Ken Hirai's classic and popular songs

Mr. Monster feat. AimyonHirai Ken

Ken Hirai “Kaibutsu-san feat. Aimyon” MUSIC VIDEO

This star-studded collaboration between Ken Hirai and Aimyon was released for streaming in March 2020.

With male–female duets, it’s often hard for the female vocalist to hit the low notes in a male key, so the key is frequently set to suit the female singer—and I get the sense that’s the case here too.

Ken Hirai’s high tone effortlessly handling this more “female-key” leaning arrangement is nothing short of impressive.

Compared to his solo tracks, the arrangement here leans a bit more rock, and the way he sings it without any sense of incongruity really showcases the breadth of his abilities as a vocalist.

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Kei Takahata

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Fortune Cookie in LoveHirai Ken

Koisuru Fortune Cookie by AKB48 – Dr. Capital

Speaking of “Koi Suru Fortune Cookie,” it’s a hit song by AKB48.

This track is a cover of that unrequited-love song by the exceptionally talented vocalist Ken Hirai.

He delivers the originally peppy tune with a mature allure, singing it in a smooth, heartfelt style.

KikyogaokaHirai Ken

Ken Hirai - "Kikyougaoka (Music Video YouTube ver.)"

Kikyogaoka is a song written from the perspective of parents.

Released digitally in 2013, it was featured in a Misawa Homes commercial.

The title, Kikyogaoka, is the name of a place in Mie Prefecture, where Ken Hirai is from, and the music video was also filmed there.

It’s a heartwarming track that makes you imagine, “This is probably how my parents feel about me.” With its gentle melody and relatively modest vocal range, it’s also easy to sing at karaoke.

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SAKI

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LIFE is… ～another story～Hirai Ken

Ken Hirai “LIFE is… ~another story~” Music Video

For those who are worn out by everyday life, I recommend listening to “LIFE is…

~another story~.” This song was specially written by Ken Hirai as the theme for the hit drama “Say Hello to Black Jack.” Its lyrics, which encourage people striving through their daily lives, are sure to resonate with your heart.

The quiet, piano-centered melody also tugs at the heartstrings.

Note that the melodies differ between the album version and the single version, so if you’re curious, try comparing them.

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yamamoto

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harf of meHirai Ken

Ken Hirai "half of me" MUSIC VIDEO

There are many songs by Ken Hirai that can move you to tears, but for anyone who’s gone through a breakup, “half of me” might be impossible to listen to without crying…

Released in 2018 as Ken Hirai’s 45th single, this song was also the theme for the drama “Twilight Meteor Shower: Midlife Turn, Fell in Love.” Its heartbreakingly poignant and strikingly realistic lyrics will surely shake many listeners to the core.

If you’re dealing with a breakup and can’t think about the future right now, take the time to face your sadness honestly—and let yourself cry as much as you need.

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utatane

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Before our feelings overlap…Hirai Ken

Ken Hirai – Before Our Feelings Overlap (Live)

If we ever break up, will you forget me? Would I be able to wave and smile at you? No, I couldn’t—because I don’t want to be apart from you; I want to keep holding your hand.

I wish feelings like that would just fly away somewhere, but I want us to stay like this, the two of us, quietly holding hands and living our lives.

Can I call it magic?Hirai Ken

Ken Hirai “May I Call It Magic?” MUSIC VIDEO (Short Ver.)

This is a ballad that has become a hot topic as the TV commercial song for Panasonic’s LUMIX digital camera, featuring a collaboration between Ken Hirai and Haruka Ayase.

It’s the kind of gentle ballad that Ken Hirai excels at, with a beautifully clear falsetto.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could cast a spell that brings smiles to our loved ones and makes everyone smile?