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 (Official Music Video)

There may be many people suffering from lingering feelings of love that won’t fade even after a breakup.

This is a poignant ballad by HY, a band from Okinawa, known for being written by Izumi Nakasone based on her own experiences.

It vividly portrays the depth of love so strong you remember your ex’s scent and gestures, and the turmoil of an unattainable love—piercing straight to the heart.

The track was included on the album “HeartY,” released in April 2008.

At the time, it was used as the theme song for the film and drama Akai Ito, and became a major talking point.

It continues to be cherished, even serving as the theme song for a drama starting in April 2024.

On nights when your heart aches from an unfulfilled love, or when you just need a good cry, please give it a listen.

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.

BoyfriendJustin Bieber33rank/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 Timez34rank/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.

One more time,One more chanceYamazaki Masayoshi35rank/position

Masayoshi Yamazaki – “One more time, One more chance” MUSIC VIDEO [4K Quality]

It’s a gem of a love song overflowing with bittersweet longing, about searching the city for the irreplaceable person you can no longer meet.

It’s one of singer-songwriter Masayoshi Yamazaki’s signature songs, released in January 1997 as his fourth single and a long-running hit.

It became a hit as the theme song for the film The Moon and a Cabbage, in which Yamazaki himself starred, and years later it was also chosen as the theme song for the animated film 5 Centimeters per Second.

The delicate tones of the acoustic guitar and Yamazaki’s emotionally rich vocals quietly sink in.

Even knowing the love won’t come true, you can’t help but hope for a miracle…

This song gently stays close to that wavering heart.

It’s one of those J-pop masterpieces that we want to be passed down forever—something we especially want people bearing the pain of unrequited love to hear.