Classic and popular unrequited love breakup songs

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.

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.

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.

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.

swallowtail butterflyPorunogurafiti

Porno Graffitti – Swallowtail Butterfly / THE FIRST TAKE

In contrast to the passionate Latin rhythm delivered by Porno Graffitti, what unfolds is a heartbreakingly bittersweet tale of unrequited love.

At first, simply “meeting you was enough,” but somewhere along the way, the wish to be “loved” took hold, and the whole world changed.

Chasing after the other, who flutters like a beautiful butterfly, they seem like a desert oasis—always out of reach.

Knowing they can never have them, the protagonist aches for love as if thirsting for moisture, their anguished cry pressing upon the heart.

Released in June 2001, this million-selling track was also featured in a cosmetics commercial.

When you’re suffering from a love that won’t be returned and can no longer suppress the feeling of “wanting to be loved,” this is a song that stays close to that helpless pain.

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.

DepartureGReeeeN

GReeeeN – Departure

A classic unrequited-love song by GReeeeN, an artist beloved across generations for their overwhelmingly high-tone vocals and driving melodies that captivate countless listeners.

It’s a heartbreak number filled with feelings for a beloved person who is going far away.