[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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- [Adultery Song] A forbidden song about an affair that sings of an impossible love
- An empathy song to listen to when you’re hurting and feel like a 'convenient woman'
- Bittersweet love songs to listen to when the person you like already has a girlfriend or boyfriend
- “I Want to See You”: A love song that makes you cry when you listen to it while you can’t meet
- Unrequited love songs that strike a man's heart. Love songs from a male perspective that really hit home.
- A song of forbidden love. A love song about feelings that can't be stopped.
- [For when you want to cry] A ballad love song. A heartbreaking love song.
- Songs About Age-Gap Love: A Curated Selection of Exquisite Love Songs
[Empathy & Tearjerker] Love Songs About Unrequited Love (41–50)
In loveHY
Even if you weren’t the one they chose, the fact that you loved doesn’t change… A bittersweet yet forward-looking sentiment runs through this touching HY ballad.
Written as the theme song for the film “366 Days,” released in January 2025, the track is positioned as an answer song to their 2008 classic “366 Days.” It beautifully portrays emotional growth—rising from the pain of heartbreak and embracing even that experience as a cherished memory—and is also included on the album “TIME.” Set across Okinawa and Tokyo, the film unfolds a pure love story spanning 20 years, and this song superbly captures its worldview.
For those who have reached the end of a romance, or who are about to take a new step forward, this is a song that will gently give you a push.
Don’t Stop LoveKōda Kumi
A medium-tempo ballad by Kumi Koda portraying the forbidden love of an affair.
It beautifully expresses the conflict and sorrow of a man and woman who, despite their pure affection, live a love that cannot be allowed.
Released in September 2011, the song drew attention as the theme for the film “Second Virgin” and was also performed at that year’s NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Included on the albums “JAPONESQUE” and “WINTER of LOVE,” it has become one of Koda’s signature songs.
It is sure to resonate deeply with anyone who relates to the loneliness of not being able to be with the one you love and the earnest desire to go on loving despite the gaze of society.
to cry innocently; to weep with a childlike airAKASAKI
This song resonates with the heart through its tenderness that tries to embrace a pure soul holding back tears, and the bittersweet ache of feelings that aren’t returned.
AKASAKI’s delicate portrayal of emotion and straightforward expression of love are deeply moving.
Released as a single in January 2025, it became a hot topic after being selected as Kiss FM KOBE’s recommended Japanese track for the month.
The intertwining of the desire to protect someone and the loneliness of unfulfilled devotion evokes empathy as an emotion many have experienced.
It’s a song that gently stays by the side of anyone striving to move forward while carrying feelings for someone dear.
The strong and fleeting onesCocco
This song portrays a poignant love that sets out on a difficult journey to build something precious for a beloved, only to be confronted with the reality of betrayal.
It depicts, with striking clarity, both the strength to fight for love and the fragility and weakness inherent in being human, while Cocco’s translucent voice resonates deeply.
Released in November 1997, it was featured as the theme song for JAL’s Hawaii campaign commercial.
It’s a piece that offers solace to those who resonate with the turmoil between wanting to protect someone dear and facing an unyielding reality, as well as to those struggling with unrequited love.
Only HumanK
A dramatic ballad by K that shines a light of hope, telling us that “beyond sorrow lies a smile.” Chosen as the theme song for the drama One Litre of Tears, the piece portrays people who keep looking forward even as they face life’s hardships.
When you’re exhausted, when you stop and wonder if things are okay as they are, this song gently gives you a push.
Released in November 2005, it reached No.
5 on the Oricon charts.
It’s also included on the album Beyond the Sea and continues to be cherished as one of K’s signature works.
Its tender, enveloping vocals are sure to give you strength.
I want to forget.wacci
A delicate breakup song by wacci that begins with the scent of cigarettes triggering the way once-happy times dissipate like smoke.
Despite the overwhelming desire to “forget,” the voice of the other person and the memory of their kiss refuse to fade, lingering in the heart—expressed through a heartrending, beautiful melody.
Released in July 2024 as the third installment of wacci’s three-part love song project, the track was distributed digitally and became a smash hit.
It’s a highly relatable work that resonates with those who still have lingering feelings about past relationships or struggle to let go of an ex.
Blue BenchSasuke
It’s a pure love song wrapped in a sense of longing.
Set on a nostalgic bench after the lover is gone, it delicately portrays the emotions of looking back on an unrequited love.
Regret over not being able to convey one’s feelings and lingering attachment to a love that will never return resonate through the delicate vocals and melody.
Released independently in 2003, the song sold out all 500 copies immediately, despite being available only at a single store in the artist’s hometown of Ōmiya.
When you think back to “that moment” when you couldn’t be honest with a beloved partner, this song will be there to embrace your heart.