Heartbreak is very sad and painful.
How people cope varies—some talk to others, some take time to rest.
There are surely many who find comfort in listening to music.
Here, I’ve gathered Japanese songs about unrequited love and heartbreak.
Even if unrequited love hurts, don’t give up—move forward to your next love!
- [Heartbreak Songs] A selection of poignant love songs that pierce the heart of those with unrequited love
- Unrequited Love Song: A heartrending love song dedicated to you who are going through a painful romance
- [Unrequited Love Songs] Lyrics that hit home! A collection of unforgettable, gem-like love songs
- Tear-jerking unrequited love songs that will break your heart: timeless classics about unattainable love
- [To Those in Love] Relatable Love Songs to Listen to When You’re Crushing Hard
- [Tearjerker Guaranteed!] A Heartbreak Song Told from a Male Perspective
- [Shōwa-Era Heartbreak Songs] Carefully selected timeless love classics adored across generations!
- [J-Pop] A Collection of Unrequited Love Songs That Stay Close to Your Heart
- Masterpieces of bittersweet breakup songs. Recommended popular tracks.
- [Relatable Lyrics] Emo songs to listen to when you're stuck after a breakup or relationship troubles
- [For You in Love] A Love Song Perfect for Unrequited Feelings
- Heart-Touching Unrequited Love Songs: Masterpieces That Sing of Hidden Affections
- Bittersweet love songs to listen to when the person you like already has a girlfriend or boyfriend
Top 10 classic and popular unrequited-love breakup songs (1–10)
somedaySaucy Dog
Saucy Dog is a rock band drawing attention for lyrics that pierce straight into listeners’ hearts, contrasted with gentle vocals.
This is their biggest hit: a heartbreak song that gazes back on a relationship that ended, while wishing to meet again someday.
Christmas songback number
A smash hit by back number, an artist whose true forte is poignant love songs delivered with powerful, emotion-filled vocals.
This song depicts a Christmas spent after mustering the courage to confess one’s feelings only to be rejected—a classic that brings a surge of heartache when you listen to it.
Blue BenchSasuke
Sasuke is an artist whose transparent, captivating voice and exceptional musical sensibility continue to be loved across generations, drawing listeners into the world of each song.
This is their smash-hit unrequited love song—a heartbreak ballad that expresses the bittersweet feelings of young love that everyone has experienced.
I long to see you now.MISIA
A massively popular unrequited-love ballad by MISIA, an artist who represents Japan’s music scene with her overwhelming vocal prowess and powerful vibrato that captivates everyone.
It’s a heartbreak song that expresses feelings for a beloved person you can’t meet no matter how strongly you long for them.
cherry blossomKobukuro
A massive hit by Kobukuro, one of Japan’s leading artists, featuring the universally praised warm harmonies of the duo’s voices and heartfelt, straightforward lyrics in a love song.
It’s a track that brings to mind someone you once loved during cherry blossom season, and it’s also a popular choice at karaoke.
White X’MasKAT-TUN
A heartbreak ballad by KAT-TUN, an artist who commands overwhelming support—especially among women—thanks to their emotionally charged vocals and expressive power that captivates many listeners.
This renowned song of unrequited love portrays the scene of someone who has lost a loved one, standing alone in the snow, and has resonated deeply with many.
It hurts.Kiyoshi Ryujin
A signature song by Ryujin Kiyoshi, an artist gaining attention among music fans for the combination of an addictive voice that sticks in your head after a single listen and lyrics that tighten your chest.
It’s a track that captures the frustration of recognizing a lover’s infidelity yet being unable to honestly confront them about it.