Lovely hit song

A heart-wrenching story that tightens the chest! A Showa-era unrequited love song

Music writer / guitarist / Certified web writing practitionerHoshino Takashi
Drawing on over 30 years of experience with guitars and bands since my high school days, I specialize in music-related articles and have handled many feature pieces to date. While my tastes lean toward genres like hard rock and heavy metal since I first picked up the guitar, I make a point of listening to a wide range of styles, both Japanese and Western, on a daily basis. I began working as a freelance writer in 2018. I hold a Web Writing Practical Certification, and in addition to writing, I’m also studying video editing. In my private life, I’m raising an elementary school child and stay active while supporting their extracurriculars, such as parkour and dance.

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.

A heart-wrenching story that tightens the chest! Showa-era unrequited love songs (11–20)

Rainy BlueTokunaga Hideaki

HIDEAKI TOKUNAGA – Rainy Blue

Rainy BlueTokunaga Hideaki

Singer-songwriter Hideaki Tokunaga, who continues to captivate listeners with his distinctive husky voice and overwhelming vocal prowess.

Released in January 1986 as his debut single, this song portrays a rainy night scene while giving voice to the pain of heartbreak.

Its lyrics poignantly express a wistful love, and the gradually swelling melody line is especially striking.

Following his lead role in the rock musical Harajuku Graffiti, this long-awaited release has remained one of Tokunaga’s signature songs.

It’s a heartfelt ballad that soaks into the soul—highly recommended for anyone seeking a song to listen to on a rainy day.

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Cotton HandkerchiefŌta Hiromi

Cotton Handkerchief (with lyrics) - Song by Hiromi Ohta

Cotton HandkerchiefŌta Hiromi

Like a heartfelt letter, it’s a timeless song that resonates deeply.

Hiromi Ohta’s pure, crystalline voice sinks into the soul.

Released in December 1975, it was performed at the 27th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen the following year.

The lyrics poignantly depict a long-distance romance between a man leaving his rural hometown for the city and a woman who remains behind.

Told in a dialogue between the two, the story vividly contrasts urban and rural values.

It’s a song that comforts those who have experienced parting from someone dear or who yearn for a distant lover.

When you want to convey feelings kept in your heart, give it a listen.

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In conclusion

This time we introduced unrequited love songs from the Showa era—how did you like them? Even though the times were different, it shows that the feeling of falling for someone never changes.

With the revival boom, classic Showa hits are enjoying renewed popularity, so be sure to check them out.