RAG Musicartist
Lovely artist

Ken Hirai's classic and popular songs

Let me introduce you to songs by singer-songwriter Ken Hirai.

His charm lies in his high, beautiful vocals and rich expressiveness.

He has many famous songs, such as Rakuen, Hitomi wo Tojite, and Ookina Furudokei, which helped ignite his popularity.

He’s apparently a huge Southern All Stars fan, and it’s said that back in his student days he even delivered a demo tape to Keisuke Kuwata’s home.

Ken Hirai’s classic and popular songs (31–40)

playing catchHirai Ken

Catch Ball ☆ Ken Hirai @2000 ★ Kamakura Great Buddha Acoustic LIVE
playing catchHirai Ken

Said to be a song about his father, it’s performed live as an acoustic solo.

The lyrics tell how, upon reaching the age when his father started a family, he finally understood his father’s greatness—words that any man can relate to.

Its slightly nostalgic atmosphere is also captivating.

Nevertheless, I want to do it.Hirai Ken

Ken Hirai 'Soredemo Shitai MUSIC VIDEO (YouTube ver.)'
Nevertheless, I want to do it.Hirai Ken

It portrays the feelings of a woman who is having an affair: even as she blames the man in her heart and struggles with their relationship, she still wants to love him and see him.

The music video was filmed in India, where, flanked by many Indians with similarly striking features to Ken Hirai’s, they deliver dance sequences worthy of an Indian musical film, perfectly in sync just like their shared facial aesthetic.

Do I love you the most in the world?Hirai Ken

Ken Hirai - Do I love you the most in the world?
Do I love you the most in the world?Hirai Ken

This is a track included on the fifth album, “LIFE is…”.

Its charm lies in its breezy lyrics that almost betray the jazzy intro.

The fresh, unpretentious cynicism is utterly charming.

In terms of vibe, it’s something I could recommend to fans of Kenji Ozawa as well.

photoHirai Ken

♪ Photo (A cappella) ☆ Ken Hirai @ LIVE 2008 “FAKIN’ POP” Osaka-jō Hall
photoHirai Ken

It was selected as the image song for JRA’s 2008 TV commercial.

During the encore of the 2008 concert “Ken Hirai Live Tour 2008 ‘FAKIN’ POP’,” he sang it a cappella as an expression of gratitude to his late father.

The way he sang, as if speaking directly from the heart to his father, was moving.

confessionHirai Ken

Released in May 2012, it served as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama “The Tragedy of W.” In line with the mystery drama, the song centers on a dark story of hopelessness and shadow.

The powerful vocals and tragic lyrics are a bit chilling and heighten the drama on television.

Ken Hirai’s Greatest and Most Popular Songs (41–50)

SunHirai Ken

Ken Hirai - Taiyou (Sun) karaoke cover.
SunHirai Ken

It was selected as the theme song for the TBS Television–hosted exhibition “120 Years After His Death: Van Gogh—Thus I Became Van Gogh,” held at venues including the National Art Center, Tokyo.

The organizers specifically chose Hirai, saying that he “has something in common with Van Gogh, and the image fits perfectly,” which led to the collaboration.

It is a miraculous song that portrays suffering and hope.

Paradise (BIRTHDAY MIX)Hirai Ken

“Rakuen (Acoustic)” — Ken Hirai — Ken’s Bar, Okinawa 2002
Paradise (BIRTHDAY MIX)Hirai Ken

A remix version by DJ KOUTAROU.A included on Ken Hirai’s remix album “Kh re-mixed up 1,” released in November 2001.

It features bird calls reminiscent of a southern island or paradise, along with bright, up-tempo music that evokes a resort vibe.