Classic and popular unrequited love breakup songs

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.

bookmarkAqua Timez

Aqua Timez “Shiori” Music Video

A major hit by Aqua Timez, an artist beloved across generations for their love songs sung with a warm, familiar voice.

It’s a heartbreak song from a man’s perspective, as he remembers the usual meeting spot and the path they used to walk with the lover he broke up with, unable to forget her.

Lovers AgainEXILE

EXILE / Lovers Again (Short Ver.)

A hugely popular song by EXILE, an artist celebrated for their solid vocal ability and overwhelming performance skills, attracting fans across a wide range of tracks from ballads to dance numbers.

It’s a heartbreak number that evokes the scene of standing alone in falling snow, tucking away memories of a former lover after a breakup.

Poem of SunlightLe Couple

Hidamari no Uta / Le Couple (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

A massively popular unrequited-love number by Le Couple, renowned for songs that blend a clear, transparent singing voice with sincere, straightforward messages.

It’s a heartbreak song that depicts someone recalling the kindness and warmth of a lover they’ve parted ways with.

Goodbye Busyuzu

Goodbye Bus / Yuzu (Cover)

A mega-hit by Yuzu, artists who continue to lead Japan’s music scene with crystal-clear harmonies that captivate everyone and songs that exude a gentle warmth.

This number memorably portrays the moment when lovers are parted.

marine snowSukima Suichi

Sukima Switch – “Marine Snow” Music Video: SUKIMASWITCH – MARINE SNOW Music Video

A hugely popular song by Sukima Switch, an artist known for a clear, high-tone voice and songs that anyone can’t help but relate to.

It’s a track that captures the feelings you experience when you realize—only after losing them—how precious and important your once taken-for-granted lover truly was.

Goodbye-byeTomioka Ai

Ai Tomioka – Goodbye Bye (Music Video)

A delicate song by Ai Tomioka that sings of a love so pure it almost hurts.

The transparent vocals capture the frustrating feeling of almost closing the distance with someone, yet never quite getting there.

Even while knowing the other person has someone special, the complicated emotions of being unable to let go resonate deeply.

Released in September 2023, it captured many hearts, reaching the Top 10 on Spotify’s Viral charts in six Asian countries.

The song is memorable for its blend of English and Japanese lyrics and its catchy melodic line.

It’s a track that comforts anyone holding onto unspoken feelings for someone they love, or struggling with a love that may never come true.