Back Number Love Songs: Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Ms. Hanako on a high pedestalback number11rank/position

back number – Takane no Hanako-san (full)

With their realistic psychological portrayals, back number captures the hearts of many fans.

Their eighth single, released in June 2013, truly feels like “a song packed full of one-sided-love imaginings.” You can’t help but nod along at the poignant sense of distance—being nothing more than “a friend of a friend” to the person you like—and at the way you get depressed by imagining the kind of partner they’d want and deciding you don’t measure up.

In contrast to those lyrics, the brisk, refreshing sound gently propels that frustrating, unrequited longing forward.

The track is also included on the album “Love Story,” and it was used in a commercial in 2019.

Wishing to be loved yet unable to take that final step—this is a one-sided love song that will surely resonate and stay close to your heart.

Until the day I can no longer rememberback number12rank/position

back number – Until the Day It Becomes Unrememberable (full)

A poignant ballad by back number that quietly sings of lingering feelings and a sense of loss for a former lover.

Released in October 2011 as their third single, the song is also included on the album “Superstar,” which came out the same month.

The lyrics portray the emptiness of days that keep going even after losing the most important person in the world, and the deep bond in which the two formed halves of each other.

Fear of memories of the other fading intertwines with the resignation that they will eventually be forgotten, and the realization that the time spent with the person was part of oneself wells up with aching tenderness.

A song that offers comfort to anyone who has lost someone dear.

blinkback number13rank/position

back number – Mabataki (full)

An inspiring song by back number that deeply contemplates the essence of happiness.

Released in December 2017 as the theme song for the film “The 8-Year Engagement,” it became a major hit, reaching No.

5 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

The lyrics, which sing that true happiness lies in holding an umbrella for someone precious to you, gently warm the heart.

For lovers separated by distance or those who can’t meet easily, it may especially stir a strong desire to “protect the other person” and “be by their side,” don’t you think?

cotton candyback number14rank/position

back number – Watagashi (full)

Set against the backdrop of a summer festival, this bittersweet love song portrays the feelings of a man who can’t bring himself to confess his love.

Released in 2012 as the sixth single, it was also included on the third album “blues” and the best-of collection “Encore.” Chosen as the opening theme for TBS’s COUNT DOWN TV in July 2012, it reached many listeners.

Wanting to hold hands but hesitating, wanting to say “I like you” but unable to put it into words—the song is filled with that poignant frustration, evoking the faint, youthful crushes many experienced in their school days.

Amid the lively bustle of the festival, quiet emotions surface; this is a track that resonates with the sweet, fleeting moments of love.

Old-fashionedback number15rank/position

back number – Old Fashion (full)

Released in November 2018, this gem of a love song gained attention as the theme for the TBS Friday drama “A Lover to Remember.” It delicately portrays the precious memories with a partner and the small joys of everyday life that begin with an unexpected encounter, and even conveys the sense of loss that follows—resulting in a track filled with profound affection.

Written and composed by Iyori Shimizu, its simple, gentle melody harmonizes beautifully with the narrative-rich lyrics, resonating deeply with listeners.

With both the timeless qualities of a love song and vocals that align with the drama’s worldview, it’s a perfect choice for those who want to sing with feeling at karaoke.

fishback number16rank/position

back number – fish

Back Number’s “fish” is a masterpiece that poignantly and beautifully sings about the pain of a heartbreak that feels like it might break your spirit.

Written from a woman’s perspective, the lyrics trace lingering attachment to a lost love, cutting straight to the heart.

It’s as if it symbolizes how we become adults each time we say goodbye.

Take your time savoring the feelings that sway between regret and sorrow, accompanied by a soothing ballad sound.

I like you, but it seems you don’t really like me.back number17rank/position

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

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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Sundayback number18rank/position

back number – Sunday (full)

This song by back number reminds us that spending a calm, ordinary day off with a loved one is the greatest treasure of all.

It sings that true happiness in life comes not from social success or status, but from having someone important by your side.

This heartwarming piece was released in May 2012 as their fifth single and became widely known as the theme song for the drama “Soup Curry.” Happiness is often hidden in everyday routines we take for granted.

Why not listen to this song and rediscover the warmth of the person right next to you?

Winter and Springback number19rank/position

back number – Winter and Spring

The love song released in January 2024 is a poignant breakup track that also conveys a sense of forward-looking strength.

While carrying a faint lingering attachment and loneliness toward an ex who chose another woman, it portrays a woman facing her feelings and trying to take a new step, mirroring the seasonal shift as snow melts and spring arrives.

The delicate emotional expression and memorable melodies—so characteristic of back number—truly resonate.

It’s a heartwarming song that gently nudges those trying to overcome dark feelings and move forward.

Supporting Actress Syndromeback number20rank/position

Jyoen Jyoyuushou

It’s a song that vividly portrays a hopeless love—one where the narrator, fully aware they’ll never be “the one,” continues a relationship in which they’re called on only when convenient.

Released as the B-side to back number’s 2012 single Aoi Haru and later included on the album blues, it depicts a protagonist who sarcastically acknowledges settling for an ambiguous relationship yet can’t stop the feelings that grow with every time they sleep together.

The fear that putting it into words would break everything keeps them swallowing the decisive confession, a detail that feels painfully real.

The groovy sound—highlighted by what Iyori Shimizu has called the standout bass line before the second chorus—is another draw, and the song became so beloved by fans that it even spawned a sequel, Supporting Actress Syndrome 2.