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 – Hanako-san on a High Pedestal

When summer rolls around, this is the unrequited-love anthem you can’t help but crave.

The three-piece band back number released the single “Takane no Hanako-san” in June 2013.

Also included on the album “Love Story,” the song, true to its title, portrays the ache of longing for someone out of reach.

The protagonist imagines, all on his own, the kind of boyfriend she’d date—someone nothing like himself—and sinks into gloom, clinging to hopes of a chance reunion; his flailing is both endearing and heartbreaking.

In 2019 it was featured in a “Tanrei Green Label” commercial, drawing attention when Iyori Shimizu performed a stripped-down rendition.

Despite its breezy melody, the lyrics clutch at your heart.

It’s a song that quietly stays by your side on nights when you’re burning with an impossible love.

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

"Prologue" FULL ver.

A poignant ballad that portrays a love so strong it slips beyond one’s control—leaving you wondering how you could ever fall this hard.

Even knowing it’s hopeless, your eyes still follow the one you love; those wavering emotions surge through your chest alongside Uru’s crystal-clear voice.

Released as a single in December 2018, the song was chosen as the theme for the drama “Chugakusei Nikki” (Middle Schooler’s Diary), starring Kasumi Arimura.

It resonates with the story’s depiction of a forbidden relationship between teacher and student, and many likely found themselves in tears whenever it played at the drama’s climactic moments.

It was later included on the acclaimed album “Orion Blue.” For anyone spending nights on the verge of breaking, burdened by feelings that defy reason, this song will quietly stay by your side.

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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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]

A gem from Official HIGE DANDism that tightens your chest from the very first piano notes.

Released in May 2019, it captured many hearts as the theme song for the film “The Confidence Man JP.” Even while knowing the love won’t come true, the painful emotion of still caring for the other person comes through vividly.

Realizing you’re not worthy of them and dreaming of meeting again in a different fate carries a helpless, aching sadness.

Instead of confessing love, all you can do is praise their beauty—this frustrating sense of distance is portrayed through Satoshi Fujihara’s emotional vocals.

If you’re holding feelings you can’t erase no matter how you try to give up, this song will surely stay gently by your side.

loveback number8rank/position

back number – Koi (full)

A beautiful portrayal of youthful unrequited love in a song by back number.

“I want to tell you how I feel before we can’t meet anymore,” “I don’t need any other wishes to come true—just let this love be fulfilled.” These earnest emotions are woven together with a melody that resonates deeply.

Released in March 2012, the track was also used as the ending theme for TV Asahi’s “Music-Ru TV.” It’s recommended not only for those currently in unrequited love, but also for anyone who wants to reminisce about past romances.

Listen to this song to lift your spirits, and take the leap to confess your feelings!

cold; curt; blunt; unfriendlyRADWIMPS9rank/position

RADWIMPS – Aloof [Official Music Video]

A RADWIMPS song that delicately and realistically portrays the pain of love, filled with the frustration of an ambiguous sense of distance.

The lyrics trace the emotional ups and downs caused by the other person’s elusive attitude, and yet the irresistible pull you feel, with Yojiro Noda’s woven words and the piano’s melody resonating beautifully to tighten your chest.

Released in December 2018 on their seventh major album, ANTI ANTI GENERATION, this track was chosen as the theme song for ABEMA’s dating reality show Who Is the Wolf?.

The music video featuring Nana Komatsu and Fuju Kamio also became a major talking point.

It’s a bittersweet yet warm love song that makes you want to sink quietly into it on nights troubled by love.

OrangeGReeeeN10rank/position

GReeeeN – Orange

This is a song by GReeeeN that refreshingly depicts a faint budding romance through scenes bathed in the orange glow of dusk.

The lyrics, which straightforwardly express feelings for the other person, are striking; they carefully portray the joy of the moment when love becomes mutual and the anticipation for the future that lies ahead.

Released in April 2012, the track was featured in a Shiseido “SEA BREEZE” commercial and is included on the album “Utautai ga Utautai ni Kite Utau tae to Iu ga Utautai ga Utau dake Utai Kireba Uta Utau keredomo Utautai dake Utautai Kirenai kara Uta Utawanu!?” It’s a recommended song for times when you feel unsure about your feelings for someone or when you want to cheer on a romance that’s about to begin.