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

Agate Caressed by NightAyase

Yoru Naderu Agate / Ayase (self cover)

A beautiful ballad from Ayase’s solo project that poignantly paints the depths of the night.

Included on the first EP, “Ghost City Tokyo,” released in November 2019, this piece vividly portrays the emotions of a man and woman who have no choice but to decide on parting from a loved one.

In a city after the last train has gone, a young man looks back on their relationship; his frustrated feelings as he senses the approaching goodbye are conveyed alongside an urban, mellow sound.

The wavering between wishing for a night with no terminus and trying to accept reality—tenderness toward the other person and a lingering regret—soaks into the heart with the melancholic melody line.

It’s a work that shines with adult sophistication and delicate emotional expression, perfect for a late-night drive or quiet time.

Giji KoiHaruki Hamano

Haruki Hamano – Gijikoi (Official Music Video)

A song by Haruki Hamano that captures the struggles of modern love.

The lyrics—expressing heartfelt wishes like “I want you to come to me the moment I want to see you” and “On nights we can’t meet, I want you to hold me with your voice”—have resonated with many women.

Released as a digital single in November 2023, the track drew attention on social media even before its release and garnered over 10 million views on TikTok within a week.

It’s a song that comforts those stuck in that frustrating kind of relationship where you hear “I like you,” but never “I love you.” The lyrics that speak your feelings will surely hit home.

bookmarkCreepHyp

CreepHyp - “Bookmark” (MUSIC VIDEO)

A Creephyp song that beautifully portrays farewells in the season when cherry blossoms fall.

While cherishing past memories, it sings of the courage to take a new step forward.

Included on the album “Nakitakunaru Hodo Ureshii Hibi ni,” released in September 2018, the track also gained attention as a campaign song for FM802 and TSUTAYA.

It’s a song for those who feel the pain of parting yet want to keep holding on to hope for the future.

Its emotional rock sound and distinctive lyrical world will resonate with listeners and give them the strength to face forward.

The Story You Don't Knowsupercell

Lia / The Story You Don't Know [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

It’s the song used as the ending theme for the anime Bakemonogatari.

The lyrics, which portray a girl suffering from an unrequited love she knows will never come true and can’t bring herself to confess, are utterly heartbreaking.

The beauty of the piano lines and the melody enhances that feeling even more.

More than friends, less than loversAsa

ASA – More Than Friends, Less Than Lovers [Official Music Video]

“Listen to this when you’re tired of being in love.” With those warm words, ASA delivers this work, weaving the complex feelings of two people who are more than friends but not quite lovers with delicate language.

Even while saying “I don’t like you,” they can’t bear the thought of someone else taking them away.

As they grapple with that self-contradictory emotion, a portrait emerges of someone struggling with the distance between them and the other person.

Released in September 2022, the song received high acclaim on the J-pop charts and drew attention overseas, including in the Philippines, Taiwan, and the United States.

It’s a track that gently stays by the side of anyone whose heart wavers on the boundary between love and friendship.

You said the moon is beautiful.berry meet

berry meet / The moon is beautiful [Music Video]

This song paints a picture of a winter night sky and the bittersweetness of love.

Its delicate vocals and acoustic tones settle quietly in the heart like falling snow.

The melody gently embraces the anxiety, hopes, and unspoken frustrations of someone in love, leaving a strong impression.

Released as berry meet’s single in November 2023, it resonated with many listeners.

Listening during the winter season—especially while gazing up at the night sky—deepens the feelings of someone in love.

It’s a perfect track for those with unrequited feelings or those hesitating to confess.

366 daysHY

366 Days (Official Duet Version)

This is a ballad about the lingering feelings of being unable to forget a lost love.

Included on HY’s 2008 album “HeartY,” the song was used as the theme for Fuji TV’s drama and film “Akai Ito.” Its gentle melody, highlighted by a memorable piano line, carries lyrics that reflect on the memories of a lover who remains in the heart.

The duet version by vocalists Izumi Nakasone and Hideyuki Shinzato is also captivating, with the interplay of male and female voices bringing out the nuances of emotion even more vividly.

It’s a recommended track for those who have experienced parting with someone dear or are trying to overcome the pain.