Unrequited love songs recommended for teenage girls: classic and popular Japanese hits

My cute unrequited loveOtoniriame

My Cute Unrequited Love / Onriame [Official MV]

This is a song by Otoriamé, a Gen Z duo from Aomori, that adorably portrays the heart of a girl with an unrequited crush.

With cute and comical lyrics, it vividly captures the feelings of a girl in love—like doodling a shared umbrella in her notebook or the heart-pounding thrill of forgetting her umbrella on a rainy day.

Released digitally in March 2023, the track gained buzz on social media and resonated with many young listeners.

It’s a must-listen not only for those experiencing unrequited love, but also for anyone who wants to revel in the sweet, bittersweet rhythms of romance.

Let Otoriamé’s harmonies help you set free the feelings tucked away deep in your heart.

Try loving—it’s not like you’ll lose anything.neguse.

Bedhead. 'Try loving me—it won't cost you anything' Official Music Video

A one-sided crush song from a woman’s perspective crafted by Neguse., depicting unreciprocated feelings and complex emotions.

Released in April 2023, the track gained traction on social media, and by September its music video surpassed 2 million views.

In contrast to its poppy, catchy sound, the lyrics convey the weight and ache of saying “I like you.” It’s a song that offers comfort to those struggling with emotional distance or anxiety in love—highly recommended for anyone who relates to the frustration of a bittersweet crush.

Sorry for dreamingAKB48 U-21 senbatsu

[MV Full] Sorry for Dreaming / AKB48 U-21 Selection [Official]

This song expresses a bittersweet crush through a rhythmic melody.

While apologizing to the person they’re secretly in love with by saying “sorry,” the lingering feelings that won’t fade are striking.

You can almost picture pedaling a bike out of the saddle on the way to school at summer’s end.

Sung by AKB48’s U-21 selection, the track is included on the single “Koi Tsun Jatta,” released in July 2024.

It was also used as the ending theme for the anime “Stardust Telepath,” which drew attention.

Perfect for those who want to recall the delicate romances of their youth, or anyone currently nursing a one-sided love.

Listening might even make you think, “I want to have a good romance.”

I like you after all.CHIHIRO

CHIHIRO – I Knew I Still Loved You (Official MV)

Overflowing feelings—liking someone so much it hurts, your chest tightening… Have you ever felt a love like that? This is a pure unrequited-love song sung by R&B singer CHIHIRO.

It’s included on her 2015 album “NAMIDA CARATS.” The heartrending melody grips your heart.

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Araki Jakkan

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Song for…HY

Song for…

This is a bittersweet unrequited-love song by HY, a crossover band from Okinawa.

Its gentle melody feels close to the listener’s heart, and the lyrics delicately portray the feelings of a woman struggling with love.

Included on the album TRUNK, it was released in 2004.

Izumi Nakasone’s clear, transparent vocals beautifully sing of lost love and its memories.

Said to be drawn from the songwriter’s real-life experience with a relationship involving an age gap, the lyrics are deeply relatable and sure to move you.

Give it a listen when you want to feel the sweet and aching pangs of unrequited love.

I love you!SHISHAMO

I tried playing “Suki Suki! / SHISHAMO.” [Guitar/Guitar cover] by mukuchi

This song is included on their fourth album, SHISHAMO 4, released in 2017.

The lyrics, which read like a candid outpouring of unrequited love, and the light, upbeat band sound are incredibly memorable.

Its clumsy charm makes the track feel especially endearing.

Kasane AiSoala

Soala – Kasaneai [Official Music Video]

Soala’s translucent vocals gently embrace the feelings that pass each other by and the wish to reunite, delicately expressing subtle emotions.

Released in January 2025 as a track on the EP “Bluem,” the song is distinguished by its piano-centered, gentle sound and memorable melodic lines.

The music video—featuring model Ryoka Orita and actor Yusei Ito—has also garnered attention, spreading waves of empathy across social media.

It’s a song I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who carries a “what if”—wondering how things might have been if you’d met in a different way.