A collection of back number’s heartfelt masterpieces: popular love songs

Big wrong answerback number

back number – The Big Wrong Answer (full)

It’s a pop-rock number whose message—living powerfully while acknowledging our weaknesses and imperfections—hits straight to the heart.

Shimizu Iyori’s worldview captures not only the bittersweetness of love but also that raw, human grit, which is a big part of the appeal.

Released in August 2018 as their 18th single, this song was written as the theme for the film Gintama 2: Rules Are Made To Be Broken.

It became a hit, earning strong support and reaching No.

3 on the Oricon weekly chart.

With Koichi Tsutaya participating in the arrangement, the band’s sound has a driving energy that lifts your spirits the moment you listen.

Put it on when you’ve lost confidence or when you just want to get fired up without overthinking.

It’ll surely give you a push forward.

yellowback number

back number – Yellow

This is a poignant ballad that overlays feelings for an unattainable person—and emotions that can neither move forward nor turn back—onto the colors of a traffic light.

It was released in September 2021 as the 21st single.

Since it was written as the theme song for ABEMA’s dating show “Koi to Ookami ni wa Damasarenai” (Don’t Be Fooled by the Wolf), many of you have probably heard it.

It was later included on the album “Humor.” The delicate nuances of a heart that becomes unable to act the more it longs for someone—so vividly portrayed by Iyori Shimizu—come through with aching clarity.

Takeshi Kobayashi also participated in the arrangement, and the tender, beautiful sound is truly heart-wrenching.

When you feel left behind, listening to it will gently stay by your side.

On nights when you’re timid about love, why not soak in it quietly, alone?

With love from a certain futureback number

back number – With Love from a Certain Future [MOS Burger “Eating HAPPY” Commercial Song]

It’s a song filled with the quiet happiness we feel through everyday meals and the warmth that feels like a cheer sent from our future selves.

The lyrics gently embrace the anxiety and frailty we carry now without ever denying them, resonating deeply in the heart.

It beautifully fuses back number’s signature band sound with a melody that sits close to everyday life.

Written for MOS Burger’s new brand commercial in June 2025, it was released as a digital single.

The production also reunites them with sugarbeans for the first time since the album “Humor.” Why not give it a listen when you’re feeling a bit down or on a night when you want to accept yourself? Iyori Shimizu’s vocals will quietly give you a supportive nudge right by your side.

The curtain risesback number

back number – The Curtain Rises [Theme song for the film 'TOKYO MER: Mobile Emergency Room – Nankai Mission']

It’s a grand ballad written as the theme song for the film TOKYO MER: Mobile Emergency Room – Nankai Mission.

While confronting one’s own weaknesses and inner conflicts, it sings of the resolve to head toward the people who matter most.

Shimizu Iyori’s powerful yet delicate vocals and the rich, weighty sound produced by Takeshi Kobayashi sink deeply into the heart.

Released in July 2025, the song mirrors the movie’s story and powerfully stirs listeners’ emotions.

Many will surely find courage in the image of taking a step forward despite fear and anxiety.

Why not listen to it right before a big challenge or when you need to steel yourself? It’s a masterpiece full of kindness, like a warm hand gently pushing you forward.

by all means; no matter what; at any costback number

back number – No Matter What, No Matter What [Official Audio] (NHK Winter Sports Theme Song)

It’s a song that, in the tense chill of winter air, quietly yet fervently conveys an unextinguished will.

It doesn’t just celebrate the glittering moments of victory; it stands with those gritty feelings that push you forward even as you carry frustration and shame.

Released as a single in December 2025, it was written as the NHK winter sports theme song.

It will also be used in broadcasts related to the Milan–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, so many listeners may have felt encouraged hearing this melody on TV.

Beyond sports, it’s a cheer song that resonates with anyone clinging to a love or dream that may never come true, driven by a desperate “no matter what.” When you feel like you’re about to break, or on nights when you want to reaffirm your feelings, take the time to listen closely.

reunionback number

Reunion

Released in December 2016, this song is a lavish collaboration.

Produced by Takeshi Kobayashi, it features Motohiro Hata and back number performing together, singing about emotions that sway in the city and the theme of “reunion” that arrives in fleeting moments.

The contrast between Iyori Shimizu’s and Motohiro Hata’s voices is wonderful, evoking warmth within the bittersweetness.

It was used as the CM song for Tokyo Metro’s “Find my Tokyo.” campaign starring Satomi Ishihara, so many listeners will likely recognize it.

In addition, the limited first edition B of the best album “Encore” includes a short film based on this work.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to quietly when you wish to remember something important amid busy days.

Summer Wonderlandback number

Summer Wonderland

This song was included as a B-side to the single “Old Fashion,” released in November 2018, and later featured on the album “MAGIC.” As the title suggests, it has a breezy, summery band sound, but it depicts more than just the sparkle of the season.

Shimizu Iyori deftly sings about a relationship that never quite comes to a boil and the summer heat we use as an excuse.

It’s also interesting that the track was initially crafted with a focus on performance, which ultimately led to its summery feel.

Among the tracks on the single that also includes the theme song for the TBS drama “A Love to Die For: You Who Forget Me,” this one shines with a uniquely striking presence.

It’s perfect for surrendering yourself to an energetic rhythm while savoring the slightly bittersweet aftertaste of love.