Unrequited Love Song Ranking in Japanese Music [2026]

Blue BenchSasuke50rank/position

Blue Bench / Sasuke

It’s a pure love song wrapped in a sense of longing.

Set on a nostalgic bench after the lover is gone, it delicately portrays the emotions of looking back on an unrequited love.

Regret over not being able to convey one’s feelings and lingering attachment to a love that will never return resonate through the delicate vocals and melody.

Released independently in 2003, the song sold out all 500 copies immediately, despite being available only at a single store in the artist’s hometown of Ōmiya.

When you think back to “that moment” when you couldn’t be honest with a beloved partner, this song will be there to embrace your heart.

Because I like you.Yuika51rank/position

Because I love you. / “Yuika” [MV]

A bittersweet love song that captures the real, heartfelt feelings of teenagers in love, carried by the sound of an acoustic guitar.

Released in June 2021 as the debut work of singer-songwriter Yuika, who enjoys massive support especially on TikTok.

Its unique structure presents the first verse from a girl’s perspective and the second from a boy’s, tightening your chest with the frustration of mutual but unspoken feelings that keep missing their mark.

The way they’re elated or deflated by each other’s small gestures is pure youth itself.

It’s a song that gives a gentle push to those who want to confess their feelings before graduation but can’t quite find the courage.

A re-recorded version featuring her voice at age 20 was released in May 2025, and it continues to be cherished as an unfading bible of love over time.

RomanticismMrs. GREEN APPLE52rank/position

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Romanticism

A song by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE that sings of a bittersweet, long-distance kind of love.

With a theme of love for humanity, it portrays a fateful romance born from a chance encounter.

The lyrics asking, “What kind of person are you?” convey a heartfelt desire to understand the other.

Released in October 2019 as the theme song for Shiseido’s “Sea Breeze” commercial, the track also drew attention for its innovative music video—an uncut, simultaneously shot split-screen in two vertical halves.

The lyrics, which evoke the end of spring and summer, compellingly reflect relationships changing over time.

It’s a recommended track not only for those struggling with love, but also for anyone feeling unsure about their relationships.

Love thief.Yuika53rank/position

Love Thief. / “Yuika” [MV]

Its relaxed, sweet vocals and lyrics that candidly portray a girl falling in love are striking! This is a cute love song sung by singer-songwriter Yuika, who’s active on YouTube and TikTok.

Many people have probably experienced being captivated the moment their eyes met, unconsciously following their crush with their gaze, or feeling their heart race just from hearing their laughter.

Released in March 2022, this song gently encourages those who want to make their one-sided love come true with the twist that “it turns out the other person liked me too.”

I like you.Little Glee Monster54rank/position

Little Glee Monster 'I Love You.' × 360 Reality Audio MUSIC VIDEO

A song that powerfully expresses the wavering emotions of youth, this is Little Glee Monster’s fourth single.

Chosen as the theme song for the TBS Friday drama “Omotesando High School Chorus Club!” it was released in September 2015.

Featuring fresh, vibrant melodies and robust harmonies, the track is a coming-of-age song centered on young love.

Showcasing Little Glee Monster’s signature powerhouse vocal performance, its lyrics portray bittersweet feelings and inner conflict that resonated with many listeners.

It’s a recommended track not only for those troubled by love, but also for anyone feeling nostalgic about their youth.

AitaiKato Miria55rank/position

Miliyah Kato - “Aitai”

A straightforward portrayal of unrequited love for someone who loves another—this is Kato Miliyah’s renowned ballad.

No matter how much it hurts, I don’t need to be number one; I just want to be loved…

The protagonist’s heartrending cry comes through palpably.

Featured on the album “Ring,” released in July 2009, the song also added depth to the film “Villain” as an insert track.

Beginning with a melancholy piano melody, the R&B-tinged track beautifully captures the agony of a love that cannot be.

This is a song especially for those whose hearts ache with feelings they know can never be returned, yet cannot stop.

It feels like I’m in love.Yuika56rank/position

It’s like I’m in love / “Yuika” [MV]

The moment their eyes met, her heart was stolen, and just hearing his laughter made her heart race…

Everyone’s had the experience of having their head filled with thoughts of someone they like, right? This song by Yuika is a sweet and bittersweet love song that captures those exact feelings.

Its relaxed, gentle vocals and lyrics depicting a girl completely absorbed in love are especially memorable.

Released in February 2024, it was also featured as an insert song in Koi-suru Shuumatsu Homestay 2024 Winter.

It’s a perfect pick not only for those with a crush, but also for anyone who wants to remember what it feels like to be in love.