Recommended unrequited love songs for teenage boys: Classic and popular Japanese tracks

Coffee SongHOWL BE QUIET

HOWL BE QUIET – Coffee Song

A love song that overlays the ache of unrequited feelings onto an everyday moment.

Released digitally in 2021 by the piano rock band HOWL BE QUIET and later included on their final album, HOWL BE QUIET, this track is also known for having been created through communication with fans during livestreamed performances.

Told from a female perspective, its portrayal of a love that goes unrewarded is deeply moving.

With lyrics that revive memories along with the aroma of coffee, it’s perfect for nights spent thinking of someone.

A song for everyone who carries feelings that can’t reach their destination.

While listening to Linear BlueUNISON SQUARE GARDEN

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN “Listening to Linear Blue” Short Ver.

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN’s seventh single, released on September 19, 2012.

It was also used as the theme song for the anime film TIGER & BUNNY THE MOVIE -The Beginning-, earning significant recognition and popularity.

amusement parkyuzu

Yuzu - Amusement Park

An early B-side track by Yuzu, one of Japan’s representative folk duos.

It portrays, in a true-to-life way, the feelings of a teenage boy in love with a girl he likes.

He runs into her near an amusement park in the rain… Even just a brief moment is enough—he just wants to be with her.

It’s a pure unrequited-love number that makes you want to say, “How cute,” just by listening.

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loveback number

back number – Koi (full)

A song that portrays the faint stirrings of youthful love.

It expresses bittersweet feelings and the ache of unrequited affection.

The protagonist keeps thinking about the other person but lacks the courage to confess, a situation many can relate to.

Released in March 2012 as back number’s fourth single, the track was also used as the theme song for TV Asahi’s “Music-Ru TV.” It’s a love song that makes your heart swell, makes you want to see the one you like, and inspires you to share your feelings—a piece that resonates especially with teenagers.

Not quite loversTENSONG

TENSONG “Koibito Miman” [Official Music Video]

A bittersweet song by TENSONG that captures the fluttering feelings of love swaying in a fragile and unstable relationship.

The longing to become lovers and the desire not to break the current bond collide, striking a chord in the heart.

Takabō’s clear, translucent vocals delicately portray the earnest delivery of feelings to the other person.

Released in May 2023, this track is recommended for anyone moved by the frustration of love—unable to suppress your feelings, yet unable to be honest about them.

A Little Love SongMONGOL800

MONGOL800 / A Small Love Song

When it comes to classic youth anthems, I think this song is the one.

Sung by the most laid-back band in the scene, this pure track is so famous that almost everyone knows it.

It’s a song I’d love for you to listen to while thinking of someone important close to you.

I’m really sorry.≠ME

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

This song poignantly portrays the bittersweet feelings of being more than friends but not quite lovers.

It’s included on ≠ME’s ninth single, “Natsu ga Kita Kara,” released on August 28, 2024.

Although no tie-in information has been announced yet, the music video released on YouTube has drawn a lot of attention.

Center member Shiori Nagata’s expressive performance has been praised for beautifully conveying the song’s world.

It’s a recommended track for anyone struggling with the frustration of wanting to confess their feelings but being unable to.

Listening to this song might give you the courage to take that first step.