A classic song about a forbidden love
Adultery dramas we often see in dramas, movies, and TV talk shows—the love that can never come true.
We’ve gathered songs about these “forbidden loves.” There are many beautifully portrayed dramas that make your heart race, but what if you yourself were to fall into a love that isn’t allowed…? Here, we’ll introduce plenty of songs that capture the bittersweet feelings of such forbidden love.
From songs told from a woman’s perspective to those from a man’s point of view, there are more tracks about forbidden love than you might think.
Perhaps that’s because many people are secretly suffering over a love that shouldn’t be….
- [Songs of Infidelity] A collection of forbidden love songs about unattainable romance
- [Cheating Song] A forbidden love that crossed the line — infidelity song
- A song of forbidden love. A love song about feelings that can't be stopped.
- [Unattainable Love] A love song about two people who feel the same way but can’t be together
- Unattainable Love: A Heartbreaking Love Song About Falling for a Married Person
- [Empathetic & Tear-Jerking] A love song about an unrequited romance
- [An Adulterous Love] A love song about a secret affair you can't tell anyone about
- A song of forbidden love. A heartrending, sorrowful love song.
- [Unrequited Love] Heart-wrenching Love Songs | A Roundup of Tear-Inducing Crush and Breakup Tracks
- Favorite Songs for Women in Their 50s: A Curated Selection of Sweet and Bittersweet Love Ballads!
- [Jealousy & Possessiveness Songs] A curated selection of popular tracks to listen to when possessiveness feels overwhelming!
- A roundup of love songs themed around homosexuality and LGBTQ+
- “I Want to See You”: A love song that makes you cry when you listen to it while you can’t meet
Masterpieces about forbidden love (21–30)
Quivering with sweet sighsNEW!Yoshii Kazuya
A song that weaves forbidden love and a longing that sinks deep, carried by a sound draped in a Showa-era kayō taste.
Kazuya Yoshii’s sultry vocals and unhurried sense of timing further accentuate the anguish of an unattainable love.
The piece was released in October 2025 as the theme song for the NTV drama DEEP: “From There On Is Hell,” a story of love and hate.
You can feel the mature allure of Kazuya Yoshii—also active with THE YELLOW MONKEY—in his solo work here.
It’s a track for those who have stepped into a secret relationship they can tell no one about, burdened by the fear that there’s no turning back.
Even when you know your feelings won’t be rewarded and still can’t let go, this song will gently stay by your side.
Pure Love RhapsodyTakeuchi Mariya
One of Mariya Takeuchi’s signature songs and also famous for its theme of an extramarital affair, “Jun’ai Rhapsody” was used as the theme song for the drama “Stay the Way You Were When We Met.” While many songs about affairs are sad and heartrending, this one has a very bright melody and lyrics.
That’s because it doesn’t dwell on the hopelessness of an impossible love; instead, it celebrates the joy of being able to fall in love.
There may be painful and difficult moments, but listening to this song may remind you that, at its core, love is something that brings happiness and makes your world more beautiful.
MELROSE: A Promise Not to LoveEXILE ATSUSHI
It’s included on the album Love Ballade, which was released with the catchphrase “Your love is surely here—14 love stories.” A forbidden love where, despite promising not to love each other, they do—this world feels real and stylishly adult.
It’s the kind of romance you can’t help but admire.
There’s also an acoustic version of this song.
If you have the chance to listen, please do.
Don’t Stop LoveKōda Kumi
It’s a tragic love song about continuing to love you over and over, no matter how far apart we are.
It’s a track by Kumi Koda, the songstress who led the Japanese music scene in the 2000s, released in 2011 as her 51st single.
It drew attention for being chosen as the theme song for the film Second Virgin.
This is an R&B ballad featuring beautiful piano and string melodies.
Koda’s delicate, ephemeral vocals suit the tone of the song perfectly.
With its mellow, intimate vibe, it’s best enjoyed alone, taking your time to listen.
short-sleevedImai Miki
I know I won’t be loved, but I’ll keep loving you forever… It’s a heart-wrenching love song with lyrics like that.
It’s a track by Miki Imai, the singer known for “PIECE OF MY WISH” and “PRIDE,” included on her fifth album, retour, released in 1990.
There’s a scene where she spots someone precious playing with a child in their front yard—so vivid you can see it, and it squeezes your heart.
Songs with such a strong sense of story can be painful to listen to…
secretYU-KI
A number about adult love sung by YUKI, who has been energetically active even after going solo.
There are romances that get more intense precisely because they’re forbidden, aren’t there? Words used as keywords—like burn, red thread, and pinky finger—are filled with a bittersweet feeling.
The song title, “Himitsu” (Secret), refers to a love that mustn’t be known by others.
This bittersweet track sung by the adorable YUKI seems likely to continue winning support.
Other people’s relationshipsHitoto Yo
It was the theme song for Fuji TV’s drama “Hirugao: Lovers at 3 p.m.
on Weekdays.” The series had many shocking scenes and became quite a hot topic.
The original version of “Tanin no Kankei” was by Katsuko Kanai.
When it was first released, the distinctive choreography drew more attention than its seductive lyrics.
Even now, the lyrics—written with an affair as a premise—feel provocative.
If you have time, do check out the original version as well.