Unrequited Love Song Ranking in Japanese Music [2026]

waiting in vainrokudenashi78rank/position

Rokudenashi “Left Waiting” / Rokudenashi – Stood Me Up [Official Music Video]

This is a work by Rokudenashi, who began activities in 2021, delicately depicting the emotions of unrequited love.

The subtle shifts of a heart that can’t quite face the other person’s kindness, and the loneliness of being able only to watch them talk with someone else, leave a strong impression.

The vocals woven by Ninjin carry a warmth that feels like it gently heats the heart on a quiet winter night.

Written and composed by Hifumi, the song was released as a single in October 2021.

It’s a track that stands beside those troubled by love, offering empathy and comfort.

For anyone who holds a painful feeling they can’t confess to anyone—their love for someone dear—this song is meant for you.

two peopleaiko79rank/position

aiko - “Futari” music video

A work that beautifully portrays a brave, self-restrained love telling itself, “I’m glad I realized it before I fell any deeper,” is the song released in March 2008 by singer-songwriter aiko.

Set to an up-tempo, exhilarating sound, you can picture the protagonist getting elated and crushed by the tiniest gestures of the person they like.

Even while knowing that person’s gaze is directed at someone else, the aching sadness of feelings that won’t stop comes through vividly.

The song was a hit, reaching No.

3 on the Oricon weekly chart, later included on the acclaimed album “Himitsu,” and it resonated with many as the theme for a Hoyu commercial.

Even when you know it’s a love that won’t come true, you can’t help but think of them.

This is a number that gently stays by the side of anyone struggling with such a complicated unrequited love.

lovesicknessAimer80rank/position

Aimer “Koiwazurai” Studio Live Rehearsal (new albums ‘Sun Dance’ and ‘Penny Rain’ now on sale) FULL

When you fall in love, you don’t know how to act around the person you adore, and you don’t know how they feel about you—those thoughts just keep piling up and make you anxious.

That’s exactly what “Koiwazurai” is.

This song is a cheer-up anthem for women going through tough times in love.

It teaches us that the pain of lovesickness isn’t only suffering—it can also be a precious time for yourself.

For anyone with an unrequited crush, this track is full of hints to help you stay positive.

Maplesupittsu81rank/position

Spitz / Kaede

This is an autumn song by the four-member rock band Spitz.

Kaede was released in 1998 as a double A-side single.

The gentle vocals are heart-wrenching.

In 2017, actress Moka Kamishiraishi covered it in a commercial for Gogo no Kocha (Afternoon Tea), and it became a hot topic.

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Araki Jakkan

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confessionFUNKY MONKEY BABYS82rank/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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catDISH//83rank/position

DISH// – Cat [Official Live Video 2019]

A poignant, ephemeral farewell captured in DISH//’s gem of a medium-tempo ballad.

It overlays the unexpected loss of a lover with the image of a “cat,” expressing lingering attachment to a love that’s gone and a wish to meet again.

The yearning for a lover who vanished as suddenly as a whimsical, free-spirited cat, and the heartfelt desire to reunite in any form, strikes a chord.

In March 2020, vocalist Takumi Kitamura’s one-take acoustic performance sparked major buzz, and the song was later chosen as a TV drama theme the same year.

Crafted by singer-songwriter Aimyon, the melodic track gently supports those facing the pain of parting while trying to look ahead, delivering a warm light to the heart.

The end of lovemafumafu84rank/position

It’s the End of Love / Mafumafu [Music Video (Drama ver.)]

A song by Mafumafu, the singer-songwriter also known from the musical unit After the Rain.

It tells the story of a bittersweet love: going to a summer festival with someone you like, but lacking the courage to confess and letting it end there.

I’m sure many people have had a similar experience.

The lyrics are packed with delicate, true-to-life feelings, like memories of a fleeting love from school days.

If you’ve ever given up on a crush at a festival, please give it a listen.

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sasashina

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