back number Popular Song Ranking [2026]

blinkback number21rank/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?

I love youback number22rank/position

back number – I Love You

Written in October 2022 as the theme song for NHK’s morning drama series “Soar!” (Maiagare!), this piece is a ballad that gently weaves together the tenderness felt in everyday moments.

It portrays how ordinary scenes—fallen leaves in the park, a cat crossing the street, a bakery in front of the station—stir thoughts of a cherished person.

In the chorus, it sings of a pure desire to make the other person happy, unfolding a delicate world that is quintessentially back number.

Its relaxed tempo and gentle melody pair beautifully with acoustic guitar, making it perfect for a solo performance.

The chord progression is simple and approachable, making it an ideal number to play when you want to perform with feelings for someone special.

petalback number23rank/position

back number – Hanabira (full)

A bittersweet rock number that makes past memories resurface in fleeting moments during the season when cherry blossoms flutter.

As a major-label debut single by the band back number—known for relatable, true-to-life lyrics—it was released in April 2011.

It was also chosen as the ending theme for TV Tokyo’s program “JAPAN COUNTDOWN,” and remains beloved by many as the band’s origin point.

This work delicately portrays the feeling of recalling someone precious who once stood by your side, in stark contrast to the beautiful scenery of spring.

The strings resonating within the band’s sound tighten your chest as you listen.

The words woven by vocalist Iyori Shimizu gently reach deep into the listener’s heart.

Perfect for when you want to sink into a slightly sentimental mood with the arrival of spring.

Blue Springback number24rank/position

back number – Aoi Haru (full)

This rock tune rides on a driving beat that captures the youthful impulse to struggle toward becoming someone.

Even while suffering from the gap between ideals and reality, its stance of overcoming walls by dancing in your own way has resonated widely on TikTok.

Released as a single in November 2012, it was written as the theme song for the drama “High School Entrance Exam” starring Masami Nagasawa.

It’s also included on the acclaimed album “blues” and is known as back number’s first self-produced work.

If you listen to it when you feel anxious about a new life starting in spring or when you want to spur yourself on, it’s sure to become a powerful ally.

Velvet Poemback number25rank/position

Velvet Poem

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.

To new loversback number26rank/position

back number – To the New Lovers

This song delicately portrays bittersweet emotions buried deep in the heart.

Released in 2024 by back number, it was written as the theme for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m.

drama “Umi no Hajimari” (The Beginning of the Sea).

Set to a melody that resonates, it expresses the weakness of a self that can’t quite grow up, a yearning for the innocent faces of children, and hopes for the next generation.

With lyrics that contrast light and shadow and a clear, translucent vocal, the piece achieves beautiful harmony and offers comfort to anyone carrying unspoken, aching feelings for someone.

It’s a recommended track for those who wish to feel the sense of loss and regret that comes with living, as well as hope for the future.

Winter and Springback number27rank/position

back number – Winter and Spring

This is a back number song that you suddenly feel like listening to when the winter chill softens and hints of spring begin to appear.

It carefully portrays how feelings piled up like winter snow change with the passing of the seasons.

Its bittersweet yet beautiful melody and delicate emotional depiction tighten the listener’s chest.

Released as a single in January 2024, it drew attention for being produced by Masanori Shimada—the first time since the masterpiece “Suiheisen”—and for featuring Iyori Shimizu’s debut as a music video director.

It has surpassed 100 million streams and has garnered widespread support.

Highly recommended when you want to reflect on a past love at the turn of the seasons, this is a ballad that seeps deeply into a heart preparing to welcome spring.

SISTERback number28rank/position

back number – SISTER (full)

A gentle yet bittersweet anthem that encourages you through life.

Known as one of back number’s signature songs, it was broadcast as the commercial song for Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s “Pocari Sweat Ion Water” starting in April 2015.

Its lyrics portray effort and setbacks, and the strong will to rise again; together with its beautiful melody, the collaboration resonates with listeners’ hearts.

When your spirit is about to break, when you want someone’s recognition, or when you want to find the strength to try once more, the message embedded in this piece will surely give you courage.

Big wrong answerback number29rank/position

back number – The Big Wrong Answer (full)

It’s a pop-rock number whose message—living powerfully while acknowledging our weaknesses and imperfections—hits straight to the heart.

Shimizu Iyori’s worldview captures not only the bittersweetness of love but also that raw, human grit, which is a big part of the appeal.

Released in August 2018 as their 18th single, this song was written as the theme for the film Gintama 2: Rules Are Made To Be Broken.

It became a hit, earning strong support and reaching No.

3 on the Oricon weekly chart.

With Koichi Tsutaya participating in the arrangement, the band’s sound has a driving energy that lifts your spirits the moment you listen.

Put it on when you’ve lost confidence or when you just want to get fired up without overthinking.

It’ll surely give you a push forward.

Blue amberback number30rank/position

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

Set to a bittersweet and beautiful melody, this song depicts deep sorrow, loneliness, and the lingering memory of a love that won’t fade.

It was released digitally in April 2025.

Written as the theme song for the Kansai TV/Fuji TV drama “From the Day You Were Taken,” starring Keiko Kitagawa, the track was produced by Koichi Tsutaya.

The sense of loss from losing someone precious and the unplaceable emotions come through so sharply that it makes your chest tighten.

The words spun by vocalist Iyori Shimizu mirror the weighty inner conflicts of the drama’s protagonist, resonating deep within the listener’s heart.

Try listening to it carefully on a solitary night, when you’re carrying feelings you can’t tell anyone.

It will surely stay close to your tears and gently affirm them.