Ken Hirai's classic and popular songs

Things I like about youNEW!Hirai Ken

Ken Hirai “The Things I Like About You” MUSIC VIDEO

You want to tell the person you love how you really feel, but when the moment comes, you get shy and can’t say it… This song captures that frustrating yet endearing feeling of being in love.

It’s a single released by Ken Hirai in 2007 and was also used as the theme song for the drama “Enka no Joō.” It was later included on the album “FAKIN’ POP.” The lyrics, written in down-to-earth language, and the gently buoyant melody really sink into your heart.

The clumsy, awkward figure of someone in love is sure to make your chest tighten.

When you want to renew your gratitude for a beloved partner, or on nights when you’re thinking of an unrequited love, why not listen to this track and let it fill you with warmth?

GREEN CHRISTMASHirai Ken

GREEN CHRISTMAS

While singing about a realistic Christmas scene—one without white snow or Santa Claus—this ballad is imbued with deep prayer and love.

Released in December 2000 as the B-side to the single “even if,” it shipped 360,000 copies and was featured as the J-WAVE CHRISTMAS SONG 2000.

In the recording, they pursued an extreme laid-back feel, stripping back instruments to create space.

At Ken Hirai’s winter concept live series “Ken’s Bar,” it has long been beloved as the standard pre-show SE.

With a voice that gently envelops the heart, this is a recommended song for those who wish to offer a prayer on a Christmas night spent alone.

even ifHirai Ken

Ken Hirai – “even if” live 2001

Released in December 2000.

A mature love song with a clear, transparent feel, where Ken Hirai’s gentle, beautiful voice over piano accompaniment resonates with the heart.

It’s a bittersweet and sensual track popular among women, evoking unrequited feelings and the nuanced push-and-pull of adult romance, like in a stylish bar at night, directed toward someone you secretly love.

Before our feelings overlap…Hirai Ken

Ken Hirai “Before Our Feelings Overlap…” MUSIC VIDEO

From the very beginning, Ken Hirai’s beautiful singing voice resonates in this song.

It’s a 2004 track that was used in a TOYOTA Corolla Fielder commercial and also served as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “The Truth of Tsugumi Kuzushi.” The lyrics make it a ballad that feels both like singing and like speaking to someone, so it’s a song you can really get into and sing calmly.

I often point out Ken Hirai’s singing characteristics to my students, so please use them as a reference! First, while it’s memorable that he sings with his eyes closed, in reality, closing your eyes can cause unnecessary tension and make it harder to stay on pitch.

However, Hirai raises his eyebrows and uses his hand to track the pitch while he sings.

He compensates in other ways so that singing becomes more natural and easier.

This gesture also makes it much easier to produce falsetto, so definitely give it a try!

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ParadiseHirai Ken

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

A hit song released in January 2000 that became the catalyst for Ken Hirai’s big breakthrough.

His distinctly striking features and dreadlocks became hot topics in Japan.

Many people got hooked on Ken Hirai because of this track! No matter how many times you listen, his beautiful vocals and stylish music are truly soothing.

sentimentalHirai Ken

♪ Sentimental (Piano Solo with Vocals) ☆ Ken Hirai @ 2012 LIVE

It sings of a love that carries a warm, nostalgic feeling.

As the title suggests, no matter how many times you listen, it brings back the emotions of pure love.

It’s a song that expresses a sentimentality almost everyone has felt—a touch of bittersweet emotion.

Things I like about youHirai Ken

♪ The Things I Like About You (Piano ver) ☆ Ken Hirai @ 2013 LIVE

Released in February 2007, it was the theme song for NTV’s Saturday drama “Enka no Joō.” With an easy-to-sing, slow tempo, it’s a bright and gentle song—a natural and pure love song.

The lyrics, which sing about many things the singer loves about their beloved, are adorable.