Classic and popular unrequited love breakup songs

Maplesupittsu

Spitz / Kaede

A smash hit by Spitz, an artist whose clear, soaring vocals have earned overwhelming support across many generations.

The song portrays the feelings of someone quietly tucking away the parting words of a beloved person in their heart and resolving to move forward with their life.

I won’t fall in love anymore.Makihara Noriyuki

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara “I Won’t Fall in Love Again” (Music Video) [5th Single] (1992) Noriyuki Makihara / Mou Koi Nante Shinai

A smash hit by Noriyuki Makihara, one of Japan’s leading artists known for his solid vocal prowess and songs that exquisitely capture the delicate feelings of love.

This classic portrays a man who puts on a brave face as he desperately tries to forget the lover from whom he has been separated.

First LoveUtada Hikaru

Hikaru Utada – First Love

A smash-hit unrequited-love number by Hikaru Utada—an artist highly acclaimed in Japan and abroad for her original musical world and a rich, resonant voice that strikes listeners’ hearts.

It’s a breakup song that straightforwardly conveys the bittersweet feelings of a first love.

On nights when I’m too lonely to sleepAimer

Aimer 'On Nights When I’m Too Lonely to Sleep'

This work by Aimer sings of the loneliness wrapped in the stillness of the late night.

It delicately portrays the sorrow of lost love and a powerful yearning for a beloved.

Released in November 2013, the song was featured as the ending theme for multiple TV programs, including Kansai TV’s “Mu-Jack.” Aimer’s uniquely husky voice beautifully conveys the pain of heartbreak and the sense of solitude.

It’s the perfect song to listen to alone on nights when you miss the warmth of someone you love.

As you listen, it may soothe the pain of a broken heart and give you the courage to move toward a new love.

You’re no longer here.FUNKY MONKEY BABYS

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS "You’re Not Here Anymore"

A smash hit by the artist FUNKY MONKEY BABYS, known for songs that have broad appeal thanks to accessible melodies and straightforward, heartfelt lyrics.

It’s a poignant breakup song about recalling the smile and scent of a beloved former partner.

One more time,One more chanceYamazaki Masayoshi

Masayoshi Yamazaki – “One more time, One more chance” MUSIC VIDEO [4K Quality]

A major hit by Masayoshi Yamazaki, an artist renowned for love songs delivered with a uniquely distinctive voice and deeply emotive performances.

It’s a poignant ballad that recalls the happy days with a beloved partner—someone you can never return to.

NAOHY

SOLIDEMO / NAO（HY cover）

It’s a ballad that pierces the chest with the pain of unrequited love.

The song is included on HY’s 2006 album “Confidence,” by the Okinawa-born mix-genre band, and tells a story created by vocalist Izumi Nakasone based on a close friend’s real experience.

The piece vividly portrays the inner conflict of a woman who knows the person she likes has feelings for someone else and won’t return her affection, yet she just can’t give up.

The clear, airy vocals riding over the piano melody further highlight the sorrow of a love that won’t reach its destination.

It’s a must-listen for anyone who finds themselves empathizing with the urge to cling on, even as they sense the person they love slowly changing.