  The QCD collinear factorization framework allows to describe exclusive
backward production of a $J/\psi$ meson in pion-nucleon collisions in terms of
pion-to-nucleon transition distribution amplitudes. We calculate the scattering
amplitude at the leading order in the strong coupling constant and estimate the
cross section of this reaction in the backward kinematical region for a medium
energy pion beam available at the J-Parc experimental facility.
