[Unrequited Love] Heart-wrenching Love Songs | A Roundup of Tear-Inducing Crush and Breakup Tracks

PuzzleBAND-MAID

BAND-MAID / Puzzle (Official Live Video)

A connection that felt like destiny, yet a relationship that could never be.

This BAND-MAID song portrays the struggle of a forbidden love.

The way the narrator tells themselves it’s okay not to be someone special to the other person may resonate painfully with anyone in an unrequited love.

These helpless emotions are sung with delicacy over powerful beats and a passionate sound.

The track is included on the album “Just Bring It,” released in January 2017.

Even knowing it won’t be reciprocated, the feelings won’t stop—this is a work that stays close to that complex state of mind.

a convenient relationshipRiu Domura

Convenient Relationship – Riu Domura (Official Audio)

A song that delicately portrays a bittersweet, aching love.

With Riu Domura’s distinctive perspective and sensibility shining through, the lyrics vividly capture the emotions of those struggling with an ambiguous relationship.

Released in February 2021, the track resonated with many listeners and achieved notable popularity, including over 200,000 streams on the music platform AWA.

The relationship that begins at night, and the emotional conflict they can’t help repeating even though they both understand what’s happening, echo in the heart alongside the tender vocals.

It’s a must-listen for anyone troubled by love or grappling with complex feelings.

I don’t want to see you; I want to see you.Yuka Ueno

Yuka Ueno “Don’t Want to See You, Want to See You” Music Video

A ballad by Yuuka Ueno that sets painfully bittersweet scenes of heartbreak—so vivid they make your chest ache just remembering—against a simple, piano-led melody.

Six months after the breakup, the protagonist’s heart is still tangled in conflicting emotions born from being unable to forget their former lover: aching to see them, yet not wanting to.

Included on the January 2019 album “Sukina Hito wa Anata datta” (“You Were the One I Loved”), this song is sure to resonate deeply with anyone who has gone through a breakup and still hasn’t sorted out their feelings.

When they suddenly come to mind in a quiet moment, why not listen to this track and face your true feelings?

ConclusionCentimillimental

Sentimental『Last Words』Music Video

A profound love story chronicling meetings and partings that cannot last forever.

Born from the desire to capture memories with a loved one in music, this heartrending ballad emerged after nine years in the making.

Crafted with heartfelt care by Atushi from Centimillimental, the song was chosen as the theme for the September 2024 release Given The Movie: To the Sea, drawing attention for its beautiful harmony with the film’s world.

It’s a song that gently stays by the side of anyone struggling with a relationship and carrying a bittersweet ache in their heart.

I like you, but it seems you don't really like me.back number

I like you, but it seems you don't really like me / back number (cover)

Lyrics that capture the feelings of a man who confessed his love, got rejected, and still can’t give up.

It’s a song by the well-known three-piece band back number, synonymous with love songs.

Included on their fourth major album, “Chandelier,” released in 2015.

While it’s an upbeat song that conveys a determination to confess his feelings once more, it also gives the impression of somehow missing the mark.

motion sickness from proximityJapanese rice bran

Yori Yoi / Wanuqa [Music Video]

This song delicately portrays a sweet yet bittersweet love and the emotions of a woman who can no longer contain those feelings.

Wanuka’s gentle vocals beautifully capture both the strength of her longing and the frustration of being unable to express it.

With this hit, Wanuka—known for a distinctive musical style and worldview—became widely recognized.

Since its release in February 2021, the song quickly gained attention, especially on social media, and as a track included on the album “Aonisai,” it has come to symbolize the poignant love stories of today.

It is a song that offers comfort to those who keep their love a secret and to those who swallow their feelings.

AiMotohiro Hata

Moto Hiro Hata – “Ai” Music Video

“Ai” is a song released by Motohiro Hata in 2010.

Its melody is simple yet deeply moving, and the lyrics delicately portray someone who had lost sight of love gradually changing through a new encounter.

The track drew attention as it was featured in a Panasonic commercial and used as a theme song for a TV program in Hata’s hometown of Miyazaki.

When you’re weary of romance or find yourself unable to believe in love, why not let this song soothe you? It will gently deliver the warmth of love to your heart.