[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 love] A love song about being in love with your idol (21–30)
FAKE ITPerfume
This song “FAKE IT,” included as the B-side to Perfume’s 2010 single “Nee,” is highly popular among fans and has become a staple in their live performances.
The lyrics, which seem to depict a game of love while sounding like self-questioning about unrequited feelings, are intriguing—perhaps even resonating with those who have real-life crushes.
It’s a cool track with that distinct Perfume flair, featuring a slightly tough, strong-willed female persona, yet it’s a number that reveals a very real inner world.
I like you!Chou Tokimeki♡Sendenbu
“Suki!” has gone super-viral on TikTok.
If you use TikTok regularly, you’ve probably heard it at least once.
It’s a track by the idol group Cho Tokimeki♡Sendenbu.
Repeating the phrase in the title, the song straightforwardly expresses honest feelings.
As a crush-themed song that focuses on the emotion of liking someone, listeners with real-life crushes can easily relate.
There’s also a version called “Suki! ~Cho ver~,” so it’s fun to compare the two.
long-distance posterAKB48
“Enkyori Poster,” included on AKB48’s single “Sakura no Shiori” released in 2010.
It’s a cute and straightforward “real crush” song sung from a male perspective, expressing the feelings of a fan who’s fallen in love with an idol, isn’t it? For those known as “idol otaku,” it’s an empowering track—there’s that relatable moment of looking at the poster on your wall and feeling energized—and it even acknowledges that supporting your oshi is like a long-distance relationship, since you don’t get to see them often!
Someone who isn’t you ~Tejina~DEEP
Falling in love even though you know it could never work out… If you’re going through a heartfelt unrequited love, this will surely resonate.
It’s a song by the male vocal group DEEP, released in 2011 as their sixth single.
With its gently resonant piano tones, it’s a ballad that warms your chest.
When you find yourself thinking, “Why won’t these feelings reach you…?” this song might just stay by your side.
Delusion♡ExpressSengoku Nadeko (Hanazawa Kana)
A cute yet passionate love song that compares the feeling of love to an unstoppable train! It was used as the ending theme for the anime Owarimonogatari and is sung by Kana Hanazawa, who plays the character Nadeko Sengoku.
It’s included in the 2016 release Utamonogatari: Monogatari Series Theme Song Collection.
At first listen it sounds adorable, but if you know Nadeko Sengoku’s personality, it starts to take on a slightly different meaning—how curious.
Still, having someone who can make you feel that way must be a kind of happiness, right?
Addiction ~Let’s Go! High Heels~Kurahashi Yoeko
Set to a glamorous, jazzy sound, “Addiction ~Let’s Go! High Heels~” sings of overflowing feelings for a loved one.
Known for songs that lay bare the truth of the heart, singer-songwriter Yoeko Kurahashi included it on her 2008 album Dismantled Piano.
It portrays a pure emotion: even when nothing goes right, just seeing the one you love smile can make you happy.
With a dynamically unfolding arrangement, the track resonates with her supple, expressive vocals.
I want to be the girl you remember when you die.samezame
For those who can’t think about anyone but that one person, whether asleep or awake, this song is for you.
It’s a track by the music project Samezame, included on the EP “I Want to Be the Girl You Remember When You Die EP,” released in 2016.
Featuring a band-driven sound, it has a peculiar, floating atmosphere.
I imagine quite a few people can relate to the lyrics, which center on a yandere-leaning girl.
In a way, isn’t this exactly what it feels like to have an oshii—your absolute fave?