Ken Hirai Love Songs: Popular Song Rankings [2026]

LIFE is…〜another story〜Hirai Ken15rank/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 Ken16rank/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 Ken17rank/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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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.

Before our feelings overlap…Hirai Ken21rank/position

Ken Hirai – Before Our Feelings Overlap (Live)

If we ever break up, will you forget me? Would I be able to wave and smile at you? No, I couldn’t—because I don’t want to be apart from you; I want to keep holding your hand.

I wish feelings like that would just fly away somewhere, but I want us to stay like this, the two of us, quietly holding hands and living our lives.