Popular Unrequited Love Song Rankings [2026]

Love so sweetarashi29rank/position

ARASHI – Love so sweet [Official Music Video]

A classic hit by Arashi that sets a bittersweet love story to a catchy melody! Released in February 2007 as a TV drama tie-in, this song is sure to resonate with anyone who’s experienced long-distance love or a breakup.

The lyrics, which sing of two people connected under the same sky, are memorable and give you the courage to get through even the toughest nights.

The chorus is especially approachable and irresistibly singable.

It topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and sold about 204,000 copies in its first week.

Highly recommended for those troubled by love or anyone who wants to feel the bond with someone special!

366 daysHY30rank/position

HY 366 Days LIVE

A representative ballad by HY, a mixed-genre band from Okinawa, that I want anyone who’s experienced a devastating heartbreak to hear.

It’s included on their 2008 album “HeartY” and was chosen as the theme song for the drama and film “Akai Ito” (Red Thread).

This work portrays a painfully pure love—the more you try to forget, the more you think of the other person.

Izumi Nakasone’s soulful, heartfelt vocals, who wrote the lyrics, seem to speak for those aching emotions.

On nights when your chest is overflowing with helpless longing, this song will surely stay gently by your side.

I wish I were the one you liked.Te ga kuriimu pan31rank/position

I wish I were the one you love / Hands Like Cream Bread (Wishing I’m her / tegacreampan) [Official Music Video]

A heart-stirring ballad by Tegami Cream Pan, where earnest feelings and a bittersweet mood are woven together through a clear, transparent vocal.

It gently portrays a woman who carries deep feelings for someone important yet struggles to express them.

Featuring an evocative piano melody, the song was released in April 2023.

Showcasing her delicate expressive power to the fullest, this piece speaks on behalf of girls in love.

It’s a must-listen for those who keep their feelings for a crush to themselves or find it hard to be honest about their emotions toward someone dear.

Heroineback number32rank/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 Hanako33rank/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.

BoyfriendJustin Bieber34rank/position

Justin Bieber – Boyfriend

This song, which candidly expresses the feeling of “If I were your boyfriend,” makes you want to listen and quietly relate to it through Justin Bieber’s sweet vocals and mellow beat.

The lyric “If you give me a chance” will really hit home for boys.

Beyond a thousand nightsAqua Timez35rank/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.