A heart-wrenching story that tightens the chest! A Showa-era unrequited love song
No matter the era, songs about unrequited love always resonate with many listeners.
Perhaps you have a song that feels like it’s speaking for your feelings or one that you relate to as if it were your own story.
In this feature, we’re introducing classic unrequited love songs that colored the Showa era.
From the frustration of not being able to confess your feelings to songs that bring you to tears because you still love someone even after parting, we’ve gathered a wide range.
We hope listeners from that generation—and those who aren’t—will enjoy them.
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A heart-wrenching story that tightens your chest! Showa-era unrequited love songs (1–10)
Equator Sweetheart, Thump!Yamashita Kumiko
A signature song by Kumiko Yamashita, who burst onto the 1980s pop music scene like a comet.
Chosen as a campaign image song for Kanebo Cosmetics, this track features a catchy, summery melody and evocative imagery of romance set near the equator.
With playful lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto perfectly matched to Haruomi Hosono’s pop sound, it became a major hit, reaching No.
2 on the weekly Oricon chart and No.
22 on the 1982 year-end chart.
It’s the perfect song for those dreaming of a summer romance or reminiscing about their youth.
MUGO… so sexyKudō Shizuka
This is a striking song featuring lyrics that depict the emotions of a woman carrying feelings she can’t put into words.
Released in August 1988, it was also used as the promotional image song for Kanebo’s ’88 autumn campaign.
It conveys the importance of nonverbal communication and skillfully portrays the passionate emotions held within.
Shizuka Kudo’s vocals and Miyuki Nakajima’s lyrics blend beautifully, resulting in a track filled with deep emotion.
It’s a moving masterpiece that I’d recommend to anyone harboring unspoken feelings or struggling with love.
High School LullabyImokin Torio
As a classic song about unrequited love from the Showa era, this track by Imo Kin Trio remains memorable for many people.
The lyrics, which depict the bittersweetness and poignancy of youth, vividly capture a moment from high school life.
From one-sided crushes to scenes on a crowded bus after school, it’s packed with the feelings of young people from that time.
Released on August 5, 1981, the song was a massive hit, spending seven consecutive weeks at No.
1 on the Oricon weekly charts.
It’s known for its fast tempo and distinctive programmed sounds influenced by YMO.
This work is recommended for those who feel nostalgic about their youth or want to revisit memories of their first love.
ambushIshikawa Hitomi
A signature work by Hitomi Ishikawa that seems to epitomize unrequited love in the Showa era.
Its lyrics, which portray a bittersweet yearning, and its memorable melody line linger in the heart.
Released on April 21, 1981 as her 11th single, it peaked at No.
6 on the Oricon charts.
That same New Year’s Eve, she made her first appearance on the Red and White Song Battle, making this song a turning point in her singing career.
Perfect for those who can relate to the ache of unrequited love and the single-minded devotion of a woman in love.
A nostalgic yet fresh track that brings back memories of love from those days.
If I can see you in my dreamsOhtaki Eiichi
A classic by Eiichi Ohtaki, distinguished by its wistful melody and heart-wrenching lyrics.
The bittersweet feelings of longing for someone far away are conveyed through a gentle, intimate vocal delivery.
First released in 1976, the song has since been covered by many artists and continues to be loved across generations as a masterpiece in the history of Japanese pop.
It’s a recommended track for healing the pain of heartbreak or for reaffirming your feelings for someone special.