Hikaru Utada’s Unrequited Love Songs: Popular Song Rankings [2026]

First LoveUtada Hikaru1rank/position

Hikaru Utada – First Love

This song was released as a single from Hikaru Utada’s debut album First Love and was used as the theme for the drama Majo no Joken, starring Nanako Matsushima and Hideaki Takizawa.

Many people likely remember it vividly along with the drama’s iconic scenes.

The Netflix original drama First Love, starring Takeru Satoh and Hikari Mitsushima, which became a major hit in 2022, also drew inspiration from Utada’s work “Hatsukoi” (First Love), just like this song.

It’s a timeless, beloved love song that continues to be cherished across generations.

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yuri

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First loveUtada Hikaru2rank/position

Hikaru Utada “First Love” (Short Version)

A beautiful love song by Hikaru Utada, the songstress who is the pride of the J-pop scene.

Centered on the theme of first love, it captures all the emotions of a crush—delighting in little moments, getting hurt by little things.

Her crystal-clear voice resounds beautifully over a strings-featured accompaniment, making it an exceptionally lovely track.

If you’re in unrequited love—especially if it feels like a great romance that could be your very first love—this is a song you should definitely listen to.

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Hane Keisuke

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Flavor Of LifeUtada Hikaru3rank/position

Hikaru Utada – Flavor of Life -Ballad Version-

The drama Hana Yori Dango, which became a huge hit starring Jun Matsumoto from Arashi and Mao Inoue, was a success both on TV and in its film series—but for many people, this song may be the strongest association.

The track serves as an in-show and insert song for Hana Yori Dango 2, and it’s one that Hikaru Utada wrote specifically for the drama.

It’s packed with the aching feelings of unrequited love—the intense emotional ups and downs of rejoicing and despairing over the other person’s actions—and anyone experiencing a one-sided crush will find it deeply relatable, even to the point of tears.

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utatane

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Can You Keep A Secret?Utada Hikaru4rank/position

Hikaru Utada – Can You Keep A Secret?

A song that passionately expresses sweet, bittersweet feelings of love—Utada Hikaru’s seventh single.

Released in February 2001 as the theme song for the drama “HERO,” it was also included on the album “Distance.” The lyrics, which portray the desire to become closer to the other person’s ideal while struggling to hide one’s true self, resonated with many listeners.

It also made headlines for becoming the first million-selling single released in the 21st century.

It’s a quintessential Heisei-era unrequited love song that offers solace to everyone troubled by love.

FINAL DISTANCEUtada Hikaru5rank/position

Hikaru Utada – FINAL DISTANCE

Is it mutual love or one-sided…? That wavering is what “Distance” seems to be.

Saying you won’t push it while whispering that maybe it’s okay if you do, you probe the other person’s feelings as you pour out the emotions you can’t hold back in a heartfelt song.

It’s impressive how vividly this feeling is portrayed.

A midsummer passing showerUtada Hikaru6rank/position

Hikaru Utada – Midsummer Shower

Some romances burn hot, and some don’t.

This song’s lyrics have a light, breezy feel that suggests the latter.

The title “Midsummer Passing Shower” might be a metaphor for that kind of love.

In long-distance relationships, the obstacle is the miles between two people—but their hearts may drift even more than the distance does.

It’s all the more heartrending if your feelings for the other person haven’t changed…

Wait & See ~RiskUtada Hikaru7rank/position

Hikaru Utada – Wait & See (Risk)

I can’t help but feel a bit of that New York vibe after all.

What’s really cool is how, just when it seems like a typical song would end near the finale, it rebuilds itself once more with a different pattern.

The lyrics feel a bit brisk and matter-of-fact, but they’re surprisingly deep.