Unrequited Love Song Ranking in Japanese Music [2026]

More than friends, less than loversmatsumura kanau85rank/position

More Than Friends, Less Than Lovers – Kanau Matsumura [Official Music Video]

A song that delicately portrays the inner conflict between the desire to grow closer and the anxiety that keeps you from taking that first step.

The frustration of romantic feelings sprouting from a close friendship, and the pain of being unable to confess those feelings, are fully conveyed through Kanau Matsumura’s clear, translucent vocals.

Released in July 2022, the track sparked a major response on social media and has surpassed 5 million views on YouTube.

It has drawn attention as a song that deeply resonates with those struggling in a mutual but hesitant relationship, where both feel the same yet can’t move forward.

Becoming lovers can mean losing something precious; that’s why some choose to keep things as they are.

This song is recommended for anyone who relates to such complex emotions.

petalback number86rank/position

back number – Hanabira (full)

A heartbreaking breakup song that overlays the fleeting memories of love with cherry blossom petals.

The lyrics delicately portray how memories with a lover linger everywhere in the city, turning even everyday scenes into amplifiers of pain.

While still holding on to love, the reality is that they will never meet again.

This song carries a message that gently embraces that hurt.

Released in April 2011, it was featured as the ending theme for JAPAN COUNTDOWN.

It is sure to resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced a painful romance.

even ifHirai Ken87rank/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 Toraibu88rank/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 Toshinobu89rank/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 youMONGOL80090rank/position

to you

Despite never being released as a single, this signature song by MONGOL800 has been featured in a variety of places, including insert tracks that color a film’s final scene, drama opening themes, and commercials.

In 2001, the album MESSAGE—featuring this track and the well-known classic Chiisana Koi no Uta—was released and became a huge hit, cementing Monpachi’s popularity.

Its straightforward lyrics about love and its fresh, powerful sound give courage and energy to both singers and listeners.

Why not sing it while reminiscing about a page from your youth?

I LOVE…Ofisharu Higedan Dism91rank/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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