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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.
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- Ken Hirai’s Heartbreak Songs: Popular Track Rankings [2026]
- Hirai Dai Popular Song Rankings [2026]
- Kenshiro Hirai’s Most Popular Karaoke Songs Ranking [2026]
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- Saddest Songs Ranking [2026]
- [2026] Latest Masterful Ballads | A Curated Selection of Heartfelt Love Songs and Uplifting Anthems
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.
LIFE is…Hirai Ken5rank/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.
NonfictionHirai Ken6rank/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 Ken7rank/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.
You are my friend.Hirai Ken8rank/position
Ken Hirai wrote the song “Kimi wa Tomodachi” around the theme of friendship.
Chosen as the theme song for the drama “Wonderful Life,” it’s a moving piece that expresses heartfelt feelings for a dear friend.
Let’s laugh together and cry together—if anything happens, I’ll always come to be by your side.
Hearing someone say that would make anyone happy.
Listening to this song, I feel the warmth of caring for others, and that true friendship is not just about relying on each other but about mutual support.
When you have to part from a close friend due to transferring schools or moving on to a new stage, why not send them this song?
Before our feelings overlap…Hirai Ken9rank/position
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!
Before our feelings overlapHirai Ken10rank/position
It’s a song sung by a man with a very beautiful voice.
Kenshi Hirai is wonderful at creating an atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re looking at a painting on a canvas, and his ballads that draw you in are all truly moving.
It’s a song I’d like to listen to while gazing at the sea alone at dusk.