Ken Hirai Love Songs: Popular Song Rankings [2026]

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.

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utatane

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LIFE is…〜another story〜Hirai Ken14rank/position

Ken Hirai “LIFE is… ~another story~” (cover) / Mami Hatanaka

When it comes to songs perfect for a wedding overflowing with love for a precious partner you’ll spend your life with, “LIFE is…

~another story~” comes to mind.

Released in 2003 by singer-songwriter Ken Hirai, it was also used as the theme song for the drama “Say Hello to Black Jack.” The lyrics portray the tendency to put on a brave face or struggle to show one’s true self in public, while unfolding phrases that feel like speaking directly to a loved one.

Many will relate to the honest feelings that well up just by thinking of the person they love.

With a somewhat wistful yet heartwarming melody, it gently envelops the atmosphere of the venue.

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What I like about youHirai Ken15rank/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.

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Phew.Hirai Ken16rank/position

Ken Hirai 'Hot' MUSIC VIDEO (Short Ver.)

It’s a ballad that stays close to the many emotions you feel after a fight.

Sometimes a small argument can spiral and get heated before you know it.

When you’ve said too much, this song’s gentle yet warm melody and lyrics wrap around you, and it really hits home.

Ken Hirai’s clear, translucent vocals are irresistible, too.

As the saying goes, the more you quarrel, the closer you are—there are surely things you only realize through arguing.

Once you’ve calmed down, try expressing your honest feelings.

It’s included as the B-side to his 41st single, “Boku no Kokoro o Tsukutteyo.”

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KEI

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I will fall in love with you.Hirai Ken17rank/position

Ken Hirai 'I Fall in Love with You' MUSIC VIDEO

The song I especially want people who’ve been separated from someone they love to hear is “Boku wa Kimi ni Koi wo Suru” (“I Fall in Love with You”).

It’s included on singer-songwriter Ken Hirai’s 2011 album “JAPANESE SINGER,” where his overwhelming vocals soothe listeners’ hearts.

The song was also used as the theme for the film “I Give My First Love to You.” It’s a love ballad with a bittersweet yet beautiful melody line.

His powerful yet gentle singing will resonate with your heart.

Why not listen to a song that gently stays by the side of a broken heart?

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Things I like about youHirai Ken18rank/position

The Things I Like About You – Kenshi Hirai, Yoichi cover

A song that brightly and straightforwardly sings about loving your partner.

The lyrics are direct, and it’s a song that makes you think, “I want someone to feel this way about me.” The music video is bright and refreshing too, so I hope everyone enjoys both the video and the song when singing it at karaoke.

ElegyHirai Ken19rank/position

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

From the perspective of a woman who has fallen into a forbidden love, this song delicately portrays intense attachment, desire, and anguish toward her beloved.

The phrase “I want to be consumed” conveys a fervent passion that tugs at the heart.

Ken Hirai’s rich vocals vividly capture the song’s worldview.

Written as the theme song for the film Forbidden Love’s Incarceration (Ai no Rukenchi) and released in January 2007, it was also performed at the 58th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, moving many listeners.

It’s a must-listen for anyone struggling with complex romantic feelings or harboring a bittersweet love.

Before our feelings overlap…Hirai Ken20rank/position

Ken Hirai “Before Our Feelings Overlap…” MUSIC VIDEO

Ken Hirai’s song “Omoi ga Kasanaru Sono Mae ni…” was created as the commercial song for Toyota’s Corolla Fielder and was also chosen as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Tsumiki Kuzushi Shinsō: Ano Kazoku, Sono Ato no Higeki.” With Hirai’s gentle vocals and lyrics that evoke dreams, hope, and human connection, the track resonates deeply and moves listeners.

The song embodies Hirai’s wish for as many people as possible to layer new “feelings” through this music.

It’s a perfect tune for times when you’re worn out by daily routines or in need of emotional support.