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

Your favorite songUVERworld43rank/position

UVERworld 'The Song You Like'

Listening to the songs your crush likes—looking them up and playing them over and over—is such a classic unrequited love move, isn’t it? UVERworld’s “Kimi no Suki na Uta” captures those sweet and bittersweet feelings of a one-sided love.

Released in 2006, the song was featured as the theme for the romance variety show “Koisuru Hanikami!” It portrays someone who was hurt by past relationships falling in love again and becoming completely preoccupied with that special person.

The story of someone who once lived in a world as cold as winter finding warmth in their heart after meeting someone precious is truly moving.

As you listen to your crush’s favorite songs, let this track fill you with that same gentle warmth.

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SAKI

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sparklingmosao.44rank/position

Kira Kira / Mosawo. [Music Video]

A sparkling expression of the feeling of being in love, a song by Mosa o.

The lyrics delicately depict the brilliance and bittersweetness of romantic emotions, and the gentle vocals resonate deeply.

From the lyrics, you can sense the lover’s anxieties and inner conflicts.

Released in September 2020, the song garnered widespread empathy, especially on social media.

It’s perfect for those with a one-sided crush or anyone who can’t bring themselves to confess their feelings.

When you want to summon the courage to take a step forward, this is a song that quietly gives you a nudge.

Unrequited love.haji→45rank/position

Haji→ – “Unrequited Love.” MV

Hajime, who calls himself a singer-songwriter entertainer and works across multiple fields, brings us Kataomoi.

It was released in 2018 as his 11th single.

This is a bona fide unrequited love song that straightforwardly captures the honest feeling of being in love while simultaneously having to hold those feelings back.

Because the lyrics are written in plain, unadorned words, many listeners will find parts that overlap with their own experiences and emotions.

It’s a song I want you to listen to when your heart aches and you feel like crying.

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Kado(guchi) Shichigatsu

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Blue BenchSasuke46rank/position

Blue Bench / Sasuke

It’s a pure love song wrapped in a sense of longing.

Set on a nostalgic bench after the lover is gone, it delicately portrays the emotions of looking back on an unrequited love.

Regret over not being able to convey one’s feelings and lingering attachment to a love that will never return resonate through the delicate vocals and melody.

Released independently in 2003, the song sold out all 500 copies immediately, despite being available only at a single store in the artist’s hometown of Ōmiya.

When you think back to “that moment” when you couldn’t be honest with a beloved partner, this song will be there to embrace your heart.

I like you.Little Glee Monster47rank/position

Little Glee Monster 'I Love You.' × 360 Reality Audio MUSIC VIDEO

A song that powerfully expresses the wavering emotions of youth, this is Little Glee Monster’s fourth single.

Chosen as the theme song for the TBS Friday drama “Omotesando High School Chorus Club!” it was released in September 2015.

Featuring fresh, vibrant melodies and robust harmonies, the track is a coming-of-age song centered on young love.

Showcasing Little Glee Monster’s signature powerhouse vocal performance, its lyrics portray bittersweet feelings and inner conflict that resonated with many listeners.

It’s a recommended track not only for those troubled by love, but also for anyone feeling nostalgic about their youth.

AitaiKato Miria48rank/position

Miliyah Kato - “Aitai”

A straightforward portrayal of unrequited love for someone who loves another—this is Kato Miliyah’s renowned ballad.

No matter how much it hurts, I don’t need to be number one; I just want to be loved…

The protagonist’s heartrending cry comes through palpably.

Featured on the album “Ring,” released in July 2009, the song also added depth to the film “Villain” as an insert track.

Beginning with a melancholy piano melody, the R&B-tinged track beautifully captures the agony of a love that cannot be.

This is a song especially for those whose hearts ache with feelings they know can never be returned, yet cannot stop.

The world is falling in loveCHiCO with HoneyWorks49rank/position

The World Is Falling in Love / CHiCO with HoneyWorks

A debut song by CHiCO with HoneyWorks that portrays the sparkle of the moment you fall in love, with a heart that feels pierced by an arrow of light.

The refreshing, youth-drama-like lyrics and the driving melody leave a strong impression.

The delicate emotions swaying between friendship and romance resonate deeply with listeners.

Released in August 2014, it drew attention as the opening theme for the TV anime Blue Spring Ride (Ao Haru Ride).

It’s a recommended track for those who want to recall the sweet-and-sour taste of first love or who are in the midst of a one-sided crush.