Kenshiro Hirai’s Most Popular Karaoke Songs Ranking [2026]

Mr. Monster feat. AimyonHirai Ken8rank/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.

ElegyHirai Ken9rank/position

Ken Hirai “Elegy” MUSIC VIDEO

A song by Ken Hirai that sings of a heartrending love from a woman’s perspective.

Released in January 2007 as his 25th single, it was also used as the theme song for the Toho film “Ai no Rukichi” (The Prisoner of Love).

The emotions of a woman tormented by a forbidden love are conveyed through Hirai’s delicate vocals.

It may be a bit challenging to sing at karaoke, but if you pour your feelings into it, it’s sure to resonate with listeners.

This is a recommended track for when you want to feel the bittersweetness of love or express your feelings to someone special.

1995Hirai Ken10rank/position

Ken Hirai '1995' MUSIC VIDEO

A track from Ken Hirai’s first album in about five years, “Anataninaritakatta,” released on May 12, 2021.

Its music video was unveiled on May 5, ahead of the album release.

Not limited to this song, much of Ken Hirai’s music appears to be sung using mixed voice.

Speaking of mixed voice, it lies between falsetto and chest voice—a blend of the two—so in that sense, you could say this track is a treasure trove of diverse falsetto-like tones.

There are hardly any sections sung in what you’d call typical falsetto, but it’s a song you can enjoy as a showcase of varied vocal production.

If you’re confident in your falsetto, definitely try singing it at karaoke.

It’s also perfect as practice material!

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Kei Takahata

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Because it won’t reach / Because it doesn’t reachHirai Ken11rank/position

Ken Hirai “Because It Won’t Reach” MUSIC VIDEO

This is a ballad written as the theme song for the film “50 First Kisses,” starring Takayuki Yamada and Masami Nagasawa in dual leading roles.

It sings of a bittersweet love for someone whose memory resets every day, and the music video’s clown dance in a tatami room became a hot topic.

The vocals over a light electric guitar are particularly striking.

The key point is the chorus’s choppy, start-and-stop melodic line, where the singer intentionally inhales and exhales during the breaks to let you enjoy the sound of the breath.

Try singing it with an easy touch, without overexerting yourself.

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Kubota Mami

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ParadiseHirai Ken12rank/position

Ken Hirai “Rakuen” Music Video

This is a high-difficulty song with multiple sections where it’s hard to sing without switching to falsetto.

Still, if you practice slowly step by step, I’m sure you’ll be able to sing it.

Glide through it smoothly and fill the karaoke room with a romantic vibe.

Close your eyesHirai Ken13rank/position

Ayaka / “Hitomi o Tojite” Music Video (Story 3)

It’s a love ballad by Ken Hirai that sings about moving forward after a breakup with a lover.

The rhythm is slow and there are many high-pitched parts, but if you focus on sustained long tones and vibrato there, it’s easier to aim for a high score.

LIFE is… ～another story～Hirai Ken14rank/position

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

This is a renowned ballad that was rearranged from a track on the 2003 album “LIFE is…” and released as a single the same year as the theme song for the drama “The Life of Quill, the Seeing-Eye Dog.” Even in difficult circumstances, it expresses the “truth” of facing forward and living on, conveyed through Ken Hirai’s poignant yet warm vocals, making it a song that’s extremely popular among fans.

With its beautiful sound highlighted by piano and string accompaniment, it’s also a personal favorite of mine.

The verse sits in the low range and the chorus leaps into the high range, creating a large contrast, so be sure to lift your facial muscles from the start to avoid your pitch dropping.

Even as the melody changes, if you focus on projecting all your voice from your temples, you’ll find it easier to sing.

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Kubota Mami

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