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

#302Hirai Ken1rank/position

Ken Hirai '#302' MUSIC VIDEO

This song unfolds a story of everyday life, portraying the protagonist’s shifting emotions within it.

It was also used as the theme song for the drama “4 Minutes’ Marigold,” and its changes in sentiment and straightforward feelings evoke a poignant sense of sorrow.

Ken Hirai’s gentle voice and the heartrending melody pierce the heart.

It’s a song you can’t listen to without tears.

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gummy

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Close your eyesHirai Ken2rank/position

Hitomi wo Tojite – Ken Hirai (Full)

A gem of a ballad suffused with the lingering ache of deep, bittersweet love.

Ken Hirai’s delicate, soul-stirring vocals beautifully convey the profound longing and sense of loss for a departed lover.

Sung with the purest feeling of closing one’s eyes and picturing the one you love, this work was released as a single in April 2004.

Chosen as the theme song for the film “Crying Out Love in the Center of the World,” it topped the Oricon year-end chart.

Its heart-piercing vocals and beautiful melody line make it a refined track for adults—perfect for a night drive or a quiet moment alone.

half of meHirai Ken3rank/position

Ken Hirai "half of me" MUSIC VIDEO

Parting with someone precious can feel like losing half of yourself.

If you know that feeling, please give this a listen.

This work is by singer-songwriter Ken Hirai, known for many signature songs such as “Hitomi wo Tojite” and “Ooki na Furudokei,” and it was released in 2018 as his 45th single.

It was chosen as the theme song for the drama “Twilight Meteor Shower: Midlife Turn, Falling in Love” (Tasogare Ryuuseigun ~Jinsei Orikaeshi, Koi wo Shita~).

As it is a sequel to the song “even if,” be sure to listen to that one as well.

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Araki Jakkan

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NonfictionHirai Ken4rank/position

Ken Hirai “Nonfiction” MUSIC VIDEO (Short Ver.)

Life can feel overwhelming, full of absurdities and helpless moments.

In times like these, I hope you’ll listen to Ken Hirai’s 42nd single.

Written as the theme song for the drama “Little Giant,” it was released in June 2017.

Born from Hirai’s profound grief over losing a friend, the song delivers fundamental questions about life and a heartfelt cry to see a loved one again, piercing the heart with a voice that cuts deep.

You may find it impossible to listen without tears…

You are my friend.Hirai Ken5rank/position

Ken Hirai 'Kimi wa Tomodachi' MUSIC VIDEO

A rhythmic, light, a cappella-style number.

It’s a song released in 2004.

Ken Hirai’s gentle voice is so soothing.

It has the kind of vibe that makes you want to play it while you’re casually chatting with your favorite friends—though if you actually did, it might make it harder to hear each other (lol).

“I’d be lost without you”—a friendship born from mutual support.

It portrays the warmth of people in a way that’s very Ken Hirai, and it gives you a positive feeling.

Without being bound by form, it seems like it could fit many kinds of friendships.

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KEI

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Can I call it magic?Hirai Ken6rank/position

Ken Hirai “May I Call It Magic?” MUSIC VIDEO (Short Ver.)

It was used as the commercial song for Panasonic’s “4K Camera.” This is Ken Hirai’s 40th single.

With a gentle singing voice and a poignant melody that you wouldn’t expect from his appearance, he delivers a tender performance.

It’s the kind of song that can make your tears flow when you listen to it after a tiring day.

even ifHirai Ken7rank/position

Ken Hirai - even if

It’s Ken Hirai’s 11th single, released in 2000.

It’s a kind of heartbreak song, but it’s about a man’s desperate feelings as he tries to somehow keep a woman—who isn’t interested in him—by his side.

I think there are quite a lot of men who’ve been through something like this, you know.

Close your eyesHirai Ken8rank/position

Ken Hirai 'Close Your Eyes' MUSIC VIDEO

The moment that poignant piano intro begins, many of you may feel your memories from that time come rushing back.

This is the 20th single by singer-songwriter Ken Hirai, who continues to captivate countless fans with his overwhelming vocal prowess and expressive artistry.

Written as the theme song for the 2004 film “Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World,” it became a historic hit, topping the year-end charts.

The lyrics, which portray the sorrow of mourning a lost lover and the resolve to go on loving them in memory, never fail to bring listeners to tears.

Also included on the album “SENTIMENTALovers,” this ballad gently accompanies the heart of a man living on while carrying an unforgettable love.

On a night when you want to quietly lose yourself in memories alone, give it a listen.

Dear daysHirai Ken9rank/position

Ken Hirai Live at Hong Kong APM Performing “Itoshiki Hibi yo” – 2011-06-09

Ken Hirai, whose gentle yet powerful voice is loved by people of all ages and genders, released his 34th single, “Itoshiki Hibi yo,” in 2011.

The song served as the theme for the hit drama “JIN,” which portrays a doctor who time-slips back to the late Edo period, and it powerfully enhanced the show’s narrative.

The lyrics resonate with the drama’s themes—a poignant number about thinking of someone dear that tightens the chest.

It’s a song that brings to mind long-distance loves, those who have passed away, and people you long to see but cannot.

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utatane

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LIFE is… ～another story～Hirai Ken10rank/position

Ken Hirai “LIFE is… ~another story~” Music Video

For those who are worn out by everyday life, I recommend listening to “LIFE is…

~another story~.” This song was specially written by Ken Hirai as the theme for the hit drama “Say Hello to Black Jack.” Its lyrics, which encourage people striving through their daily lives, are sure to resonate with your heart.

The quiet, piano-centered melody also tugs at the heartstrings.

Note that the melodies differ between the album version and the single version, so if you’re curious, try comparing them.

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yamamoto

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