When I realized it, I was in unrequited love.Nogizaka 461rank/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.

Time-Limited Unrequited LoveNogizaka 462rank/position

Nogizaka46 'Time-Limited Unrequited Love'

A gentle, coming-of-age love song that tenderly embraces the fragility of unrequited feelings.

It’s an original track by the 6th generation members, included on Nogizaka46’s 38th single “Navel Orange,” released in March 2025.

The scenes painted by Yasushi Akimoto’s spun lyrics and the sound crafted by 3grass and Yuta Asao feel like a moment from a film.

If you’re about to graduate and can’t find the courage to confess to the one you like, this song might give you the push you need.

steep slopeNogizaka 463rank/position

Nogizaka46 'Steep Slope' Short Ver.

A song released as a coupling track for Nogizaka46’s 14th single, “Harujion ga Saku Koro.” It likens the person you’ve fallen for to a “steep slope,” conveying that half-hearted feelings won’t make love come true and giving you a push to sprint up that hill with all your might.

Sung by Mai Shiraishi, Sayuri Matsumura, and Nanami Hashimoto, the music video—featuring the three performing instruments—is also a must-see.

sympathetic dominanceNogizaka 464rank/position

Nogizaka46 “Sympathetic Nervous System Dominance”

A refreshing, lyrical song that portrays the faint stirrings of a girl’s first love as she walks alongside the railway tracks.

Included on Nogizaka46’s single “Navel Orange,” released in March 2025, this track drew attention as 4th-generation member Yuna Shibata served as the under-center for the first time.

The lyrics poetically capture a page of youth and its wavering emotions in a way that’s easy to relate to.

It’s a song that especially resonates when you find yourself mulling over love.

navel orangeNogizaka 465rank/position

navel orange

This is a bittersweet unrequited-love song that overlays the sweet-and-sour memories of youth with imagery of fruit.

Released on March 26, 2025, it features fifth-generation members Kazu Inoue and Aruno Nakanishi as double centers.

The song carefully weaves the feelings of a protagonist who heads to an unfamiliar town while holding memories of a cherished person close to their heart.

Its melody gently envelopes scenes where nostalgia and lingering attachment intersect, sending shivers through you.

It especially resonates when you want to reminisce about your school days.

The Start of RomanceNogizaka 466rank/position

Nogizaka46 “The Start of Romance” Short Ver.

A refreshing Nogizaka46 number that portrays the feelings of unrequited love.

The sudden shock of falling in love and the protagonist’s confusion are expressed with delicate nuance.

The scene of a bicycle chasing a bus symbolizes that bittersweet feeling of wanting to get closer to the one you like but lacking the courage.

Released in April 2014, it was also used as the theme song for House Foods’ “Mega Shaki” commercial.

In the music video, Nanase Nishino serves as center for the first time, and a love story unfolds from a university student’s perspective.

It’s a perfect song not only for those who can relate to pure, innocent feelings of love, but also for anyone who wants to find the courage to take a step forward.

InfluencerNogizaka 467rank/position

Nogizaka46 “Influencer”

It’s a passionate number and very easy to listen to.

It’s sung with a bouncy rhythm, and it has a bit of an old-school pop feel, so it’s a song everyone will love.

Yasushi Akimoto often writes this kind of song, and his sense for love songs is truly remarkable.

I’d also like you to pay attention to the catchy, easy-to-remember chorus.