[Empathetic & Tear-Jerking] A love song about an unrequited romance
Even when you know it’s a hopeless love and your feelings won’t be returned, you still can’t stop your heart—it’s just impossible, isn’t it?
Your head says it might be no good, but your heart won’t follow so easily, and your feelings only grow stronger.
For you who feel this way, here are love songs that sing of the aching emotions of unrequited love—songs I want you to hear.
Some are from a woman’s perspective, some from a man’s, but whichever you listen to, your chest will surely tighten, and you may find yourself relating as if the song were about you.
Soothe the feelings you can’t tell anyone by listening to tracks from those in the same situation.
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[Empathy & Tearjerker] Love Songs About Unrequited Love (31–40)
CountdownCocco
This is Cocco’s shocking debut work, depicting the end of a forbidden love driven by sheer passion.
The provocative, self-destructive words that corner the other person may be a reflection of frustration and despair at a relationship with no way out.
Released in March 1997, the song is also included on the album Bougainvillea.
Because you love someone so much, you feel a twisted impulse to destroy the relationship with your own hands—knowing it’s selfish, yet unable to stop.
Perhaps such overwhelming passion comes from being consumed by a love that should never be.
A little more, just a bit moreZARD
A song by ZARD about a love that cannot come true.
Even while knowing it’s a forbidden relationship, the protagonist finds herself wishing to be loved “just a little longer.” The song captures her emotions, and because the love is taboo, her earnest feelings resonate with a striking purity.
There’s an anecdote that Izumi Sakai, who also wrote the lyrics, felt saddened while singing it—an episode that speaks to the song’s poignancy.
Released in September 1993, this work compels deep reflection on the weight of unrequited love and the intensity of loving someone.
codependencyDomura Riu
A work by Riu Domura that candidly portrays the fragility and pain of a mutually dependent relationship.
This song depicts the heartrending figure of someone who, even while understanding it isn’t true love, cannot bear the loneliness and continues a false relationship.
Even knowing they’re just convenient, they can’t break away from the joy of being needed.
You can’t help but empathize with the protagonist’s conflicted feelings.
Released in May 2019 on the EP “Escape,” this piece suggests that, even knowing you’ll end up alone, being unable to stop may be the inescapable reality of a forbidden love.
If there’s a “see you”Mirei Touyama
This is a bittersweet breakup song that gently wraps feelings of regret and gratitude toward a loved one in a clear, translucent voice.
Released by Mirei Toyama in August 2021, it portrays the struggle with the pain of parting while trying to find gratitude for a “once-in-a-lifetime happiness.” The hesitation over when to bring up the breakup, and the strength to be the one to finally say “thank you,” are also compelling.
As a track from the album “still,” this cover of a original song by Sorari Sawada offers quiet solace to those who must end a relationship or are suffering through a love they need to let go of.
That’s not fair…arekunn
Are-kun’s song, which beautifully portrays aching love and suffering, has deeply moved many listeners.
While harboring intense feelings for the other person, the work delicately weaves the complex emotions of a woman swayed by ambiguous behavior.
Released in August 2021 as an advance track from the album “Breath,” it was also chosen as the ending theme for TV Asahi’s “BREAKOUT” in September, allowing it to resonate with an even wider audience.
Confused and hurt by the other person’s vague kindness, yet unable to suppress her feelings—this piece offers heartfelt empathy and comfort to anyone who bears the pain of an unrequited love.
[Empathy & Tearjerker] Love Songs About Unrequited Love (41–50)
BLUE TEARSJUDY AND MARY
This song by JUDY AND MARY beautifully captures the cold winter night sky and the ache of unrequited love.
Released in November 1993, it conveys a world where distant memories and lingering feelings intersect, carried by delicate melodies.
収録アルバム『J・A・M』に含まれ、その後2006年の映画『シムソンズ』の主題歌に選ばれました。1996年からはフジテレビのバラエティ番組『めちゃ×2イケてるッ！』のエンディングテーマとしても使用されました。寒い夜をひとりで過ごすときも、胸に秘めた想いに向き合うときも、この曲はきっとあなたのそばにいてくれるでしょう。
You look like an idiot.Saucy Dog
It carefully portrays the delicate feelings of a woman who can’t express herself well: while harboring the desire to know the other person more and to have them all to herself, and feeling love for them, she’s already fed up, believing there’s nothing more she can do.
Chosen as the theme song for ABEMA’s dating reality show “Don’t Be Fooled by Me and Mr.
Wolf,” the track was released digitally in August 2024, and is memorable for its emotional band sound and Shinya Ishihara’s vocals.
It’s a perfect song for those who can’t grasp how the person they like truly feels and are struggling with inner conflict.
Recommended for anyone who can relate to the sorrow of loving someone yet being unable to move forward.