Ken Hirai’s Heartbreak Songs: Popular Track Rankings [2026]

Close your eyesHirai Ken1rank/position

Hitomi wo Tojite – Ken Hirai (Full)

A ballad that portrays the sorrow of losing a loved one and the aching yearning to keep chasing their memory.

Ken Hirai’s emotional vocals gently accompany hearts spending lonely nights.

Released in April 2004 as his 20th single, it was written as the theme song for the film “Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World.” With total shipments exceeding one million copies, it became a social phenomenon, topping the annual charts that year.

It will especially resonate with those who, in unguarded moments, recall a past love and feel their chest tighten.

A gem of a track, perfect for adult men who want to listen alone while quietly having a drink.

half of meHirai Ken2rank/position

Ken Hirai 'half of me' MUSIC VIDEO (Short Ver.)

It might evoke an even stronger image of romance since it was also used as the theme song for the drama “Twilight Meteor Shower: Falling in Love at Midlife.” Just from Ken Hirai’s way of savoring each word and the gentle tone of the piano, you already feel tears welling up.

The time the two shared is truly irreplaceable, isn’t it? It feels like a wish to slowly reclaim the hollowed-out heart right after a breakup.

“half of me” was performed only at live shows and remained unreleased for ten years, but it was finally released as a single in 2018.

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Close your eyesHirai Ken3rank/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.

even ifHirai Ken4rank/position

Ken Hirai - even if

Ken Hirai’s timeless classic “even if” always brings me to the verge of tears whenever I listen to it.

Released as a single in 2000, it serves as the theme song for “Ken’s Bar,” his acoustic live series performed in a bar-style setting.

The song captures the reality of having a good rapport and an enjoyable connection, yet knowing the other person already has someone they like.

The opening lines are deeply relatable, highlighting the special and fragile nature of the moments you can spend together.

It’s heartbreaking how, overwhelmed by love, you want to confess your feelings but can’t—and how those unreturned emotions ache so deeply.

The final chorus, where raw feelings burst forth, is utterly tear-jerking.

It’s a bittersweet heartbreak song and a mature piece that gently accompanies all kinds of love.

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#302Hirai Ken5rank/position

Ken Hirai '#302' MUSIC VIDEO

Ken Hirai, a singer-songwriter, released “#302” in 2019.

It’s a love song that straightforwardly expresses the wish for a loved one’s happiness.

It portrays a pure, heartfelt desire to support someone who feels lonely or isolated.

The simple arrangement—built around guitar tones and his vocals—will warm your heart.

Even if it’s unrequited love, the song conveys a determination not to give up until the person turns around.

Lend an ear to this poignant story that evokes the complexities of mature romance.

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ElegyHirai Ken6rank/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.

Dear daysHirai Ken7rank/position

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

This song, which was also the theme for the drama “JIN,” is a masterpiece born from the strongest duo of Ken Hirai and music producer Kiyoshi Matsuo.

It makes my heart feel lighter, realizing that there’s no need to force myself to forget an ex—it’s okay to keep those memories in my heart as something beautiful.