Ken Hirai Love Songs: Popular Song Rankings [2026]

POP STARHirai Ken8rank/position

Ken Hirai – POP STAR @ Ken’s Bar 2011

Ken Hirai, known for singing numerous moving love songs, released “POP STAR” in 2005.

It was written as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m.

drama “Dangerous Sister” and reached No.

1 on the Oricon singles chart.

This pop tune charms with its bright sound and driving rhythm, and the lyrics—sung from the perspective of a guy head over heels for his lover—are downright endearing.

It’s also been featured in music simulation games like Taiko no Tatsujin, making it a classic that brings happiness to many people!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hamada Takuya

Report a problem

even ifHirai Ken9rank/position

Ken Hirai 'even if' MUSIC VIDEO

It’s a song by Ken Hirai that conjures up the image of a man at a bar counter, tilting his glass and hiding his true feelings as he sits beside someone gazing at their lover’s ring.

You can almost feel the protagonist’s painful frustration as he wishes they’d miss the last train, yet swallows the words instead.

Released in December 2000, the track reached No.

3 on the Oricon weekly chart and is also included on the classic album “gaining through losing.” For those entangled in a forbidden love—knowing it won’t come true yet unable to stop their growing feelings—this song may quietly keep you company.

Dear daysHirai Ken10rank/position

Ken Hirai 'Dear Beloved Days' MUSIC VIDEO

“Beloved Days” portrays the feeling that one’s love for a cherished person never changes, no matter how much time passes.

Singer-songwriter Ken Hirai released it in 2011.

The song expresses the aching desire to see a loved one at the moment of parting.

You can feel the emotion through the sound centered on his warm, heartfelt vocals.

Set against the beautiful tones of strings and synths, this ballad resonates with straightforward affection.

Let yourself be soothed by a track that gently stays close to your sense of helplessness.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

mutō

Report a problem

Close your eyesHirai Ken11rank/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.

KISS OF LIFEHirai Ken12rank/position

Ken Hirai – Kiss of Life (Ken’s Bar Winter 2009)

A love song abundantly filled with mature lyrics like “Let’s start with a kiss,” all while wrapped in Ken Hirai’s warm voice.

Contrary to those lyrics, its catchy rhythm and melody make it a perfect song to sing at karaoke, in my opinion.

I love you.Hirai Ken13rank/position

Ken Hirai “Aishiteru” Music Video

This song is filled with a heart-wrenching, sorrow-laden “I love you”: Ken Hirai’s ‘Aishiteru.’ Released in 2010, it’s his 33rd single.

The track was used as the theme song for the film ‘Ghost: Mou Ichido Dakishimetai,’ the Japanese remake that drew attention for its American original.

It’s a poignant piece about thinking of someone you can’t forget, with the “I love you” that person once said lingering in your heart.

The feelings for someone who has passed away come through with painful clarity.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

utatane

Report a problem

What I like about youHirai Ken14rank/position

Ken Hirai “The Things I Like About You” MUSIC VIDEO

‘Kimi no Suki na Tokoro’ sings about how you can’t help but notice every little gesture and word of the person you like.

It was released in 2007 by singer-songwriter Ken Hirai, who delivers a wide range of songs from ballads to pop.

When your feelings grow stronger, it can be embarrassing to face your true emotions head-on, right? This song embraces those feelings, depicting a love that makes your heart feel warm and full.

With a medium-tempo band arrangement that brightens everyday life, it’s a track that warms the heart.

Let yourself receive its gentle message that tenderly wraps around the bittersweet emotions of unrequited love.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

mutō

Report a problem