Unrequited Love Song Ranking in Japanese Music [2026]

Having someone you likeJY92rank/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.

I didn’t want to know, if it meant losing it.atarayo93rank/position

Atarayo – “I Didn’t Want to Know, If It Meant Losing You” (Music Video)

This piece delicately portrays the turmoil of a woman who realizes that every “word” from the lover she’s supposed to be in love with is a flimsy lie.

She wants to believe but can’t; she doesn’t want to lose them, yet being together only makes it hurt more.

These tangled emotions resonate alongside Atarayo’s urbane sound.

Released in January 2022 and included on their first album, “In the Polar Night, the Moon Remains Silent,” the song emerged from a collaboration with Junwaidan.

It’s a highly relatable track that offers solace to those exhausted by the effort of trusting a partner, and to those who had no choice but to part ways with someone they love.

Love is hard.riria.94rank/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.

SubtitleOfisharu Higedan Dism95rank/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.

Ice Cream SyndromeSukima Suichi96rank/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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Heart ForecastEVE97rank/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!

To Those Who Know the Blue of the Skyaimyon98rank/position

Aimyon – A Person Who Knows the Blue of the Sky [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

A bittersweet youth love song filled with yearning.

Inspired by a film, Aimyon paints a track that conveys the ache of unrequited love alongside a faint glimmer of hope.

Released as a single in October 2019, it drew attention as the theme song for an animated movie of the same name.

The lyrics evoke a nostalgic look back at a love that has passed, gently wrapping you in feelings of heartache that everyone has experienced.

It’s perfect for high school students who want to listen while thinking of someone they like.

It’s great for quietly listening alone, and also for sharing with friends to reminisce about your youth.