Recommended unrequited love songs for teens

Tell me your phone number!≒JOY

≒JOY (Nearly Equal Joy) / 4th single title track “Tell Me Your Phone Number!” [MV full]

≒JOY, an idol group that captures the fluttering thrill of first love as you think about your crush.

This track, the title song of their 4th single releasing in February 2026, is a number that sings of the impulse of unrequited love.

With classic J-POP sounds that sparkle with romantic feelings and a chorus that suddenly turns up the heat of love, it’s a song even those who don’t usually listen to idol music can get hooked on thanks to its catchy melody.

Kanoa Amano serves as center—listen to the lyrics that wish to bravely close the distance with the one she likes.

In the music video released in January 2026, the dance performed under a shower of numbers leaves a strong impression.

If there’s someone you’re interested in, listening to this will give you the courage to take a step forward.

My cute unrequited loveOtoniriame

My Cute Unrequited Love / Onriame [Official MV]

A song by Onriame that captures the sweet-and-sour feelings of unrequited love.

It’s packed with instantly relatable “been there!” moments—doodling a shared umbrella in your notebook, chatting on LINE, sleepless nights, and those heart-pounding rainy-day scenes.

Its charm also lies in the cute way it portrays jealousy and the struggle to be honest with yourself.

Released digitally in March 2023, the track showcases a new side of Onriame, who drew attention with the TikTok hit “A Song About a Shy Introvert JK Who Admires Outgoing JKs.” If you’re a teen with a crush, why not give it a listen and pick up a little courage?

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.

Stand by me, Stand by you.Hirai Dai

Hirai Dai / Stand by me, Stand by you. (Lyric Video)

This song is memorable for Hirai Dai’s sweet vocals and positive lyrics.

I can’t help but swoon over the lyrics depicting a happy romance, and the phrase “Out of 7.5 billion people, two meet and fall in love” especially resonates with me.

Released in September 2020, the track became a massive hit, surpassing 300 million streams.

It’s a heartwarming number that lets even those with unrequited feelings imagine a future filled with love.

I’d recommend it to anyone in love.

If you listen when you want to picture a happy future, it will surely give you courage.

I-I don’t like you!≠ME

≠ME (Not Equal Me) / 4th Single “Su, Suki Janai!” [MV full]

A cute number that captures that sweet-and-sour feeling of love—liking someone but not being able to be honest about it.

It’s a song by ≠ME with lyrics by Rino Sashihara, released in August 2022 as their 4th single.

It’s also known as the opening theme for the TV anime “The Maid I Hired Recently Is Mysterious.” The lyrics, where the frustration of not being able to say “I like you” outright crosses with overflowing emotions, are enough to make your heart flutter just by listening.

The catchy melody and call-and-response over a fast-paced sound make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at live shows.

In its first week, it sold over 110,000 copies.

Give it a listen when you want the thrill of romantic push-and-pull or a boost of energy.

Lemon piemakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Empitsu “Lemon Pie” MV

Set to a gentle melody like a soft spring breeze, this song captures the bittersweet feelings of teenage love.

Released in October 2018, it drew attention as Macaroni Empitsu’s second single.

Hattori’s tender vocals skillfully express the ache, anxiety, and hope of unrequited love.

The protagonist’s emotions—caught in that space between friends and lovers—are sure to resonate with listeners.

If you’re savoring a romance as sweet as lemon pie, this is a track you won’t want to miss.

Heart ForecastEVE

Heart Forecast – Eve MV

If you’re looking for a sweet-and-sour unrequited love song that’ll make you hum along without thinking, I recommend this track by Eve.

It’s included on the album “Smile,” released in February 2020, and it was also used as a Valentine’s campaign song in collaboration with Ghana Chocolate.

The song is packed with classic “unrequited love moments,” like the fluttery excitement, getting carried away in your own head, and then feeling down again.

It’s a perfect fit for lovestruck middle and high school students.

Listen to this song, lift your spirits, and do your best to confess your feelings!