Lovely love song

[Ria-ko / Ria-koi / Gachi-koi] A love song about being truly in love with your idol

Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICSasashina
Deputy Editor of the web media RAG MUSIC. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. In my student days, I studied broadly at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, covering sound, lighting, and video technology, and acquired skills from comprehensive stage production to the fundamentals of creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, and have consistently built my career on the production side, taking on diverse tasks centered around music. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting in my own way, as well as insights and discoveries from interacting with my kids every day. I hope I can be of help to you, even just a little!
lightercatnap
A person from the melodic hardcore boom generation who loves music, photography, and eating. I’ve been going to live houses for over 20 years. I’m at the age where summer festivals are starting to feel tough physically. I sometimes try shooting live photos and videos for MVs. I’m not great at English, so I often listen to straightforward Japanese rock that hits directly, but if someone recommends something, I’ll listen to anything—Western or Japanese—broadly and casually. I like cooking while listening to music; it’s a nice way to relieve stress.

Words like “ria-koi,” “riako,” and “gachi-koi” are probably familiar if you live the stan life.

In other words, it refers to people who are truly in love with their unattainable faves—idols, voice actors, band members, and the like.

We’ve put together a playlist of real “riako songs” that we hope those hardcore lovers will listen to—tracks that capture that aching, helpless feeling you can relate to.

From bittersweet, heart-wrenching ballads to upbeat anthems that shout “Long live gachi-koi!”, we’ve got plenty to share.

Some lyrics might hit a bit too close to home… but here we go!

[Ria-ko / Ria-koi / Gachi-koi] Love songs about being in love with your oshis (11–20)

blind girlRestricted (R-rated)

R-rated: blind girl

Blind Girl R-18

This is true infatuation—a visual kei band, R-Shitei’s “Blind Girl,” whose single-minded, fired-up feelings are so intense they actually feel good.

Doesn’t it make you think, “They must be an R-Shitei fan,” and feel almost uncomfortably real, like you can picture it? The title “Blind Girl” makes perfect sense too—it goes beyond being scary and comes off as almost refreshingly straightforward (lol).

That said, for those who recognize they’re currently in the throes of a real-life crush, the lyrics might be a bit hard to hear.

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Reach my oshiCouleur Clarity

[MV] Couleur Clarity “Deliver To My Oshi”

Couleur Clarity to My Oshi

Couleur Clarity is an idol group formed by seven cosplayers.

Their song “Deliver It to My Oshi” is also highly recommended.

It’s a track that expresses gratitude for how seeing your oshi gives you energy and motivation.

It also captures the excitement of the day you get to meet your oshi, making it perfect for pumping yourself up before a concert or event.

Don’t miss the members’ dazzling mic relay, either.

The rhythm is addictive—you’ll want to play it on repeat.

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band memberSHISHAMO

band member

Bandman SHISHAMO

A real, straight-to-the-heart number by SHISHAMO about falling for a band guy—fittingly titled “Bandman.” Even if it’s not what you’d call a full-on “real crush,” haven’t we all felt that admiration for band members? Those pure feelings of “They’re so cool! I like them!” And when those feelings go just a step further—can’t you kind of understand that, too? For anyone who’s actually, truly in love with a band guy right now, this track has a sharp sting that might ache a little.

You know that feeling of not wanting to be lumped in with other fans, right?

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Juliet: 100 Reasons I Love YouAfter School Princess

After School Princess "Juliet ~100 Reasons Why I Love You~ (2014 version)" Music Video

Juliet ~100 Reasons Why I Love You~ After School Princess

“I don’t even know why I love you this much, but… I just do!” Many of you can probably relate to that feeling you can’t put into words.

This song by the idol group Houkago Princess was released in 2011 as their second single.

It’s a cute track that paints a guitar-driven rock band sound with sparkling synth phrases.

The members’ straightforward vocals seem to express the song’s world exactly as it is.

When it comes to supporting your oshi, you don’t need any reason other than “I love them,” right?

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Gachi-koi RevolutionAqbiSiV Project

Akishibu Project “Gachi-koi Revolution” January 25 2nd One-man Live ~The Future Waiting in the World We’re Heading Into~

Gachi-koi Revolution Akishibu Project

It’s a song that speaks straight from the heart, echoing my own feelings of being a devoted fan and making my chest swell with emotion.

It’s by the idol group Akishibu project, included on their 2015 mini-album “Midaregami Fighting Girl.” The lyrics—“Because you were there, my life changed; I’ll keep thinking of you for the rest of my life”—really hit home.

Being able to feel that deeply about someone is happiness, isn’t it? When you listen, I’m sure the face of the person you stan will pop into your mind.

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I fell in love with an idol.Mikichu

mikichu 'Fell in Love with an Idol'

Mikichu, who fell in love with an idol

This song is included on singer-songwriter Mikichu’s 2015 album “Tenshi no Juujika” (Angel’s Cross).

Its title, “I Fell in Love with an Idol,” says it all: it portrays the feelings of a man who has fallen for an idol.

Although the song is from a male perspective, the lyrics will likely resonate with anyone who has fallen for an idol, regardless of gender.

Despite its poppy melody, it’s a track that builds a sense of anxiety over feelings of love that overflow but aren’t reciprocated.

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[Real crush / real love / serious love] A love song about being in love with your idol (21–30)

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

Back Number – I Like You, But It Seems You Don’t Particularly Like Me [Chandelier] #4

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

The lyrics perfectly capture that hardcore-crush feeling, yet they’re a bit laid-back in a way that makes you chuckle.

back number’s “I Like You, But It Seems You Don’t Really Like Me” is included on their 2015 album Chandelier.

It’s one of those songs where you’re so in love that your emotions flip past the limit and turn almost lighthearted—like, “You know what, I’ll just go for it and see what happens!” For anyone struggling with a real-life crush, this track might be a balm for the heart.

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