A song of forbidden love. A heartrending, sorrowful love song.
A forbidden love you can’t tell anyone about.
If you’re reading this article, perhaps you’re experiencing a similar kind of love.
If so, there are probably many painful moments.
I’ve gathered some songs I want you to hear.
They capture the pain of falling for someone who already has a lover or partner and feeling lost, or knowing it won’t come true yet being unable to give up.
When things are tough, try finding one song that stays close to your feelings.
Like when someone listens to you, it might make your heart feel just a little lighter.
- [An Adulterous Love] A love song about a secret affair you can't tell anyone about
- [Adultery Song] A forbidden song about an affair that sings of an impossible love
- A classic song about a forbidden love
- A song of forbidden love. A love song about feelings that can't be stopped.
- [Unattainable Love] A love song about two people who feel the same way but can’t be together
- [Cheating Song] A forbidden love that crossed the line — infidelity song
- "A Love Song I Can't Tell Anyone" — a love song you can relate to when times are tough
- [Empathetic & Tear-Jerking] A love song about an unrequited romance
- A tear-jerking love song. A love song that stays close to a hurting heart.
- “I Want to See You”: A love song that makes you cry when you listen to it while you can’t meet
- [Unrequited Love] Heart-wrenching Love Songs | A Roundup of Tear-Inducing Crush and Breakup Tracks
- Masterpieces of bittersweet unrequited love songs. Recommended popular tracks.
- [2026] Japanese love ballads of tragic romance: classic masterpieces of sad love songs
Songs of forbidden love. Heart-wrenching, sorrowful love songs (31–40)
selling oneselfRosu

A beautiful tragic love song that portrays the heartrending emotions of a woman living in the night city.
Amid a dark, mysterious atmosphere, the protagonist gives herself to a man she does not even love, while continuing to harbor unwavering feelings for the one she truly longs for.
In a darkness without even a single ray of light, the searing emotions of a woman consumed by an impossible love are vividly expressed through Ros’s protean vocals.
Released in March 2022, the song is also included on the album “Yoru no Shizu.” It is a track that deeply resonates with those pained by unrequited love or troubled by a forbidden romance.
scumbag man and stupid womanDomura Riu

A work that sharply depicts the feelings of a man and woman drowning in a bittersweet relationship and delivers a searing social message.
With Riu Domura’s distinctive perspective and expressive power, it unsparingly narrates the dynamic between an irresponsible man and a devoted woman.
Capturing the man’s self-centered behavior and the woman’s loneliness with striking clarity, the piece lays bare the distorted view of romance in contemporary society.
Released in April 2024 as one of the tracks on the album “Irregular Diary,” this work resonates deeply amid complex emotions and can be seen as a message to everyone struggling with love.
coming home in the morning (after staying out all night)Hamano Haruki

A gem-like love song that delicately portrays the aching feeling of being unable to confess one’s true feelings.
Singer-songwriter Haruki Hamano masterfully captures the complex emotions of a woman struggling with being “the convenient one,” drawing a flood of empathy on social media.
Released in 2023, the song gained traction on TikTok and earned high marks on streaming platforms.
It carefully depicts a woman’s wavering emotions—caught between hope and self-loathing—in a relationship where she shares the night with someone yet can’t become their first choice.
This work offers comfort and companionship to those who have experienced unrequited love.
A triangular lovesaji

A saji song that portrays the pain of unrequited love with a heart-wrenching voice and delicate words.
The aching feelings of being unable to hold back one’s love are expressed with striking directness.
Many listeners will inevitably relate to the narrator’s position—unable to become a lover yet continuing to harbor unwavering affection.
Included on their second mini-album Hanabi no Uta, released in September 2020, the track became a hit through TikTok.
The arrangement, featuring live strings, further enhances the song’s appeal.
It’s a piece that offers solace to anyone who has experienced heartbreak or unrequited love—or is struggling with it right now.
You let me do as I please, and yet…arekunn

A song that resonates with the anger toward someone who only reaches out when it suits them, and the aching feeling of not being able to forget them.
In contrast to its melodic, gentle sound, the lyrics are striking for their candid, down-to-earth emotions.
Released in September 2020 and gaining buzz mainly on social media, the track is also included on Are-kun’s album “Breath.” It features the soft timbre of an acoustic guitar and an emotionally rich arrangement.
If you’re struggling with a romantic relationship, sensing your partner’s feelings drifting away but not wanting to admit it, or have been hurt by someone’s misleading behavior, you’ll likely find this deeply relatable.
Songs of forbidden love. Heart-wrenching, sad love songs (41–50)
Love songnatori

This is an emotional song by Natori that delicately portrays the heartache and pain of drowning in misguided love.
The protagonist’s feelings, tossed about by love, are depicted as blurring the line between dreams and reality.
Included on the album “Gekijō” (Theater), the track’s music video reached 3.16 million views in February 2024.
For those who carry an unending pain of love deep within, it will likely feel like a song that speaks your heart for you.
In the quiet, why not lend your ear to this piece?
worst; minimum; the lowest; awfulren

Carried by a piano melody where poignancy and fragility melt together, Ren’s translucent voice resonates throughout.
Portraying the anguish and heartache of a protagonist who can’t forget their feelings even while their lover keeps secrets, this work lays bare the inability to say anything to someone who’s crying, as well as the anxieties and frustrations lodged in both hearts.
Released in October 2022, it sparked major buzz, with a short video set against Tokyo’s night skyline—posted on social media—surpassing one million views.
With lyrics and a melody that speak to Gen Z, this song gently embraces listeners struggling with impossible love, such as affairs or unrequited feelings.





