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back number Popular Song Ranking [2026]
We will introduce back number’s most popular songs in a ranking format.
One of the band’s charms is how realistically they portray emotions like heartbreak and wistfulness—perhaps influenced by the fact that the band’s formation itself stemmed from a breakup.
Back Number Popular Songs 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?
HAPPY BIRTHDAYback number2rank/position
This song is by back number, a rock band known for releasing many classic bittersweet love songs.
It was released in 2019 as their 20th single and served as the theme song for the drama A Story to Read When You First Fall in Love.
While the title might make you think it’s a celebratory track, it’s actually a poignant number depicting a man spending his birthday alone, nursing an unrequited love.
It tenderly conveys the aching feeling of waiting to hear “happy birthday” from the person he likes.
Rather than a song to give to someone else, it feels like a track that gently stays by the side of your lovesick self.
horizonback number3rank/position
“Horizen” was created by back number for high school students whose Inter-High Championships were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It was surprise-released on YouTube in August 2020, then issued as a digital-only single in August 2021.
Later, it was also included on the 2023 album “Humor.” The lyrics, which portray facing forward and reexamining oneself while carrying loss and pain, are filled with a gentleness that resonates with listeners.
Its calm yet powerful band sound and melody are perfect for choral singing.
When all the elementary school students raise their voices together, the warm message will resound even more deeply.
Ms. Hanako on a high pedestalback number4rank/position
A pop-rock song that humorously yet earnestly depicts unrequited love for someone out of reach, evoking deep empathy.
Set to a lively band sound, it vividly portrays the protagonist’s wavering emotions as they cycle through fantasies and self-denial.
This track by back number is the title song of their eighth single, released in June 2013, and is also included on the album “Love Story,” released in March 2014.
Rather than relying on specific tie-ins, it has been cherished for years through word of mouth and live performances.
It’s recommended for those who want to reminisce about the bittersweet memories of their school days or lift their spirits while feeling nostalgic about a past romance.
Listening to this piece may just bring back those pure feelings from back then all at once.
Happy Endingback number5rank/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?
Christmas songback number6rank/position
Amid the glitter of a winter city, a bittersweet heart can’t help but dwell on the one it longs to see.
This gem of a love song by back number captures the frustration of unrequited feelings.
The title is straightforward, yet it’s striking how it spotlights the depth of emotion for the other person.
Released in November 2015 as their 14th single, it became widely known as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “5→9: From Five to Nine.” The protagonist struggles to be honest, but ultimately becomes certain of their love for that special someone.
When you need the courage to confess, this song is sure to give you strength.
loveback number7rank/position
This is a song by the rock band back number, loved for its heartrending, relatable lyrics and friendly, expansive melody lines.
The lyrics reflect the bittersweet feeling of the end of student life and a straightforward, hidden affection.
Even with low self-esteem, you can’t help looking for the one you like… it’s the kind of content that makes your heart skip a beat.
Released in March 2012, the song was used as the ending theme for TV Asahi’s “Music-ru TV” that same month, and it’s also included on the classic album “blues.” If you sing it at karaoke, even a man who doesn’t usually voice his feelings might be able to subtly convey them to the woman he likes.