Backlog MCP Server

Introduction

Backlog MCP Server is a remote server designed to integrate the Backlog project management tool with AI assistants via the Model Context Protocol (MCP).

The server uses API key authentication for secure and simple access, allowing AI assistants such as Claude AI and Geniai Assistant to access and manage tasks, projects, and issues in Backlog efficiently.

This server is truly stateless, meaning it does not store session state between requests, which enhances both security and scalability.

Architecture Highlights

• Simple API key authentication with Backlog
• MCP-compliant design based on [MCP Specification (2025-06-18)]
• Stateless architecture for simplicity and scalability
• Single workspace configuration for personal use
• Supports stdio protocol for direct communication

MCP Tools

The server provides a set of MCP tools that allow AI assistants to interact with Backlog via API. Below is the list of supported tools:

get_issue_details

Get detailed information about a Backlog issue by its issue key.

Parameters:

• issue_key (str): The issue key in Backlog.
• issue_title (str, optional): The title of the Backlog issue, used for logging or reference purposes.
• timezone (str, default "UTC"): Timezone for datetime formatting.

get_user_issue_list

Retrieve a list of issues assigned to the current user.

This tool automatically determines the current user's ID and returns only issues assigned to that user. No parameters are required.

Running the Server Locally

1. Get your Backlog API key

1. Log in to your Backlog workspace
2. Go to Personal Settings → API
3. Generate a new API key
4. Copy the API key for use in configuration

2. Create and configure the .env file

Create a .env file in the root directory and add the following environment variables:

# Backlog API Settings
BACKLOG_API_KEY=your_backlog_api_key_here
BACKLOG_DOMAIN=your-space.backlog.com

Important:

• Replace your_backlog_api_key_here with your actual Backlog API key
• Replace your-space.backlog.com with your actual Backlog domain

3. Start the server

After configuring .env, run:

mise mcp

The server will run using stdio transport and communicate directly with MCP clients.

Benefits of API Key Authentication

1. Simplified Setup: No OAuth flow required - just use your API key
2. Better Performance: Direct API calls without token introspection overhead
3. Easier Debugging: Clear error messages and straightforward authentication
4. Reduced Dependencies: No JWT libraries or OAuth server needed
5. Personal Use Optimized: Perfect for individual developers and personal projects

Migration from OAuth Version

If you're migrating from the OAuth version:

1. Backup your current setup
2. Get your Backlog API key (see step 1 above)
3. Update your .env file with new format (see step 2 above)
4. Remove OAuth-related files (if any)
5. Test the connection with your Backlog workspace

The migration preserves all existing MCP tools and functionality while simplifying the authentication process.

Tag for deployment

1. MCP Resource only: mcp.v2.0.0-dev

2. Both of Resource + Auth: v2.0.0-dev