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

DAYSanyuusuresu

Anyuseless “DAYS” MV

Any Useless is a five-piece rock band from Osaka.

Their song “DAYS,” which has been gaining attention mainly on social media like Instagram, is a one-sided-love track highlighted by a gentle, appealing vocal.

The biggest draw is the lyrics: the choice of words feels so real and relatable, like something straight out of everyday life.

While poetic lyrics with a fantastical worldview can be great, lyrics written in down-to-earth language like in this song can really hit you in the heart.

The performance is also refreshing despite its mid-tempo pace, so that’s another aspect worth paying attention to when you listen.

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Yuuki

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cherry blossom colorKaneyori Masaru

Kaneyori Masaru [Sakura-iro] Music Video

With the arrival of spring, when cherry blossoms bloom in full glory, Kaneyori Masaru paints a poignant scene of unrequited love.

The protagonist’s feelings as they ride a bicycle through a city tinted a soft pink are conveyed through delicate lyrics and Mina Chitose’s refreshingly clear vocals.

Included on their major-label first full album, “Watashi no Nocturne,” released in January 2023, the song was also featured in Yamada Denki’s “New Life Campaign” commercial.

It’s a perfect track for those who want to relive the bittersweetness of first love or who are currently experiencing a crush.

The best unrequited loveTainaka Ayachi

Tainaka Sachi – The Best Unrequited Love

The heartrending melody makes my chest tighten.

This unrequited-love song is by Ayachi Tainaka, a singer-songwriter from Hyogo Prefecture.

It drew attention as the ending theme for the anime The Story of Saiunkoku and was released as a single in 2006.

It’s a lovely tune with a slightly oriental vibe.

Recommended for teenage girls who like laid-back music.

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Araki Jakkan

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Why not me?Misaka Saki

Saki Misaka – Isn’t It Fine If It’s Me (Full ver.)

This song by Saki Misaka portrays the bittersweet feelings of gradually falling in love, even though you thought you were content just staying close as a friend.

With a clear, gentle voice, she expresses the conflict of wishing for the other person’s happiness while not wanting to see them with someone else.

Released digitally in February 2021, the track was also chosen as the theme song for ABEMA’s romantic reality show “Kyo, Suki ni Narimashita.” It’s sure to resonate with those who, despite knowing what would bring happiness, can’t let go, and who sense the other person’s feelings yet can’t bring themselves to speak up.

Goodbye-byeTomioka Ai

Ai Tomioka – Goodbye Bye (Music Video)

A delicate song by Ai Tomioka that sings of a love so pure it almost hurts.

The transparent vocals capture the frustrating feeling of almost closing the distance with someone, yet never quite getting there.

Even while knowing the other person has someone special, the complicated emotions of being unable to let go resonate deeply.

Released in September 2023, it captured many hearts, reaching the Top 10 on Spotify’s Viral charts in six Asian countries.

The song is memorable for its blend of English and Japanese lyrics and its catchy melodic line.

It’s a track that comforts anyone holding onto unspoken feelings for someone they love, or struggling with a love that may never come true.

I’ve always liked you.Saitō Kazuyoshi

Kazuyoshi Saito – I’ve Always Loved You [Music Video Short.]

It’s their 38th single, released in 2010.

Highly praised by well-known musicians, it has been covered by many artists.

The song has a mature vibe and is a very soothing unrequited-love track.

Unrequited Love in the Music RoomKeyakizaka46

Keyakizaka46 'Unrequited Love in the Music Room' Short Ver.

It’s a song about unrequited love set to a catchy sound.

It’s a track by the popular idol group Keyakizaka46, released in 2018 as their seventh single.

The lyrics tell of someone who finds themselves admiring a person playing the piano in the music room—surely a situation teenage girls could easily fall for.

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Araki Jakkan

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