and included on the album “Breath,” the song gained traction primarily on social media and drew widespread empathy.

It’s a resonant track that offers comfort to anyone who’s been strung along by suggestive behavior or is struggling with their feelings for someone they care about.

I love you.Inoue Sonoko41rank/position

Sonoko Inoue – I Love You.

“Daisuki,” Sonoko Inoue’s 2015 track that captures the real feelings of being in unrequited love, when your head is completely filled with thoughts of the person you like.

The poppy, bouncy melody conveys the giddy excitement of having a crush.

You’re thinking about that special someone all the time, no matter when or where, and your feelings just overflow and won’t stop! Of course there’s anxiety in unrequited love, but it’s also full of that fluttery, heart-throbbing thrill that’s different from being in a relationship.

Let this song, which sings about the same feelings you have when you’re crushing on someone, help you fall even more in love with the person you like.

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The Story You Don’t Knowsupercell42rank/position

The Story You Don’t Know – supercell

A poignant song by supercell that captures the bittersweet feelings of a youthful unrequited love.

It begins with a scene of stargazing with friends and unfolds with the narrator’s secret feelings for the “you” beside them.

The stars forming the Summer Triangle symbolically reflect the protagonist’s loneliness and unattainable love, leaving a strong impression.

Released in August 2009, it was also used as the ending theme for the anime Bakemonogatari.

Highly recommended for those carrying complicated feelings for someone they like or struggling to express their emotions.

Give it a listen, and perhaps find the courage to take that first step forward.