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!
- When you want to immerse yourself in music alone! Tear-jerker songs released in the Reiwa era
- [Heartbreak Songs] A selection of poignant love songs that pierce the heart of those with unrequited love
- Gently staying close to a wounded heart… A Reiwa-era heartbreak song
- [To Those in Love] Relatable Love Songs to Listen to When You’re Crushing Hard
- Unrequited love songs that strike a man's heart. Love songs from a male perspective that really hit home.
- Just listening makes my chest tighten... Breakup songs recommended for the Yutori generation
- Unrequited Love Songs Recommended for High School Students | Love Songs to Listen to While Thinking of Your Crush
- Unrequited love songs from the Showa era. Those nostalgic classics.
- A heart-wrenching story that tightens the chest! A Showa-era unrequited love song
- Classic and popular songs about unrequited love
- [Unrequited Love] Heart-wrenching Love Songs | A Roundup of Tear-Inducing Crush and Breakup Tracks
- My heart aches with bittersweet pain! Breakup songs I’d recommend to Gen Z
- From bittersweet tracks to heart-wrenching tunes! Heisei-era unrequited love songs
Just listening to it makes my chest tighten. A one-sided love song born in the Reiwa era (1–10)
I hope I can be your lover.Kaneyori Masaru
A song by Kaneyori Masaru that candidly sings about a bittersweet love—dreaming of a future with someone you like even while knowing it’ll never come true.
You feel like you’re just one of many to them, and yet you can’t help but hope that tomorrow will be different; that pure, earnest feeling squeezes your heart.
The driving rock sound powerfully propels those pent-up emotions forward.
This track appears on the mini-album “To Us Who Won’t Live Yesterday,” released in January 2025, and also drew attention as the theme song for the film “Yoyogi Johnny’s Melancholy After School.” It went viral on TikTok and became one of the signature hits of 2025.
It’s sure to resonate deeply with anyone who can’t confess their feelings before graduation or who’s struggling with the pain of unrequited love.
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?
Just listening to it makes my chest tighten. Unrequited love songs born in the Reiwa era (11–20)
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.
A story about a girl who wants to be honest.riria.
Singer-songwriter Riria, known for her translucent vocals and relatable lyrics, has won widespread popularity.
Released in February 2021, this track is a pop ballad supported by an acoustic sound.
Its lyrics, which portray the struggle of being unable to be honest and the conflicts of love, are sure to resonate with many young people.
It was also featured as the song for ABC-MART’s “Confession” commercial, helping it reach a broad audience.
This work is an encouraging anthem that gives courage—especially to those who feel timid about love or can’t bring themselves to express their feelings.
to lovekuriipuhaipe
A CreepHyp song that poignantly depicts the ache of being unable to confess your feelings, told from a unique perspective.
Seikaikan Ozaki’s vocals and the melody that resonates in your heart are truly striking.
It was also selected as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s program “Ukemenn,” bringing it recognition across a wide audience.
Released in January 2020, this work is CreepHyp’s 12th major single.
The music video, produced as an animated piece with an SF love story theme, further expands the song’s world.
It’s a moving track that I hope everyone struggling with love will listen to.
I wish I were the one you liked.Te ga kuriimu pan
This song features a strikingly transparent piano sound, with a sentimental arrangement that tightens the chest.
The lyrics portray the feeling of being unable to let go even when you know your feelings won’t reach the other person—something anyone who’s experienced unrequited love will likely relate to.
Tegakuri-mupan’s down-to-earth lyrics have been drawing attention, especially among younger listeners.
Released in April 2023, this bittersweet love ballad is perfect for moments when you want to forget daily stress and immerse yourself in your own world.