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

Special Kissnaniwa danshi

Naniwa Danshi – Special Kiss [Official Music Video] YouTube ver.

A song that captures the sweet, bittersweet feelings of unrequited love is sure to resonate with teens.

The clear, airy vocals and pleasant melody gently wrap around a heart in love.

Released in March 2023, this track also drew attention as the theme song for the film Even So, Mr.

Chigira Is Too Sweet, starring group member Kyohei Takahashi.

The phrase “Tell me more about what you like” is enough to make your heart skip a beat, isn’t it? It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at karaoke.

With lyrics that touch the heartstrings and stay close to anyone in unrequited love, it gives voice to pure feelings that are hard to put into words.

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.

The reason I want to see youAAA

AAA / The Reason I Want to See You

Released on May 5, 2010, this is AAA’s 24th single.

It was included as the B-side on the single “Dream After Dream ~Yume kara Sameta Yume~/Aitai Riyuu.” The song was selected as the ending theme for NTV’s “Nihikime no Dojo” and reached No.

1 on the weekly Oricon chart.

It won the Excellence Award at the 52nd Japan Record Awards.

Furthermore, AAA performed this song at the 61st NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, marking their first appearance on the program.

You know what,are-kun &『yuika’}

You know. / Are-kun & “Yuika” [MV]

A refreshing melody that evokes the feeling of spring and lyrics that capture the innocence of first love make a lasting impression! This is a duet song by Are-kun and Yuika.

Created solely through exchanges on social media, the track was born from a fateful encounter where they met in person for the first time at the recording session.

It vividly portrays the frustrating emotions of two people who have feelings for each other but can’t quite express them honestly.

Released in April 2022, the song gained attention for its youthfully nostalgic music video, in which a high school boy and girl share their feelings as cherry blossoms flutter around them.

It’s recommended not only for those experiencing unrequited love, but also for anyone looking to start a new romance with the arrival of spring.

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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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.

Ah, geez.Saucy Dog

Saucy Dog “Ah, geez.” Music Video

This is a song by the three-piece band Saucy Dog that captures the delicate feelings of a woman with an unrequited crush.

It portrays her emotional ups and downs in response to the other person’s suggestive behavior, and the anxiety and self-loathing she falls into while waiting for a reply on LINE.

Featured in collaboration with Morinaga’s “DARS” and as the theme song for the drama “Dekinai Futari,” the track sings of a resolve to drown in love.

It’s a must-listen for high school students who can’t hold back their feelings for someone they like.

Why not listen to this song and find the courage to take a step forward?