![Back Number's Tearjerker Songs, Cry-Your-Eyes-Out Tracks, and Popular Song Rankings [2026]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/1GaoCAc2N-A/maxresdefault.webp)
Back Number's Tearjerker Songs, Cry-Your-Eyes-Out Tracks, and Popular Song Rankings [2026]
When it comes to back number’s greatest appeal, I believe it lies in their ability to express “bittersweet sadness.” That feeling is embedded at the core of the band, which makes their emotions feel truly real.
This time, I’ll be introducing a ranking of back number’s tear-jerking, cry-your-eyes-out songs.
Back Number Tearjerker Songs: Best Crying Songs and Popular Tracks Ranking [2026] (1–10)
Happinessback number1rank/position
A back number ballad that tightens your chest with overwhelming poignancy.
It delicately depicts the pain of unrequited love, where the closeness of being right next to someone only makes them feel farther away.
Knowing there’s someone else in their heart, you still force a smile—some listeners may find themselves in tears at that image.
Included on the single “Hanabira,” released in April 2011, and later featured on the October album “Superstar,” this song offers gentle, beautiful tones to those burdened with feelings they can’t express or hearts troubled by unattainable love.
Why not listen to it on a night when you just want to cry your heart out?
fishback number2rank/position
This is a heartbreak song that portrays the poignant feelings for a love that will never return, hidden deep within the heart.
Amid an urban sound, the vocals brim with power, as if emotions are overflowing, and that contrast heightens the sentiment.
Released in February 2014, this track is the band’s ninth single and is also included on their fourth album, “Love Story.” Listening to this piece, which depicts the cruel reality faced by the female protagonist, will bring tears to women suffering from heartbreak as their emotions spill over.
It’s a recommended song for anyone who has someone they just can’t forget.
Happy Endingback number3rank/position
A ballad that portrays the heartrending feeling of trying to force a smile while hiding the sorrow of parting.
It vividly depicts the protagonist’s struggle, unable to fully accept the breakup and cut off lingering feelings for their former partner.
Their attempt to act tough and pretend there’s a happy ending is so poignant it brings tears to your eyes.
Released in November 2016 as their 16th single, this song was written as the theme for the film “My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday,” which premiered in December of the same year.
It’s one of back number’s signature tracks, also included on the album “Encore.” Why not listen to it on a night when you want to let your emotions flow and cry your heart out to feel refreshed?
Until the day I can no longer rememberback number4rank/position
A masterpiece that beautifully portrays the inner landscape where the grief of losing a loved one intersects with the desire to hold on to their memories.
The gentle, humming-like melody, the understated guitar riff, and Iyori Shimizu’s wistful vocals all deepen the emotions of parting.
Released in October 2011, this song is included on the album “Superstar” and was also used as the ending theme for TV Tokyo’s music program “JAPAN COUNTDOWN.” Although the vocal range is fairly wide, the calm melodic line makes it a song you can sing while savoring the lyrics.
horizonback number5rank/position
This piece, released in August 2020 by a three-piece band from Gunma Prefecture, is well known for the story behind its creation: it was made for high school students who lost their stage when the 2020 Inter-High was canceled.
It gently stays close to the frustration of efforts that don’t pay off and the unreasonable sorrow that follows, delivering a message that knowing pain makes us kinder to others—one that deeply moves listeners.
While holding the sense of loss from shattered dreams and goals, it carries a warmth that suggests those very experiences will become the nourishment that shapes your future self.
Even as graduates face a reality that doesn’t go as planned, this song will softly support them as they take their first steps down a new path.
For a cherished new beginning, why not offer the deep love woven by back number?
HAPPY BIRTHDAYback number6rank/position
Back number is a rock band that has released many classic songs about bittersweet love.
Their song “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” tells the story of a man with unrequited feelings who spends his birthday alone.
Rather than a song to give to someone, it’s a birthday song you want to listen to quietly by yourself.
Like in this song, there are probably many men with unrequited love who think, “If only she were right beside me…” as their birthday approaches.
It’s a bittersweet song, but listening to it might just give you the push to confess on your birthday… and that could be a good idea!
Heroineback number7rank/position
It’s a love song that portrays the ache of unrequited feelings.
A track by back number, it delicately captures winter scenery and the poignancy of a one-sided crush.
Released in January 2015, it was featured as the campaign song for JR East’s “JR SKISKI.” Together with a commercial starring Suzu Hirose, it drew wide attention and resonated with many people.
The lyrics convey a warmth of the heart amid winter’s cold, paired with a gently soothing melody.
This piece will likely evoke empathy as a song that stands by the hearts of high school students struggling with love.
It’s a heartwarming track you’ll want to listen to in the winter season.
From our joined handsback number8rank/position
Back Number’s lifelike depictions that capture everyday, ordinary scenes are deeply moving.
This work is their 10th single, released in March 2014.
It opens the classic album “Love Story” and was also used in a JTB Premium commercial.
Despite its bright and lighthearted sound, it is filled with lingering feelings for a lost love and reflections on personal weakness.
Realizing someone’s importance only after a relationship ends, or being suddenly struck by a pang of sadness—these are emotions many people have experienced, aren’t they? This is a heartbreak song that will stay close to anyone who lies awake at night remembering a past love, or quietly sheds tears when they can’t sort out their feelings.
petalback number9rank/position
A heartbreaking breakup song that overlays the fleeting memories of love with cherry blossom petals.
The lyrics delicately portray how memories with a lover linger everywhere in the city, turning even everyday scenes into amplifiers of pain.
While still holding on to love, the reality is that they will never meet again.
This song carries a message that gently embraces that hurt.
Released in April 2011, it was featured as the ending theme for JAPAN COUNTDOWN.
It is sure to resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced a painful romance.
Velvet Poemback number10rank/position
There is a gemlike ballad by back number—known for lyrics and melodies that shake the heart—created as the theme song for the film Akira and Akira.
Shimizu Iyori’s voice, singing like a prayer and wishing that his laid-bare self could be seen as something beautiful, sinks deep into the chest.
The piece quietly yet powerfully seems to cheer on those who, despite their anguish and inner conflicts, keep moving toward their goals.
This moving song was released in August 2022 and was later included on the acclaimed album Humor.
Premiering alongside the film, it became beloved by many, debuting at No.
2 on the Billboard Japan Download Songs chart—a sign that its impact has resonated widely.
It’s the perfect song for moments when you’re wavering over a major life decision or need a gentle word of encouragement.
It will surely echo deep within your heart and give you the strength to take a step toward tomorrow.