Back Number Ballad Songs: Popular Song Ranking [2026]

Winter and Springback number8rank/position

back number – Winter and Spring

Back number’s stirring melodies and delicate vocals beautifully capture the emotions of moving on from heartbreak amid the transition from winter to spring.

Produced in January 2024, the piece was helmed by Masanori Shimada, who also produced “Suiheisen,” and the music video marks Iyori Shimizu’s first attempt at directing.

The use of snow-covered asphalt on the jacket symbolically expresses both the change of seasons and the transformation of the heart.

It’s a song that resonates with the pain of heartbreak—an experience shared by all—and the journey of recovery that follows, making it a track you’ll want to listen to alone on a quiet night.

blinkback number9rank/position

back number – Mabataki (full)

Mabataki, which was chosen as the theme song for the film The 8-Year Engagement: A True Story, was released in 2017 by back number, a rock band indispensable when talking about J-pop love songs.

The band’s sound resonates with the addition of beautiful string tones.

It portrays a couple supporting each other, and Iyori Shimizu’s straightforward, passionate vocals move listeners to tears.

It’s a warm song filled with the desire to be a source of strength precisely when a loved one is going through pain or hardship.

Why not listen to it while thinking of someone you love?

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mutō

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bouquetback number10rank/position

back number – Bouquet (full)

back number is a rock band that captivates listeners with songs that candidly portray the dynamics of love.

Among their tracks, one I especially recommend is “Hanataba,” released in 2011.

It features the straightforward guitar sound unique to a three-piece band.

Iyori Shimizu’s vocals, both heartrending and warm, are sure to resonate with you.

The orthodox, singable melody line is also memorable.

Why not listen to this unadorned love ballad, filled with honest feelings, and let yourself be your truest self?

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my nameback number11rank/position

back number – My Name (full)

This is a gem of a medium-tempo ballad that portrays a profound form of love in which hearts connect simply by calling each other’s names.

Set to the gentle melodies woven by back number, it warmly sings of gratitude and devoted feelings toward someone precious.

Meeting someone who accepts your weaknesses and wounds, and the desire to give them everything—these emotions make for a bittersweet yet heartwarming song that leaves a deep impression.

Released as a single in May 2016 and included on the album “Encore,” this track was written as the theme song for the film “Wolf Girl and Black Prince.” It reached No.

6 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and earned Gold Disc certification, becoming a popular hit.

It’s a heartwarming love song you’ll want to listen to while thinking of someone important to you, recommended for moments when you want to renew your gratitude for irreplaceable people—be they a partner, a friend, or family.

Song of Those Who Supportback number12rank/position

Sasaeru Hitono Uta

Set to a gentle, comforting melody, this warm, heartfelt song portrays a parent’s unconditional love.

The straightforward feelings of a parent for their child are written like an everyday conversation, and the tender lyrics strike a chord.

Included on the album “blues,” released in November 2012, this piece is a gem of a ballad crafted by back number after their major-label debut.

Though it has no tie-in, it has won broad support from fans as a song that resonates deeply when you want to reflect on the bond between parent and child, think of someone dear, or remember family living far away.

cotton candyback number13rank/position

back number – Watagashi (full)

Back number is a three-piece band that has produced many hit songs, including Hanataba released in 2011 and Takane no Hanako-san released in 2013.

Their 2012 release Watagashi is a supreme summer song that perfectly suits the setting of a summer festival.

With its minor-key chord progression, the track has a slightly kayōkyoku-like vibe that makes it especially interesting.

The more you listen, the richer it becomes—surely a hidden gem among their songs.

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Blue amberback number14rank/position

back number – Blue Amber [Theme song for the Kansai TV/Fuji TV Monday 10 p.m. drama 'From the Day I Took You']

A ballad that epitomizes back number, fully portraying deep sorrow and complex emotions.

Released in April 2025, this song served as the theme for the drama “From the Day You Were Taken,” aligning closely with its weighty narrative.

Like rare amber that changes color depending on the angle, the piece explores the multifaceted nature of the human heart.

Even when acting with firm resolve, another self is screaming inside—its wavering comes through with piercing clarity.

The grief of being torn apart by inescapable fate and the indelible memories of love are carried by a beautiful melody, drawing you in until you can’t help but empathize.

It’s a track you’ll want to hear on sleepless nights when you’re burdened with feelings you can’t tell anyone.