"A Love Song I Can't Tell Anyone" — a love song you can relate to when times are tough

Song for…HY

Song for…

Born from keyboardist and vocalist Izumi Nakasone’s real-life experience, this memorable piece wrestles with the meaning of chance encounters and the intense, conflicted feelings for another.

Included on the album “TRUNK,” its earnest vocals, delivered alongside the piano’s beautiful timbre, resonate deeply.

A self-cover version appears on the album “STORY ~HY BEST~,” radiating a timeless charm that hasn’t faded with the years.

It’s a gentle ballad that invites empathy from those who can’t express their feelings, or who must seal them away due to circumstances such as each other’s situations or an age difference.

I wish I were the one you liked.Te ga kuriimu pan

I wish I were the one you love / Hands Like Cream Bread (Wishing I’m her / tegacreampan) [Official Music Video]

Getting the person you like to like you back is really difficult, isn’t it? But wanting them to fall for you is something anyone in love feels.

That bittersweet, painful feeling in the chest is captured in Tegakuri-mupan’s “I Wish I Were the One You Like.” With its simple instrumentation and understated vocal delivery, the song overflows with the sorrow of unrequited love.

You truly want to confess your feelings and become mutual lovers, but the fear of it not going well makes you hesitate to take that first step…

Many people can probably relate to the dread of a future where love doesn’t come true, and to this situation where, despite that, you just can’t suppress your feelings.

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SAKI

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two peopleaiko

aiko - “Futari” music video

A work that beautifully portrays a brave, self-restrained love telling itself, “I’m glad I realized it before I fell any deeper,” is the song released in March 2008 by singer-songwriter aiko.

Set to an up-tempo, exhilarating sound, you can picture the protagonist getting elated and crushed by the tiniest gestures of the person they like.

Even while knowing that person’s gaze is directed at someone else, the aching sadness of feelings that won’t stop comes through vividly.

The song was a hit, reaching No.

3 on the Oricon weekly chart, later included on the acclaimed album “Himitsu,” and it resonated with many as the theme for a Hoyu commercial.

Even when you know it’s a love that won’t come true, you can’t help but think of them.

This is a number that gently stays by the side of anyone struggling with such a complicated unrequited love.

I hate this love songchanmina

I hate this love song

This is a heartfelt love song by Chanmina that vividly captures the sweet-and-sour and complicated feelings of first love.

Written as the theme song for the film based on Yoru Sumino’s work, “Ka『』ku『』shi『』go『』to『」, it is set for release in May 2025.

With lyrics that convey the frustration of wanting to tell the truth but being unable to, and a delicate yet cute vocal tone, it leaves a strong impression.

The sound blends elements of hip-hop and R&B with the accessibility of pop.

Listening to it will likely bring back memories of your first love and tighten your chest with emotion.

AitaiKato Miria

Miliyah Kato - “Aitai”

It’s a heartrending love song about longing for someone who’s looking at somebody else.

Included on the acclaimed 2009 album “Ring,” this fan favorite became a hit with over 700,000 downloads despite not being released as a single.

It also adds deep resonance to the film “Villain” as an in-film track.

Even if I’m not your number one, even if I know I’ll get hurt, it has to be you… That desperate cry from the heart tightens the listener’s chest.

When you fall for someone, reason can’t do a thing about it.

If you’re suffering from an unrequited love, this is a song that will surely stay close to your heart.

CountdownCocco

Cocco “Countdown” Music Video

This is Cocco’s shocking debut work, depicting the end of a forbidden love driven by sheer passion.

The provocative, self-destructive words that corner the other person may be a reflection of frustration and despair at a relationship with no way out.

Released in March 1997, the song is also included on the album Bougainvillea.

Because you love someone so much, you feel a twisted impulse to destroy the relationship with your own hands—knowing it’s selfish, yet unable to stop.

Perhaps such overwhelming passion comes from being consumed by a love that should never be.

I’m really sorry.≠ME

≠ME (Not Equal Me) / 9th Single c/w “Gomen, Majide” [MV full]

This song beautifully captures the feelings of a heartbreaking unrequited love.

The lyrics convey the struggle of staying just friends while being unable to confess your feelings to the person you like.

Even knowing they’re drawn to someone else, you can’t suppress your own emotions—that complex state of mind really hits home.

Included on ≠ME’s 9th single “Because Summer Has Come,” this track feels like peeking into the diary of a girl in love.

It’s perfect for those troubled by a more-than-friends, not-quite-lovers relationship or anyone mustering the courage to confess.

Give it a listen, and take that step to share your feelings!