HAPPY BIRTHDAYback number1rank/position

back number - “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” Music Video (Theme song for the TBS Tuesday drama “A Story to Read When You First Fall in Love”)

Known for tear-jerking songs and being the best at singing about bittersweet love, back number’s “HAPPY BIRTHDAY.” From the title you might think it’s a birthday song, but it’s not sung to someone else—it’s sung to oneself.

It’s a song overflowing with the feelings of wanting, or having wanted, to be celebrated by the person you like; an unfulfilled love; and a one-sided affection for that special someone.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

utatane

Report a problem

horizonback number2rank/position

back number – Horizon

A gem of a ballad delivered by back number, a band that captures listeners’ hearts with poignant lyrics.

Beginning with a gentle piano melody, this song weaves a story about the pain of dreams and hopes suddenly collapsing, and the will to look forward and begin anew.

Many will find their own experiences reflected in the raw, urgent feelings—like a cry for one’s existence—born from unnoticed loneliness.

Created for high school students whose Inter-High was canceled, the song was released on YouTube in August 2020.

It’s a classic that quietly stays by your side when summer fun has passed and a faint loneliness sets in.

bouquetback number3rank/position

back number – Bouquet (full)

This is a gem of a love song where unpretentious conversations between lovers convey a clumsy yet profound affection.

It portrays a vague anxiety about the future alongside a straightforward desire to stay together, and listening to it warms the heart.

Released in June 2011 as back number’s second single, the track is also included on the acclaimed album “SUPER STAR.” Many will recognize it as the ending theme for TBS’s COUNT DOWN TV.

The fact that it received over 50 power plays on radio stations nationwide at the time speaks to how much attention it garnered.

This work, which makes you feel the preciousness of everyday life with someone important, continues to be cherished as a classic wedding song.

Happy Endingback number4rank/position

back number – Happy End (full)

Produced in November 2016 as the theme song for the film “My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday,” this piece portrays the poignant feelings of a woman who has decided to part ways.

Though her love remains, she suffers because she must leave the person she cares for.

Inside, the pain makes her want to cry, yet she puts on a brave face and pretends to be fine with a smile.

These complex emotions are expressed with delicate nuance.

Written and composed by Iyori Shimizu and co-arranged with Takeshi Kobayashi, the song reached No.

3 on the Oricon weekly chart and was certified Double Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of Japan.

It is a song that deeply resonates with those who, despite the pain of heartbreak, are trying to move forward, and with anyone who has experienced parting from someone dear.

Letterback number5rank/position

back number – Letter (full)

If you want to express your gratitude to a senior who has always watched over and supported you, how about singing “Tegami” by back number? Released in 2015 as their 13th single, it was featured in an NTT Docomo commercial and reached No.

4 on the Oricon singles chart.

“Tegami” was originally a song about family love.

However, the gratitude for being raised and cared for can also apply directly to a senior who has guided you, don’t you think? Go ahead and sing it with all the appreciation you haven’t been able to express in your daily life!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hamada Takuya

Report a problem

Christmas songback number6rank/position

back number – Christmas Song (full)

This is one of back number’s signature winter songs, memorable for its beautiful melody that seems to resonate across the winter night sky.

Released in November 2015 as their 14th single, it became a massive hit as the theme song for the drama “5→9: From Five to Nine.” It’s now cherished as a classic winter tune.

The song’s greatest charm lies in its lyrics, which straightforwardly express a deepening affection for someone special.

You can vividly picture the protagonist overflowing with the desire to see the one they love, and it makes your heart ache as you listen.

Interestingly, aside from the title, it doesn’t use any words tied to a specific day, giving it a universal love song quality that truly resonates.

Also included on the album “Chandelier,” this heartwarming track is perfect for a quiet night when you’re thinking of someone important.

Heroineback number7rank/position

back number – Heroine (full)

A signature ballad by back number that beautifully captures the crisp winter air and the bittersweet ache of unrequited love.

Even while knowing they can’t be the main character in the other person’s story, the narrator’s pure wish to stay by their side evokes a moving, heart-tightening feeling—even for those without similar experiences.

Produced by Takeshi Kobayashi, the song opens with a striking organ tone, followed by Iyori Shimizu’s warm yet heartrending vocals that gently seep into the soul.

Released in January 2015 as their 11th single, it also drew attention as the CM song for JR East’s “JR SKISKI” campaign featuring Suzu Hirose.

It’s the perfect track to revisit the bittersweet taste of an unattainable love or to listen to on a winter night while thinking of someone special.