Classic and popular unrequited love breakup songs

I miss you.UVERworld

UVERworld 'Yearning for You'

A signature unrequited-love song by UVERworld, a rock band beloved by younger generations for their irresistibly captivating high-tone vocals and overwhelming expressive power.

It’s a heartbreak number that looks back on days spent with someone they dearly loved, and it’s a classic widely cherished by many listeners.

A lonely toothbrush.Sakuraba Yuuichirou

A lonely toothbrush.

A ballad that gained popularity after being sung by Yuichiro Sakuraba, a singer portrayed by Tomoya Nagase in a blockbuster drama.

Through the image of one’s own gradually worn-out toothbrush, it depicts happy days and fond memories with a lover, and has become a staple heartbreak song.

Stand by UTVXQ (also known as Tohoshinki; literally “Rising Gods of the East”)

TVXQ / Stand by U

A massive hit by TVXQ, an artist popular for their heartbreaking love songs sung with irresistibly beautiful harmonies.

It’s a breakup song about continuing to long for a former lover whose whereabouts are now unknown.

In loveHY

HY - “In Love” (Theme song for the film ‘366 Days’) Music Video

A poignant love song that portrays the pure feeling that even if you are not chosen by the other person, the love itself becomes a precious memory.

Written as the theme song for the film “366 Days,” releasing in January 2025, it is included on the album “TIME.” Positioned as an answer song to the 2008 classic “366 Days,” it gently expresses the resolve to look forward after heartbreak.

While continuing to think of the other person, it delicately depicts the subtle emotions of accepting those feelings as cherished memories.

Many listeners will surely relate to the emotions that waver between pure feelings and reality.

Only HumanK

K　『Only Human』

K is an artist beloved across generations for his crystal-clear high-tone voice that pierces listeners’ hearts.

This is his blockbuster unrequited-love track—a heartbreak ballad filled with the unwavering feelings for someone once dearly loved.

Effeminate; overly sentimental; being clingy/whiny (context-dependent)Gōruden Bonbā

Effeminate / Golden Bomber – Music Video

A major hit by Golden Bomber, an artist popular with younger generations for catchy melodies that stick after a single listen and upbeat, fast-paced tracks.

While the lively rhythm often takes the spotlight, the lyrics are actually about heartbreak, expressing lingering feelings for a former lover.

Say goodbye to the love I clung to.matsuri

Say goodbye to clinging love. / Matsuri (Good bye, toxic love) [Official Music Video]

This is a song by Matsuri that delicately portrays the feelings of a woman breaking free from a past dependence on love and trying to take a new step forward.

Released digitally in June 2022, it features striking lyrics about the struggle between telling herself she’s forgotten her former partner and the bittersweet memories that occasionally resurface.

The track gained popularity on TikTok and resonated with younger listeners, and a music video starring Yuu Miyazaki was also produced.

It’s a warm breakup song that offers comfort to those trying to face forward despite heartache and to those who still feel lingering attachment to past love.