[Ria-ko / Ria-koi / Gachi-koi] A love song about being truly in love with your idol
Words like “ria-koi,” “riako,” and “gachi-koi” are probably familiar if you live the stan life.
In other words, it refers to people who are truly in love with their unattainable faves—idols, voice actors, band members, and the like.
We’ve put together a playlist of real “riako songs” that we hope those hardcore lovers will listen to—tracks that capture that aching, helpless feeling you can relate to.
From bittersweet, heart-wrenching ballads to upbeat anthems that shout “Long live gachi-koi!”, we’ve got plenty to share.
Some lyrics might hit a bit too close to home… but here we go!
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[Real Crush / Real Love / Serious Crush] A love song about being in love with your oshis (1–10)
The ultimate fave!Suzuki Airi
Airi Suzuki’s song “Saikyo no Oshi!” (The Ultimate Oshi!), released on October 25, 2023, was created as the theme song for the TV drama “My Oshi Became My Boss.” Written, composed, and arranged by Masayoshi Oishi, the single features jacket art by Ito Morinaga, the creator of the original comic on which the drama is based.
The ending dance choreographed by former PASSPO☆ member Sako Makita has also become a hot topic.
The lyrics are filled with a bittersweet yet passionate love that continues to support one’s oshi no matter what.
Listeners are likely to relate to the words as if they reflect their own feelings, and to feel encouraged by them!
My fave is too precious.Non Stop Rabbit
Non Stop Rabbit’s song “Oshi ga Tōtoi wa” is a digital single released on March 3, 2021, and it was also included on their major-label debut single “Sandaiyokkyū,” released on May 19 of the same year.
Featuring lyrics overflowing with love for one’s oshi and a catchy pop melody, the track sends encouragement to everyone who pours their passion into oshi activities.
The music video featuring YouTuber Kasu also drew a lot of attention.
Give it a spin when you want to express your love for your oshi or boost your oshikatsu energy!
ALL MINEiScream
The drama “Gachi Koi Nenchakuju,” which portrays a woman in love with a celebrity.
Its opening theme is known as “ALL MINE.” The song is by the three-member music unit iScream, and the lyrics reflect the feelings of the drama’s protagonist.
Since it’s about “wanting to get to know your idol—and ideally, to date them,” many listeners will likely relate.
Also, be sure to check out the group’s hallmark: their dance performance.
[Ria-ko / Ria-koi / Gachi-koi] Love songs about being in love with your oshis (11–20)
Reflect it in those eyesaiko
When it comes to “riako” songs that overflow with straightforward feelings for a loved one, ‘Sono Me ni Utsushite’ stands out.
Singer-songwriter aiko included it on her 2006 album Kanojo.
From a perspective like watching your fave strive from afar, it delivers a warm message.
It carries the hope of being seen and known, even just a little, and her bittersweet yet cute vocals are soothing.
It’s a song especially for the riako crowd who think, “Cheering on the one I love is fun, but I want a deeper relationship…”
OKKAKEmakaroni enpitsu
This is a song I really want people who are truly crushing on a band member to hear: “OKKAKE.” As you can tell from the title, this track—included as the B-side to Macaroni Empitsu’s 2018 single “Lemon Pie”—captures the mindset of a hardcore fan.
It’s about loving a band for a long time, getting annoyed by comments from people who only know them a little, and all those “so true” feelings band-lovers can’t help but relate to.
It’s also a great number to belt out at karaoke and feel totally refreshed (lol).
BABY BABYichou BOYZ
BABY BABY by GING NANG BOYZ—hugely popular since their GOING STEADY days—sings about a love that makes your heart ache with a sweet pang.
It’s a song about unrequited love and one of the band’s signature tracks.
Told from the perspective of a boy in love, it captures an overwhelming sweet-and-sour feeling, and the lyrics are sure to resonate with anyone currently in real-life love.
The realization that everything in the lyrics is a dream, a product of the singer’s imagination, is startling—it’s a song that lays bare the one-way feelings that make your heart hurt.
Mr FANCYakashikku
“Mr FANCY” portrays the honest feeling of falling for your idol on the screen.
The rock band Akashic, who blazed through the 2010s, released it in 2019.
It depicts a girlish figure tormented by an unattainable love, unfolding over a driving band sound.
From vocalist Rihime’s cute singing voice, you can imagine the aching, helpless mood.
It’s a song that makes your heart swell with its straightforward devotion: your love can’t reach your idol, and yet you can’t love anyone else.