Popular Unrequited Love Song Rankings [2026]

HAPPY BIRTHDAYback number1rank/position

back number – HAPPY BIRTHDAY (full)

A three-piece rock band whose heartrending lyrics and moving melodies resonate with many, back number’s 20th single.

Released in February 2019, the music video—featuring a performance in an empty restaurant that conveys loneliness—also leaves a strong impression.

It deftly portrays the bittersweetness of unrequited love, and with Iyori Shimizu’s sharp guitar work and Takeshi Kobayashi’s production, it pierces deeply into listeners’ hearts.

It’s a highly recommended track for anyone experiencing unrequited love right now.

Ms. Hanako on a high pedestalback number2rank/position

back number – Takane no Hanako-san (full)

With their realistic psychological portrayals, back number captures the hearts of many fans.

Their eighth single, released in June 2013, truly feels like “a song packed full of one-sided-love imaginings.” You can’t help but nod along at the poignant sense of distance—being nothing more than “a friend of a friend” to the person you like—and at the way you get depressed by imagining the kind of partner they’d want and deciding you don’t measure up.

In contrast to those lyrics, the brisk, refreshing sound gently propels that frustrating, unrequited longing forward.

The track is also included on the album “Love Story,” and it was used in a commercial in 2019.

Wishing to be loved yet unable to take that final step—this is a one-sided love song that will surely resonate and stay close to your heart.

One ThingOne Direction3rank/position

One Direction – One Thing

One Direction, the boy band that enjoyed worldwide popularity in the 2010s, is a familiar group in Japan as well.

Although they are currently on hiatus, the many masterpieces they left behind continue to be loved.

Among their works, a pop tune from their debut album Up All Night powerfully sings about the impulse of unrequited love.

It sets a straightforward, heartfelt longing—being crazy about you and aching for “that one thing”—to sparkling guitar sounds and a fast-paced, exhilarating melody.

Released on CD in the UK in February 2012, the track also ranked high on the charts.

When your feelings for someone become unstoppable, listening to it will give you the courage to affirm those emotions with strength.

PrologueUru4rank/position

[Official] Uru “Prologue” Premium Studio Live

Sung by Uru, “Prologue” is a heartbreaking song about unknowingly searching for an unattainable love.

Released as a single in 2018, it was chosen as the theme song for TBS’s Tuesday drama “Chugakusei Nikki” (Diary of a Middle School Student) and reached No.

1 on Billboard’s download chart.

The lyrics perfectly match the drama’s story, which portrays a forbidden romance between a teacher and a student.

It’s a song I’d love for students who’ve found themselves falling for a teacher—or teachers who’ve fallen for a student—to listen to.

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Hamada Takuya

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365 daysMr.Children5rank/position

Mr.Children “365 Days” Mr.Children TOUR POPSAURUS 2012

The song that reminds us that the most important moments are found in everyday life is “365 Days.” It was included on SENSE, the album released in 2010 by Mr.Children, a rock band with nationwide popularity.

Set to warm, life-affirming sounds, Kazutoshi Sakurai’s gentle vocals resonate.

The lyrics, which express the feeling of “No matter when, I can’t help but think of that person,” are sure to stir your heart.

It’s a song overflowing with love for the person who gave you the chance to change your thoughts and feelings.

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mutō

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I want to be your lover.Abe Mao6rank/position

Mao Abe – I Want to Be Your Lover [Official Music Video]

Often described as “an anthem that wraps up all the pent-up feelings of a bittersweet unrequited love,” this song is known as one of Mao Abe’s signature works.

Its lyrics, woven from her real experiences in high school, portray the ache of unrequited love with striking realism and have resonated with many.

Released as a single in August 2009, it was also chosen as the ending theme for a regional music program, catapulting it to fame.

It’s the perfect song for anyone who wants to honestly express their feelings to a crush but just can’t take that first step.

Why not listen to this song and find the courage to share how you feel?

PretenderOfisharu Higedan Dism7rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – Pretender [Official Video]

When it comes to Higedan’s signature songs, many people would probably name this one.

“Pretender” is Official HIGE DANDism’s second single, released in 2019, and it was also the theme song for the film “The Confidence Man JP: The Movie.” It’s a love ballad overflowing with bittersweet emotion—a sad song about unfulfilled love—but it’s also a track that powerfully amplifies the feelings of unrequited love.

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utatane

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