Ken Hirai's classic and popular songs

LIFE is…Hirai Ken

Ken Hirai “LIFE is… ~another story~” (cover) / Mami Hatanaka

It’s a song that portrays a complex kind of love—the tendency to put on a brave face or try to show only your best side.

Looking back on that relationship, you’re still living your life, and yet remembering it still makes your heart ache.

You could call it a beautiful ballad that gently sings of the ebb and flow of such feelings of love.

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satou-san

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restless; unable to sit still; cannot contain oneselfHirai Ken

Ken Hirai “Ite mo Tatte mo” Music Video (Short Ver.)

Created as the theme song for Yuya Ishii’s film “The World of Machida-kun,” this track feels like it adds sound to the world as seen by the protagonist, Machida.

In addition to Ken Hirai’s signature style, the finger snaps in the intro and the doo-wop-like chorus toward the end infuse an R&B flavor, resulting in a song that feels both new and nostalgic.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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FictionHirai Ken

Ken Hirai “Nonfiction” MUSIC VIDEO (Short Ver.)

This is a song about parting with a dear friend.

The combination of powerful vocals and wistful lyrics is striking and truly resonates.

When you’re feeling down as you adjust to a new life, or when the loneliness of being apart from someone important grows, listening to it can be soothing—the relatable lyrics and encouraging voice offer comfort.

Look up at the stars in the nightHirai Ken

Look Up at the Stars in the Night (Ken Hirai ver. / Kyu Sakamoto) cover: numa chan

When Ken Hirai, who creates so many masterpieces, sings Kyū Sakamoto’s all-time classic, it feels even more premium.

It’s become an even better song.

Whether it heals you or moves you, it’s turned into a track you simply can’t listen to without tears.

Please give it a listen.

Close your eyesHirai Ken

Hitomi wo Tojite – Ken Hirai (Full)

This is the theme song of the film Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World, which became a huge hit and is known as “Sekachū,” starring Masami Nagasawa and Mirai Moriyama.

Just like the story of the movie, it sings of the sorrow of losing someone dear.

Along with the film, it moved many people to tears.

You might even find yourself crying as you sing it.

That’s how much raw sadness and loneliness are packed into it.

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SAKI

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