[Empathetic & Tear-Jerking] A love song about an unrequited romance

Don’t Stop LoveKōda Kumi

Koda Kumi — “Don’t Stop Love” ~ 20th Year Special Full Ver. ~

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.

I want to forget.wacci

wacci “I Want to Forget” Music Video

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

Blue Bench / Sasuke

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.

AloneMayo Okamoto

Mayo Okamoto — alone

A gently woven ballad that carries hidden feelings along with a piano melody.

Released by Mayo Okamoto in November 1996, this song portrays the heartrending emotions of a woman whose boyfriend is taken by her close friend.

Though she puts on a brave face and smiles for those around her, she continues to carry loneliness in her heart.

The pain she feels upon glimpsing the couple by chance on a station platform, and her yearning not for sympathy but for true love, are expressed with delicate nuance.

This piece is a long-cherished ballad she had nurtured since before her debut.

It’s a song that quietly stays by the side of anyone trying to look forward while bearing the pain of heartbreak.

dear personShio Reira

Leila Shio / Ito Shii Hito [Official Music Video]

This song focuses on the different readings of the kanji for “love,” portraying the misalignments in how love is expressed and received.

Released in August 2024 as the lead track of the 1st EP “No one,” it also drew attention for being featured as background music on ABEMA’s dating show “He and the Little Wolf-chan Won’t Deceive You.” If you’ve ever struggled with the weight of the word “love” or felt unsure about how to interpret someone’s feelings, you’ll find it impossible not to relate.

You can really feel the kindness of someone trying to accept their partner’s clumsy way of showing love.

If there’s a “see you”Mirei Touyama

Mirei Touyama “If There Were Another Goodbye” Lyric Video

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.

Through countless nightsCHEMISTRY

CHEMISTRY Through countless nights

It’s a CHEMISTRY track that puts an aching poignancy front and center, depicting someone who keeps singing feelings that will never reach their destination.

The distinctive, floating sound seems to express a sense of emotional instability.

With its simple arrangement—wavering organ tones and vocals—the message embedded in the singing and lyrics feels all the more emphasized.

It powerfully conveys the pain of thinking about a beloved person who has gone away, and of piling up unreachable wishes within oneself.

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