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Ken Hirai Ballad Songs: Popular Song Rankings [2026]
Ken Hirai is a singer-songwriter with a truly unique voice and presence.
His soothing vocals shine brightest in ballads that seize listeners’ hearts.
From his many hit songs, we present a carefully selected ranking of his best ballads.
Ken Hirai Ballad Songs: Popular Song Ranking [2026] (1–10)
#302Hirai Ken1rank/position
Here is a song by Ken Hirai that sings about events that could happen in an everyday karaoke box.
It became the theme song for the drama “4-Minute Marigold.” It’s said that there was a real shop that served as the model and that Hirai’s own experiences are included in the lyrics, which makes you think, “So Hirai goes to karaoke boxes too,” and feel surprised.
Since it’s a song about a karaoke box, the first-press limited edition also includes an instrumental version without vocals, a fun feature for those who want to sing it themselves.
Close your eyesHirai Ken2rank/position
This is a song that resonates with the aching feeling of holding on forever to the memory of a beloved person you’ve lost.
It’s the 20th single by singer-songwriter Ken Hirai, known for his unique musical world, released in 2004 and written as the theme song for the film “Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World.” It topped the year-end Oricon singles chart and became a massive hit, with total shipments exceeding one million copies.
It’s a ballad overflowing with the sorrow of only being able to meet that person in memories—when closing your eyes brings their smile to mind.
If you’ve experienced parting from someone dear, or if you want to quietly reflect on the past, please give it a listen.
even ifHirai Ken3rank/position
It was released in 2000 as Ken Hirai’s 11th single.
It reached No.
3 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It’s a very heartrending song about a man whose beloved woman loves another man; even knowing that fact, he can’t suppress his feelings.
The piano’s timbre expresses both the sorrow and the man’s heart, making it a masterpiece.
Can I call it magic?Hirai Ken4rank/position
This is a beloved ballad with a gentle aura by the popular artist Ken Hirai, who has been active as a singer-songwriter since 1995.
Released in 2016, it’s a beautiful song where Hirai’s poignant, husky high tones resonate over a simple accompaniment.
The real charm of this track lies in its lyrics.
Written to a cherished partner, the section describing “ways to make you smile” conjures the image of a loving couple and warms the heart.
In the latter half, it carries a message of continuing life together from here on, making it a perfect recommendation as wedding BGM.
NonfictionHirai Ken5rank/position
With a voice that shakes the soul, Ken Hirai delivers a moving song that reflects both the light and shadow of life.
This work carries a powerful message, created by deeply reading the drama’s script and layering it with his own experience of losing someone irreplaceable.
Its questions about a harsh reality—and its affirmation of living on nonetheless—stir the hearts of listeners.
Written in 2017 as the theme song for TBS’s Sunday drama “Little Giant,” it was also included that same year on the best-of album “Ken Hirai Singles Best Collection Utabaka 2.” Sing this song—laden with earnest emotion—during karaoke with someone important to you, and you’ll surely share an unforgettable moment that resonates deeply.
Grandfather’s ClockHirai Ken6rank/position
Originally an American popular song that is cherished in Japan as a children’s song, “Ookina Furudokei” (Grandfather’s Clock) was arranged and released by singer-songwriter Ken Hirai.
It was released in 2002.
A song familiar to everyone is expressed with Hirai’s signature warm vocals.
LIFE is…Hirai Ken7rank/position
“LIFE is…” is one of Ken Hirai’s signature ballads.
It portrays the complexities of love—putting on a brave face, trying to show only your best side.
While looking back on that kind of relationship, you realize you’re still living your life, yet remembering it still brings a pang of sadness.
It’s a masterful ballad that delicately captures these shifts of the heart and delivers them with a tender, soulful performance.
