Recommended unrequited love songs for teens

Say goodbye to the love I clung to.matsuri

Say goodbye to clinging love. / Matsuri (Good bye, toxic love) [Official Music Video]

This is a song by Matsuri that delicately portrays the feelings of a woman breaking free from a past dependence on love and trying to take a new step forward.

Released digitally in June 2022, it features striking lyrics about the struggle between telling herself she’s forgotten her former partner and the bittersweet memories that occasionally resurface.

The track gained popularity on TikTok and resonated with younger listeners, and a music video starring Yuu Miyazaki was also produced.

It’s a warm breakup song that offers comfort to those trying to face forward despite heartache and to those who still feel lingering attachment to past love.

sparklingmosao.

Kira Kira / Mosawo. [Music Video]

A sparkling expression of the feeling of being in love, a song by Mosa o.

The lyrics delicately depict the brilliance and bittersweetness of romantic emotions, and the gentle vocals resonate deeply.

From the lyrics, you can sense the lover’s anxieties and inner conflicts.

Released in September 2020, the song garnered widespread empathy, especially on social media.

It’s perfect for those with a one-sided crush or anyone who can’t bring themselves to confess their feelings.

When you want to summon the courage to take a step forward, this is a song that quietly gives you a nudge.

Someone like you.riria.

riria. / Someone Like You. [Music Video]

This is a song by Riria.

that sings of the heartache of being unable to express your feelings.

It vividly captures the complex emotions of a girl who can’t be honest with herself, even though she can’t stop thinking about that special someone.

Released digitally in October 2024 as the ending theme for the anime Ranma 1/2, it received high acclaim, including reaching No.

2 on USEN’s weekly HIT J-POP rankings.

It’s the perfect track for anyone who’s felt their heart waver just by being near the person they like.

If you’re in unrequited love, give it a listen.

Love is hard.riria.

riria. / Love Is Difficult. feat. Aru. from Miteinohanashi [Music Video]

This song gently accompanies the start of love, portraying the bittersweet feelings within.

It interweaves the perspective of a girl who struggles because she can’t read the other person’s feelings and a boy who can’t quite express his own, vividly capturing the miscommunications of romance.

Riria’s clear, translucent voice and Aru.’s gentle vocals match exquisitely, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released digitally in November 2023, it sparked a big response, especially on social media.

It’s a must-listen for high school students wrestling with love.

If you listen while thinking of someone you like, you’re sure to find moments you can relate to.

the depths of the heartrokudenashi

Rokudenashi “In the Depths of the Heart” / Rokudenashi – Deep Down [Official Music Video]

A bittersweet love ballad by Rokudenashi that resonates deeply.

It weaves delicate words about the loneliness that comes at dusk and the urgent feelings hidden behind a smile.

While yearning to be loved, the wavering heart that hesitates to face its true feelings seeps in along with gentle piano melodies.

Released in February 2025 as the lead track from the album “Sigh,” this song reaches out to those who, even while carrying wounded, unsettled hearts, try to look ahead with cherished memories held close.

Why not me?Misaka Saki

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

This song delicately portrays the bittersweet feelings of unrequited love.

They were close as friends, but before he knew it, romantic feelings had begun to grow.

Those complex emotions of a boy are expressed through a clear, transparent singing voice.

Released in February 2021 as the theme song for ABEMA’s popular romance reality show “Kyo, Suki ni Narimashita” (Today, I Fell in Love), it resonated with many listeners.

It’s a perfect track for anyone struggling with their feelings for a crush.

Listening to this song might give you the courage to take a step forward.

Time-Limited Unrequited LoveNogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 'Time-Limited Unrequited Love'

A gentle, coming-of-age love song that tenderly embraces the fragility of unrequited feelings.

It’s an original track by the 6th generation members, included on Nogizaka46’s 38th single “Navel Orange,” released in March 2025.

The scenes painted by Yasushi Akimoto’s spun lyrics and the sound crafted by 3grass and Yuta Asao feel like a moment from a film.

If you’re about to graduate and can’t find the courage to confess to the one you like, this song might give you the push you need.