Unrequited Love Song Ranking in Japanese Music [2026]

You know what,are-kun &『yuika’}71rank/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.

You and the slopesSHISHAMO72rank/position

SHISHAMO “You and the Slopes”

Kimi to Gelende, with its catchy melody that evokes an exciting romance, is actually a song packed tightly with deep sadness—quite the opposite of its tune.

It tells a heartbreaking story: the person she’s long had a crush on actually likes another girl, and when she sees the two of them getting along, she realizes their feelings for each other.

A bittersweet track like that.

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utatane

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I wish you were hereLEGO BIG MORL73rank/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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wrapTENSONG74rank/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.

One million “I love you”sRake75rank/position

Rake "One Million Times 'I Love You'"

This song passionately sings of a love so deep it moves the heart.

Released in March 2011 as Rake’s third single, it was also featured in a Yokohama Tires commercial.

Its refreshing acoustic guitar–based sound and lyrics that directly express feelings for a loved one leave a strong impression.

It captured many hearts, remaining in the TOP 30 of USEN’s overall J-POP chart for an entire year from November 2010 to November 2011.

It’s a perfect song for confessing your feelings or for weddings—any moment when you want to convey your love to someone special.

Why not let your loved one listen to it?

flowerL’Arc〜en〜Ciel76rank/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.

Only for you, clear skiesYorushika77rank/position

Yorushika – Just Clear Skies for You (MUSIC VIDEO)

A delicate portrayal of fleeting love, Yorushika’s heartrending song pierces the heart with Suis’s translucent vocals and n-buna’s literary lyrics.

Featured on their second mini-album “No Encore for the Loser,” released in May 2018, the track became a massive hit, surpassing 100 million views on YouTube.

It carefully depicts the wavering emotions of “me,” who remains bound by past memories and can’t let go even into adulthood.

A song that stands beside those suffering from unrequited love and those who can’t give up on their feelings.

May this song bring a break in the clouds to your heart.