Unrequited Love Song Ranking in Japanese Music [2026]

even ifHirai Ken91rank/position

Ken Hirai - even if

Ken Hirai’s timeless classic “even if” always brings me to the verge of tears whenever I listen to it.

Released as a single in 2000, it serves as the theme song for “Ken’s Bar,” his acoustic live series performed in a bar-style setting.

The song captures the reality of having a good rapport and an enjoyable connection, yet knowing the other person already has someone they like.

The opening lines are deeply relatable, highlighting the special and fragile nature of the moments you can spend together.

It’s heartbreaking how, overwhelmed by love, you want to confess your feelings but can’t—and how those unreturned emotions ache so deeply.

The final chorus, where raw feelings burst forth, is utterly tear-jerking.

It’s a bittersweet heartbreak song and a mature piece that gently accompanies all kinds of love.

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KEI

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Best Friend’s GirlSandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu92rank/position

Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE / Best Friend’s Girl

This song features the beautiful vocals and clean accompaniment characteristic of Sandaime J Soul Brothers.

The title “Best Friend’s Girl” literally means your best friend’s girlfriend.

You can probably guess where this is going—it’s a bittersweet story about falling in love with your best friend’s girlfriend.

Some men reading this might have been in the same situation.

You love the woman, but if you confess your feelings, it could ruin your friendship… So what should you do with these feelings? Just listening to the song, those helpless, heartbreaking emotions make your chest ache.

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Hane Keisuke

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MissingKubota Toshinobu93rank/position

Missing

Among the standout Showa-era ballads of the 1980s, this piece shines with a special brilliance.

Portraying the pain of heartbreak and inner turmoil, the ballad—imbued with Toshinobu Kubota’s distinctive musicality and deep emotional expression—resonates with many listeners.

Released in September 1986 on his debut album “SHAKE IT PARADISE,” it wasn’t actually a single, yet it gained such popularity that it has been covered by numerous artists.

It was also chosen as the ending theme for TBS’s “Uwasa-teki Tatsujin” and TV Asahi’s “World Pro Wrestling,” earning love across generations.

For anyone who has experienced heartbreak or harbors unspoken feelings, this is a song that will surely be by your side.

to youMONGOL80094rank/position

To You by MONGOL800

A signature number from MONGOL800 that blends the warmth and exhilarating drive of Okinawa’s breeze.

The lyrics, written in straightforward words, convey overflowing feelings for a loved one directly, heating listeners’ hearts.

Released in September 2001, it’s included on the classic album “MESSAGE,” which sold over 2.8 million copies.

Though not a single, it has been featured in a detergent commercial, the film “Utatama♪,” and the drama “Ososaki no Himawari,” and has been loved for many years.

Its appeal is also evident from covers by artists like Mrs.

GREEN APPLE.

Its unadorned words give a push to one-sided love and help deepen the bond between two people.

I LOVE…Ofisharu Higedan Dism95rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – I LOVE… [Official Video]

This song, which tries to express feelings kept close to the chest, is a track by Official HIGE DANDism, who are currently exploding in popularity on the domestic music scene.

It also drew attention as the theme song for the drama “An Incurable Case of Love.” As the lyrics in the opening suggest, many of us have experienced how our everyday perceptions change when we fall for someone, right? Those highly relatable lyrics are one of their big appeals.

And of course, after the title “I LOVE…” you’d expect “YOU,” but that single word can be so hard to say…

Listening to this song, you can really feel that tight, aching sensation of unrequited love.

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Hane Keisuke

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SubtitleOfisharu Higedan Dism96rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – Subtitle [Official Video]

This song was written as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “silent.” Its lyrics, which perfectly match the drama’s worldview, became a major topic on social media.

It skillfully conveys the frustration of feelings that can’t be communicated, using richly imaginative metaphors.

Released by Official HIGE DANDism in October 2022, the track is an emotional winter ballad.

You can sense a consistent faith in the power of words throughout, making it a song that resonates deeply with listeners.

It’s recommended not only for those experiencing the ache of unrequited love, but also for anyone who struggles to put their feelings for someone important into words.

Having someone you likeJY97rank/position

JY 'Have Someone You Like' Music Video Short Ver.

A refreshing love song by JY that delicately captures the subtle stirrings of realizing you’re in love.

Though the protagonist struggles with frustration at not being able to be completely honest, they keep looking forward, believing they can “start over as many times as it takes,” making it a story anyone can see themselves in.

Lively guitar and a dynamic melody line further elevate the feelings of being in love.

Released in August 2016, the song was used as the main theme for a Fuji TV Monday 9 p.m.

drama, and its music video—directed by Mika Ninagawa—also drew attention.

It’s perfect not only for those wrestling with romance, but also for anyone who wants to reaffirm their straightforward feelings for someone they love.

Love is hard.riria.98rank/position

riria. / Love Is Difficult. feat. Aru. from Miteinohanashi [Music Video]

This song portrays the tender, aching feelings at the start of love.

It weaves together the perspectives of a girl troubled because she can’t read the other person’s feelings and a boy who struggles to express his own, vividly capturing the misalignment that often happens in romance.

Riria’s clear, translucent vocals and Aru.’s gentle voice blend exquisitely, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released digitally in November 2023, the track sparked a major response, especially on social media.

If you listen while thinking of someone you like, you’re sure to find moments you can relate to.

Heart ForecastEVE99rank/position

Heart Forecast – Eve MV

If you’re looking for a sweet-and-sour unrequited love song that’ll make you hum along without thinking, I recommend this track by Eve.

It’s included on the album “Smile,” released in February 2020, and it was also used as a Valentine’s campaign song in collaboration with Ghana Chocolate.

The song is packed with classic “unrequited love moments,” like the fluttery excitement, getting carried away in your own head, and then feeling down again.

It’s a perfect fit for lovestruck middle and high school students.

Listen to this song, lift your spirits, and do your best to confess your feelings!

Ice Cream SyndromeSukima Suichi100rank/position

Sukima Switch – “Ice Cream Syndrome” (Short ver.)

The lyrics of Sukima Switch’s “Ice Cream Syndrome,” which sing about two people whose distance never seems to shrink, are heartbreaking.

Released as a single in 2010, it was chosen as the theme song for the film “Pokémon the Movie: Diamond & Pearl—Zoroark: Master of Illusions,” and reached No.

6 on the Oricon singles chart.

The title evokes the scene of ice cream melting while you hesitate and fail to confess your feelings—so fitting for summer, isn’t it? It also ranked seventh in a 2012 fan vote, so be sure to give it a listen!

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Hamada Takuya

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