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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)

cotton candyback number8rank/position

back number – Watagashi (full)
cotton candyback number

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

back number – Hanabira (full)
petalback number

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.

Back Number Unrequited Love Songs: Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (11–20)

Until the day I can no longer rememberback number11rank/position

back number – Until the Day It Becomes Unrememberable (Short ver.)
Until the day I can no longer rememberback number

For those who can’t stop thinking about an ex, the song you should listen to is “Omoidasenakunaru Sono Hi Made” (“Until the Day I Can No Longer Remember”).

It was released in 2011 by the rock band back number, known for their many love songs.

The track features a passionate band performance enriched with strings.

Many listeners will relate to the lyrics overflowing with feelings for a lover from whom they’ve grown apart.

It’s a unrequited-love song that portrays the ache in a heart that once shared both joy and sorrow as a pair.

Give this sentimental ballad about a wintertime parting a listen.

I love youback number12rank/position

A poignant, heart-stirring song that tenderly expresses feelings for a loved one.

It’s a track by back number, released digitally in October 2022, and serves as the theme song for the NHK morning drama “Soar High!” Its gentle melody evokes a touch of nostalgia, wrapped in the warm tones of piano and strings.

The lyrics, which cherish the small moments of everyday life, leave a lasting impression.

It’s perfect to listen to while thinking of someone you love, or to enjoy together with someone important to you.

Old-fashionedback number13rank/position

back number – Old Fashion (full)
Old-fashionedback number

A gem of a love song that portrays love and loss that touch the heart.

Woven with delicate words about everyday exchanges with a loved one and unforgettable memories, this work reminds us of the importance of small joys in daily life.

Released in November 2018, it was chosen as the theme song for the TBS drama “A Story to Read When You First Fall in Love” (Dai Ren’ai: Boku o Wasureru Kimi to).

For back number, it was their first time providing a drama theme song in about three years, since 2015.

It’s a recommended track for those who cherish a special someone and wish to keep the memories with them close to their heart.

I like you, but it seems like you don’t really like me.back number14rank/position

Bokuwa Kiminokotoga Sukidakedo Kimiwa Bokuo Betsuni Sukijyanaimitai
I like you, but it seems like you don't really like me.back number

This is a song by back number that candidly expresses the feelings of a bittersweet unrequited love.

The more the narrator thinks about the other person, the deeper they sink into it, singing of the pain of such a love.

You can really feel the ache of wanting to give up—saying “I’m not your type, am I?”—yet being unable to let go.

Released in December 2015, this track is recommended not only for those struggling with unrequited love, but also for anyone who wants to look back on a past romance.

Why not listen to this song and let the feelings you’ve kept tucked away in your heart be set free?