Just listening to it makes my chest tighten. A unrequited love song born in the Reiwa era.
Even in the Reiwa era, when people say young adults are increasingly losing interest in romance, the ache of falling for someone is probably unchanged.
There are many forms of it—the frustration of not being able to confess your feelings, the pain of still being attached even after a breakup.
So this time, we’re introducing unrequited-love songs born in the Reiwa era.
Just as music evolves with the times, love takes many shapes, so you’re sure to find a song that perfectly matches your feelings!
Just listening to it makes my chest tighten. A one-sided love song born in the Reiwa era (1–10)
SubtitleOfisharu Higedan Dism
An emotional and dramatic winter ballad that seeks warmth in the midst of the cold.
Official HIGE DANDism are known for their unique sound that fuses pop, jazz, and rock, and this work fully showcases those qualities.
Released in October 2022 as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “silent,” it added depth of emotion to the series starring Haruna Kawaguchi.
It portrays both the difficulty and beauty of moving people’s hearts through words, and it will surely resonate with anyone feeling the bittersweet ache of falling for someone.
Make you happyNiziU
This track stands out with its poppy melody set to a sprightly beat.
The lyrics express a pure wish to make a loved one smile, and just listening warms your heart.
Released in June 2020, the song drew major attention as NiziU’s pre-debut single.
You probably remember how the dance videos went viral on TikTok.
Brimming with positive energy, both the lyrics and melody are perfect when you’re feeling down or need a boost.
It’s also a great pick as background music to brighten moments with someone special.
I miss youAdo
A captivating song has been born—one that grabs the listener’s heart and never lets go.
The lyrics, which sing of a bittersweet love, evoke scenes as if from a movie.
The straightforward words pierce the hearts of those who hear them.
Released in August 2021, the song was featured as an insert track in the film “Kaguya-sama: Love Is War,” capturing the hearts of many.
Ado’s overwhelming vocal power brilliantly conveys the feelings of those troubled by love.
As a heartwarming love song that stays close to those in love, it is sure to be cherished by many.
SparkleIkuta Rira
Known for her translucent singing voice, Rira Ikuta’s songs beautifully capture both the sweetness and fragility of love.
This piece weaves together the fleeting sorrow of a romance that vanishes like a shooting star with the delicate tones of an acoustic guitar.
Chosen as the theme song for ABEMA’s popular dating show “Kyo, Suki ni Narimashita,” it has resonated with many listeners.
Included on the album “Sketch,” released in March 2023, the track is a masterpiece that fully showcases Ikuta’s talent.
With lyrics that deftly portray the subtle emotions of those pining for unrequited love, it’s a perfect song for a long autumn night.
You don’t get it.WurtS
A song that delicately portrays the heartache of unrequited love seeps into your heart along with WurtS’s vocals.
The arrangement, with its memorable piano tones, further enhances the world of the lyrics.
Released in May 2021, the track was also included on the December 2021 album “Once Upon a Revival.” It generated major buzz on social media and became so popular that it was even nominated for TikTok’s 2021 Buzzword Awards.
It’s a must-listen for anyone who has fallen for someone but can’t bring themselves to confess their feelings.
To tell you the truth,yangusukinii
A song whose poignant lyrics about unrequited love and memorable melody truly resonate.
Released by Young Skinny in October 2022, it was selected as the ending theme for TBS’s TV program “Osama no Brunch” for October and struck a chord with many listeners.
The protagonist’s struggle to be honest and their straightforward feelings for the one they love are carefully depicted, making it a piece that comforts those troubled by love.
It claimed the top spot on Billboard JAPAN’s Heatseekers Songs chart a total of eight times, and with over 100 million streams, it can be called a defining unrequited-love song of the Reiwa era.
A Naked Heartaimyon
This is a ballad by Aimyon, notable for lyrics that portray a bittersweet mood and a melody that evokes a sense of melancholy.
Instead of her trademark acoustic guitar, it features a distinctive, layered arrangement using piano and strings.
Released in June 2020, the song was used as the theme for the TBS Tuesday drama “My Housekeeper Nagisa-san.” It sings of the struggles and anxieties of love, as well as the hope for a new romance.
A sentimental love song that anyone who’s experienced unrequited love is sure to relate to.
motion sickness from proximitywanuka
Singer-songwriter Wanuka’s song gained buzz on social media platforms like TikTok and drew a huge response on digital platforms, even reaching No.
1 on Spotify’s Weekly Viral Chart.
Its light, nostalgic shuffle beat and distinctive scale infused with Japanese elements are signature features that have captivated many listeners.
Released in February 2021, the song bears a striking title that symbolizes emotions heightened by alcohol.
It skillfully portrays the conflict between feelings usually kept in check and the boldness that comes with being tipsy, making it a work that resonates deeply with listeners.
Fuzzy NavelConton Candy
The sixth single by the three-piece girls’ band Conton Candy, which has been resonating with younger generations.
It went viral on TikTok and is included on the EP “charm,” released in September 2023.
A fan favorite at live shows, the song portrays the complexities of love through the scent of a fuzzy navel.
The lyrics are brilliant, intertwining the alcohol content with the protagonist’s true feelings.
It’s a love song that anyone can relate to, one that evokes sweet-and-sour memories of youth.
usmilet
This is a number whose lyrics depict a heartrending love and whose husky, weighty vocals sink deep into the heart.
It was released in August 2019 as the theme song for the Nippon TV drama “Gisou Furin” (Fake Affair).
It expresses the mingling of hope and anxiety about conveying one’s feelings to someone they love, something many people struggling with romance may relate to.
It’s great to listen to while watching the drama, but it’s also lovely to take it in quietly on your own.
Wrapped in milet’s emotionally rich voice, why not reflect on your own love life?