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Back Number Unrequited Love Songs: Popular Song Ranking [2026]
The name back number was inspired by vocalist Iyori Shimizu’s heartbreak.
Since their band name stems from unrequited love, their songs on that theme tend to feel particularly well-crafted.
Here are back number’s unrequited-love songs, presented in a ranking.
Back Number Unrequited Love Songs: Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (1–10)
HAPPY BIRTHDAYback number1rank/position
A three-piece rock band whose heartrending lyrics and moving melodies resonate with many, back number’s 20th single.
Released in February 2019, the music video—featuring a performance in an empty restaurant that conveys loneliness—also leaves a strong impression.
It deftly portrays the bittersweetness of unrequited love, and with Iyori Shimizu’s sharp guitar work and Takeshi Kobayashi’s production, it pierces deeply into listeners’ hearts.
It’s a highly recommended track for anyone experiencing unrequited love right now.
Ms. Hanako on a high pedestalback number2rank/position
When summer rolls around, this is the unrequited-love anthem you can’t help but crave.
The three-piece band back number released the single “Takane no Hanako-san” in June 2013.
Also included on the album “Love Story,” the song, true to its title, portrays the ache of longing for someone out of reach.
The protagonist imagines, all on his own, the kind of boyfriend she’d date—someone nothing like himself—and sinks into gloom, clinging to hopes of a chance reunion; his flailing is both endearing and heartbreaking.
In 2019 it was featured in a “Tanrei Green Label” commercial, drawing attention when Iyori Shimizu performed a stripped-down rendition.
Despite its breezy melody, the lyrics clutch at your heart.
It’s a song that quietly stays by your side on nights when you’re burning with an impossible love.
loveback number3rank/position
A beautiful portrayal of youthful unrequited love in a song by back number.
“I want to tell you how I feel before we can’t meet anymore,” “I don’t need any other wishes to come true—just let this love be fulfilled.” These earnest emotions are woven together with a melody that resonates deeply.
Released in March 2012, the track was also used as the ending theme for TV Asahi’s “Music-Ru TV.” It’s recommended not only for those currently in unrequited love, but also for anyone who wants to reminisce about past romances.
Listen to this song to lift your spirits, and take the leap to confess your feelings!
Happinessback number4rank/position
Speaking of bittersweet love songs, you can’t leave out this track by back number.
She truly loves him, yet she sits by his side watching him fall for someone else… all while wishing for his happiness.
She’s probably just too kind, isn’t she? A love that can’t be put into words—what would you do?
I like you, but it seems you don’t really like me.back number5rank/position
As its straightforward title, “I Like You, But You Don’t Seem to Like Me,” suggests, this back number song expresses the feelings of confessing love only to be turned down.
Included on their fourth major studio album, Chandelier, released in 2015, the track was never released as a single yet remains highly popular among fans, and it even inspired the short film “Everything I Can Still Do for You.” Sung from a male perspective, it’s a heartrending piece that captures emotions that can’t be contained.
Heroineback number6rank/position
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.
Christmas songback number7rank/position
A medium-tempo number from back number that captures the wintry atmosphere and the bittersweetness of unrequited love.
Set against the festive glow of Christmas, budding feelings and the inner conflict of longing for someone are expressed through a beautiful melody.
Released in November 2015, the song was featured as the theme for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m.
drama “5→9: From Five to Nine,” and it captured the hearts of many.
Beloved as a winter staple, this piece is a song that stands by those struggling with love.
cotton candyback number8rank/position
This song is striking for its gentle, heartrending tone that resonates deep in the heart.
Set against the backdrop of a summer festival, it carefully portrays a man’s pure feelings of love.
The frustration and sadness of being unable to express his feelings are beautifully conveyed, and as you listen, you’ll feel a tug at your heart.
It was also featured as the opening theme for a TBS music program, reaching many listeners.
Recommended for those experiencing unrequited love or adults feeling nostalgic for their youth.
Be sure to listen to this gem of a love song, where back number’s delicate sensibilities truly shine.
If I became your loverback number9rank/position
This is a back number song that portrays the frustrating love everyone experiences in youth, expressed through beautiful melodies and lyrics.
Released in November 2016, the song imagines what it would be like if you could become the person your crush is dating.
It brings back the sweet-and-sour memories of youth—the exhilarating rush of your heart racing just by thinking of the one you like, and the frustration of feelings that don’t quite reach them.
Included on the album “Happy End,” the song drew attention as part of a work featuring the theme song for the film “My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday.” It’s a track that brilliantly captures both the happiness of thinking about someone you like and the despair of the reality that they won’t turn your way.
A perfect encouragement song for anyone wanting to muster the courage to confess!
petalback number10rank/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.