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

confessionFUNKY MONKEY BABYS57rank/position

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS “Confession”

The definitive unrequited-love song that lays bare the honest feelings hidden in your heart! For those born in the ’90s, many probably listened to their tracks a lot during their youth.

Among them, isn’t this the one that left the deepest impression on many of you? The lyrics portray the unique struggle of unrequited love: you like them so much it hurts and want to confess, yet if you’re rejected, the relationship you have now might fall apart.

It’s a sentiment anyone can relate to.

If you’re in unrequited love, this song will surely make you want to tell them how you feel.

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Hane Keisuke

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From Me to Youflumpool58rank/position

flumpool “Kimi ni Todoke” Music Video

A pop tune by flumpool that was also used as the theme song for a film based on a popular comic of the same name.

The lyrics, told from a male perspective and depicting pure emotions, are irresistibly relatable.

The way the chorus suddenly soars—like feelings of love bursting out—is wonderful, too.

The dramatic development that calls to mind “When You Wish Upon a Star” is absolutely lovely.

Give it a listen when you just can’t hold back your feelings of love.

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KEI

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You know what,are-kun &『yuika’}59rank/position

You know. / Are-kun & “Yuika” [MV]

A refreshing melody that evokes the feeling of spring, paired with lyrics that capture the innocence of first love, makes a lasting impression! This is a duet by Are-kun and Yuika.

Created solely through exchanges on social media, the song was born from a fateful encounter where they met face-to-face for the first time at the recording session.

It vividly portrays the frustration of two people who have feelings for each other but can’t quite express them honestly.

Released in April 2022, it also drew attention for its youthfully nostalgic music video, in which a male and a female high school student share their feelings as cherry blossoms flutter around them.

It’s recommended not only for those with unrequited love, but also for anyone who wants to start a new romance with the arrival of spring.

wrapTENSONG60rank/position

TENSONG “Matoi (Wrapped In)” [Official Music Video]

A gem of a love song that portrays a bittersweet form of love between a man and a woman.

It expresses the desire everyone has to love in their own way, rendered through TENSONG’s distinctive sound.

Released in July 2021, the track captured the hearts of many listeners, reaching No.

2 on LINE MUSIC.

It delicately sings of the confusion at parting, love that isn’t swayed by others’ opinions, and experiences that should be etched in the heart as precious memories—all carried by vocalist Takabō’s high, clear voice.

This is a song that stands beside anyone struggling with love and gently conveys that there are many ways to love.

I wish you were hereLEGO BIG MORL61rank/position

LEGO BIG MORL “I Wish You Were Here” Music Video

A song about feelings for a lover you’ll never meet again is “Anata ga Ireba Ii no ni” by the Osaka-born rock band LEGO BIG MORL.

It was included on their 2017 album “Shinzō no Ibasho.” The song was created around 2011, the time of the Great East Japan Earthquake, and it’s said that Hiroki Tanaka, who wrote the lyrics, also lost someone dear to him.

Those emotions are reflected in the song’s words.

If you’re currently in unrequited love, it might be best to express your feelings while you still can.

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Hamada Takuya

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I like you.Shimizu Shota62rank/position

Shota Shimizu “I Love You” MV

A cell phone suddenly rings on a sleepless night.

Starting from that everyday moment, this is an unrequited love song that makes your chest ache.

The protagonist is afraid to take a step forward for fear of breaking the relationship, yet can’t suppress the overflowing feelings.

Shota Shimizu’s sweet, heartrending vocals gently cradle a lovestruck heart.

Released as a single in December 2009, it’s also included on the album Journey.

At the time, it topped mobile distribution charts, capturing the hearts of many young listeners.

It’s a song to play when your feelings for someone are about to spill over, or when you need a little courage.

flowerL’Arc〜en〜Ciel63rank/position

L’Arc～en～Ciel「flower」-Music Clip-

A signature song by L’Arc〜en〜Ciel that beautifully portrays the ache of unrequited love.

Hyde’s crystal-clear vocals superbly capture a heart swaying between dreams and reality.

Released in October 1996, the track was also used as the theme song for Fuji TV’s “Professional Baseball News.” It’s recommended not only for those suffering from unattainable love but also for anyone feeling nostalgic for their youth.

Listen to it in the afternoon sunlight, and those bittersweet memories from back then may come rushing back.