Unrequited Love Song Ranking in Japanese Music [2026]

Heroineback number29rank/position

back number – Heroine (full)

A signature ballad by back number that beautifully captures the crisp winter air and the bittersweet ache of unrequited love.

Even while knowing they can’t be the main character in the other person’s story, the narrator’s pure wish to stay by their side evokes a moving, heart-tightening feeling—even for those without similar experiences.

Produced by Takeshi Kobayashi, the song opens with a striking organ tone, followed by Iyori Shimizu’s warm yet heartrending vocals that gently seep into the soul.

Released in January 2015 as their 11th single, it also drew attention as the CM song for JR East’s “JR SKISKI” campaign featuring Suzu Hirose.

It’s the perfect track to revisit the bittersweet taste of an unattainable love or to listen to on a winter night while thinking of someone special.

I want you to tell me you love me.Oku Hanako30rank/position

Hanako Oku – I Want You to Say You Love Me (Live ’08)

All of Oku Hanako’s songs are captivating, and this one is also somewhat wistful, expressing sincere feelings straight from the heart—it’s one of my favorites.

The piano-and-vocal style creates a wonderful atmosphere that draws you into the world of Oku Hanako.

Beyond a thousand nightsAqua Timez31rank/position

Aqua Timez 'Beyond a Thousand Nights' Music Video (Theme song of the movie 'BLEACH: Memories of Nobody')

Known as one of the defining unrequited love songs of the Heisei era, this piece conveys the protagonist’s feelings as they try to overcome their heartbreak, expressed through memorable melodies and lyrics.

Released in November 2006 as Aqua Timez’s second single, it was used as the theme song for the Toho-distributed animated film BLEACH: Memories of Nobody.

The lyrics, centered on the importance of honestly conveying one’s feelings to a loved one, resonated with many struggling in love and have remained beloved for years.

It’s also a popular karaoke choice, recommended for those seeking to heal the pain of a broken heart or to find the courage to express their feelings.

planetariumOtsuka Ai32rank/position

Ai Otsuka / Planetarium

A song by Ai Otsuka that became a massive hit as the image song for the drama “Hana Yori Dango,” starring Jun Matsumoto and Mao Inoue.

It portrays the aching feelings for a loved one who is no longer by your side, along with beautiful imagery.

Unrequited love and heartbreak are painful, but the memories left behind never fade.

Whether you tuck those memories deep in your heart and move forward, or immerse yourself in them and become unable to move on, is up to you.

It would be nice to carry them as beautiful memories—like “Planetarium”—while taking your next step.

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yuri

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mayflyONE OK ROCK33rank/position

mayfly

A ONE OK ROCK track that portrays the bittersweet feelings of unrequited love, where you can’t be honest even though you care so much.

The song likens the unspoken emotions flickering in one’s heart to a fragile heat haze that seems ready to vanish at any moment.

It conveys the unstable fear of admitting those feelings precisely because you love so much—so vividly that it tightens your chest.

This piece is included on their landmark first full-length album, “Zeitakubyo,” released in 2007.

For anyone struggling with a frustrating love, it’s a song that will gently stay by your side.

When I realized it, I was in unrequited love.Nogizaka 4634rank/position

When I realized it, I was in unrequited love.

A song that portrays a love that sprouts in everyday life and, by the time you realize it, has already passed the point of no return.

Nogizaka46’s eighth single, “Kizuitara Kataomoi,” released in April 2014, is distinguished by its poignant piano and string arrangement.

The lyrics and vocals convey the unending feelings toward someone you suddenly find yourself in love with.

It’s a theme many students, in particular, may find relatable.

I love you.Inoue Sonoko35rank/position

Sonoko Inoue – I Love You.

“Daisuki,” Sonoko Inoue’s 2015 track that captures the real feelings of being in unrequited love, when your head is completely filled with thoughts of the person you like.

The poppy, bouncy melody conveys the giddy excitement of having a crush.

You’re thinking about that special someone all the time, no matter when or where, and your feelings just overflow and won’t stop! Of course there’s anxiety in unrequited love, but it’s also full of that fluttery, heart-throbbing thrill that’s different from being in a relationship.

Let this song, which sings about the same feelings you have when you’re crushing on someone, help you fall even more in love with the person you like.

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SAKI

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