Classic and popular unrequited love breakup songs

habit of laughingIgarashi Haru

Haru Igarashi – Laughing Habit (Official Music Video)

A song that portrays the ache of a love too deep to forget, even as time passes.

In this track, Haru Igarashi delicately captures the frustration of how trivial everyday moments turn into special memories, and the poignancy of nights spent with those memories when you can’t move on.

Even the way the other person laughed and their gestures remain vividly etched in the mind, and the feeling is so intense that you find yourself praying to God, “Please let me forget everything.” Released in March 2025, this work will gently accompany those whose hearts are filled with memories they can’t forget, no matter how hard they try, and those who are still unable to accept parting from someone dear.

Song of LoveKōda Kumi

Kumi Koda / “Ai no Uta” (from the new album “WINTER of LOVE”)

A smash hit unrequited-love song by Kumi Koda, an artist who continues to lead Japan’s music scene with universally acclaimed, powerhouse vocals and breathtaking live performances.

This ballad, which expresses feelings for a beloved person you’ll never meet again, has become a staple heartbreak number.

evergreenŌhashi Chippoke

Ohashi Chippoke “Evergreen” Music Video

A song that sings of unwavering love warmly envelops the hearts of its listeners.

Its light, breezy melody and lyrics filled with deep affection blend beautifully, resonating with many people.

Included on the mini-album “you,” released in October 2021, it became a massive hit with over 100 million streams.

You can feel Ohashi Chippoke’s intention to express pure love throughout the entire track.

Brimming with tenderness toward a lover and a wish for happiness that lasts forever, this piece is perfect not only for those with unrequited feelings but also for anyone looking to deepen their bond with someone special.

aloneMayo Okamoto

Mayo Okamoto — alone

A signature unrequited-love song by Mayo Okamoto—an artist hugely popular among women for her naturally captivating, powerful vocals and songs that delicately express feminine emotions.

It’s a heartbreak number that portrays putting on a brave face in front of the person you loved so much, unable to confess your true feelings.

ElegyHirai Ken

Ken Hirai “Elegy” MUSIC VIDEO

This is a masterpiece whose poignant love story, told from a woman’s perspective, resonates in the rich vocals of Ken Hirai.

It delicately portrays the feelings of a woman consumed by love, expressing the intense emotions of fixation on her partner and a fierce willingness to embrace even the pain of love.

Released in January 2007 as the theme song for Toho’s film Love’s Crucible, it was also included on the album FAKIN’ POP and performed at the 58th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.

In 2021, it was covered by Fuyumi Sakamoto on her album Love Emotion, continuing to influence many artists.

It’s a song to listen to on nights after heartbreak or when you’re suffering from thoughts of someone you love.

Goodbye, goodbyeTakenaka Eri

Eri Takenaka “Sayonara Sayonara arranged by Masataka Matsutoya”

This is an unrequited-love song by Eri Takenaka, an artist who has gained popularity—especially among women—for her clear, captivating high-tone voice and the gentle atmosphere of her music.

It’s a heartbreak ballad that conveys the poignant feelings of being suddenly told goodbye by a lover.

staggeringlyyuzu

Furari

The folk duo Yuzu’s “Furari” is a masterpiece that delicately portrays a man’s unrequited love.

In the song, the woman he likes comes to him for advice about her romance with another man, and the depiction of his inner struggle over how to respond feels incredibly real.

Should he confess his feelings, or hold back and just listen as a friend? The lyrics beautifully capture that helpless, conflicted state of mind.

People often say women are more sensitive, but this song places the spotlight on a man’s sensitivity—lyrics of this kind are quite rare.

Why not take this opportunity to give it a listen?

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