Ken Hirai’s Moving Songs and Popular Tracks Ranking [2026]

Mr. Monster feat. AimyonHirai Ken11rank/position

Ken Hirai “Kaibutsu-san feat. Aimyon” MUSIC VIDEO

This is a lavish collaborative number by Ken Hirai, a leading figure in the J-POP scene, and Aimyon, who can now be called an icon of the times.

Written by Ken Hirai with Aimyon in mind, the song portrays a hopeless unrequited love—knowing it won’t be rewarded yet still being irresistibly drawn in.

The inescapable sorrow of it all is set to a sophisticated, urbane pop sound.

Released in March 2020, it was also included on the album “Anata ni Naritakatta” (“I Wanted to Be You”).

If you’re struggling with a futile love, this song might resonate perfectly.

harf of meHirai Ken12rank/position

Ken Hirai "half of me" MUSIC VIDEO

There are many songs by Ken Hirai that can move you to tears, but for anyone who’s gone through a breakup, “half of me” might be impossible to listen to without crying…

Released in 2018 as Ken Hirai’s 45th single, this song was also the theme for the drama “Twilight Meteor Shower: Midlife Turn, Fell in Love.” Its heartbreakingly poignant and strikingly realistic lyrics will surely shake many listeners to the core.

If you’re dealing with a breakup and can’t think about the future right now, take the time to face your sadness honestly—and let yourself cry as much as you need.

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utatane

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even ifHirai Ken13rank/position

Ken Hirai - even if

When you’re in the mood for a bittersweet song, Ken Hirai’s music is just right.

“even if,” first performed in 1998, has maintained enduring popularity among fans and is cherished as one of Ken Hirai’s hidden gems.

It’s also famous as the theme song for his acoustic live shows, and some people even attend the concerts just to hear this track.

The melody is perfect for savoring his clear, expansive vocals.

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Saitō Ayumu

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Because it won’t reach / Because it doesn’t reachHirai Ken14rank/position

Ken Hirai 'Because It Won’t Reach You' MUSIC VIDEO (Short Ver.)

This is a song that became a hot topic for its uniquely Ken Hirai-esque music video with a distinctive worldview and the pink mustache.

It sings about the frustrations of love and the feelings of anxiety.

The gentle melody and vocals are soothing even when you’re tired.

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kurichan

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Make my heartHirai Ken15rank/position

Ken Hirai 'Make My Heart' MUSIC VIDEO (Short Ver.)

Ken Hirai’s “Boku no Kokoro wo Tsukutte yo” makes you feel that relationships with friends, family, and the people around you are truly irreplaceable.

Released in 2017, the song was chosen as the theme for the popular children’s anime Doraemon’s film “Doraemon the Movie: Nobita’s Great Adventure in the Antarctic Kachi Kochi.” When important people like friends and family are smiling, you feel happy too.

Conversely, when they look sad, you start to feel sad yourself.

Those who can move your feelings like that are truly important in your life.

Like the message of this song, cherish relationships where you can always think of each other, no matter where you are.

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SAKI

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confessionHirai Ken16rank/position

Ken Hirai - Confession

This is a song whose profound vocals by Ken Hirai resonate deeply, portraying hopeless darkness and profound sorrow.

Released in May 2012, it was used as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama “W no Higeki” (The Tragedy of W).

The suffering and feelings of resignation depicted from the perspective of a woman carrying sadness are made even more striking through a music video with a unique visual aesthetic.

The work drew attention for its innovative production that fuses traditional Japanese performing arts—such as Awa Odori and Kabuki—with dance, leaving a strong impression both musically and visually.

It is a song that gently stays by the side of those trying to move forward despite their pain, or those who wish to confront the darker emotions within themselves.

ElegyHirai Ken17rank/position

Elegy (Aika) [Ken Hirai’s Heart-Piercing Masterpiece] ~My Greatest Hits Collection Series~

“Elegy,” also famous as the theme song for the film Forbidden Love (Ai no Rukeichi), which deals with adultery.

It depicts an adult romance that is powerfully compelling yet forbidden.

The combination of its direct, beautiful lyrics and Ken Hirai’s vocals makes the feeling even more heartrending.

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sasashina

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Grandfather’s ClockHirai Ken18rank/position

Ken Hirai / Grandfather's Clock

Ken Hirai, a singer-songwriter, covered Henry Clay Work’s song—originally published in 1876—on August 28, 2002.

He had only performed it at his own live shows, but it was turned into a CD recording to mark the 40th anniversary, on July 9, 2001, of the song’s introduction on the program “Minna no Uta.” Through the theme of a grandfather’s death, the song evokes a sense of nostalgia for feelings passed down through generations.