Ken Hirai’s Tearjerker/Weepy Songs and Popular Tracks Ranking [2026]

LIFE is…〜another story〜Hirai Ken11rank/position

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

When it comes to songs perfect for a wedding overflowing with love for a precious partner you’ll spend your life with, “LIFE is…

~another story~” comes to mind.

Released in 2003 by singer-songwriter Ken Hirai, it was also used as the theme song for the drama “Say Hello to Black Jack.” The lyrics portray the tendency to put on a brave face or struggle to show one’s true self in public, while unfolding phrases that feel like speaking directly to a loved one.

Many will relate to the honest feelings that well up just by thinking of the person they love.

With a somewhat wistful yet heartwarming melody, it gently envelops the atmosphere of the venue.

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mutō

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Grandfather’s ClockHirai Ken12rank/position

Ken Hirai / Grandfather's Clock

This song resonates with Ken Hirai’s warm, heartfelt vocals.

Centered on themes of family love and the passage of time, it weaves a 100-year story of a grandfather and an old clock.

Released in August 2002, it became familiar through NHK’s “Minna no Uta” and an au commercial.

It’s said to be a particularly memorable track for Hirai and even a foundation of his singing.

The single sold a total of 667,000 copies, reached No.

1 on the Oricon charts, and won the Japan Gold Disc Award.

It’s recommended for those who have experienced parting from a loved one or want to feel the bonds of family.

If you sing it at karaoke, you’re sure to be moved to the core.

ElegyHirai Ken13rank/position

Ken Hirai “Elegy” MUSIC VIDEO

This is a masterpiece whose poignant love story, told from a woman’s perspective, resonates in the rich vocals of Ken Hirai.

It delicately portrays the feelings of a woman consumed by love, expressing the intense emotions of fixation on her partner and a fierce willingness to embrace even the pain of love.

Released in January 2007 as the theme song for Toho’s film Love’s Crucible, it was also included on the album FAKIN’ POP and performed at the 58th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.

In 2021, it was covered by Fuyumi Sakamoto on her album Love Emotion, continuing to influence many artists.

It’s a song to listen to on nights after heartbreak or when you’re suffering from thoughts of someone you love.

I love you.Hirai Ken14rank/position

Ken Hirai “Aishiteru” Music Video

A fragile, gentle ballad produced by Seiji Kameda that sings of the sorrow and love of losing someone dear, it served as the theme song for the film “Ghost: Mou Ichido Dakishimetai,” released on November 10, 2010.

A dramatic signature song commemorating the 15th anniversary of his debut, its music video features Ken Hirai himself giving a powerful performance as a deceased man, resulting in a deeply moving work.

The song’s overall vocal range is E3–D5, roughly two octaves, and as long as you can produce low notes and falsetto without strain, it shouldn’t pose much difficulty.

Try projecting your voice as if pulling it toward the back of your head—you may find it a bit easier to sing.

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Kubota Mami

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