Ken Hirai Love Songs: Popular Song Rankings [2026]

#302Hirai Ken1rank/position

Ken Hirai '#302' MUSIC VIDEO

Ken Hirai, a singer with a captivating husky high-tone voice, is known for his many popular love songs! In these lyrics, the protagonist has feelings for a woman who has just had her heart broken.

The song depicts the two of them going to karaoke together, and it’s truly moving.

That’s because, while he feels it’s unfair to be kind to her when she’s vulnerable, he still wants to be her support—an expression of love from the bottom of his heart.

If you’re wondering what to do when the person you like has just gone through a breakup, maybe treating them gently, as in these lyrics, could be one way to go.

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Hane Keisuke

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confessionHirai Ken2rank/position

Ken Hirai - Confession

This is a song whose profound vocals by Ken Hirai resonate deeply, portraying hopeless darkness and profound sorrow.

Released in May 2012, it was used as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama “W no Higeki” (The Tragedy of W).

The suffering and feelings of resignation depicted from the perspective of a woman carrying sadness are made even more striking through a music video with a unique visual aesthetic.

The work drew attention for its innovative production that fuses traditional Japanese performing arts—such as Awa Odori and Kabuki—with dance, leaving a strong impression both musically and visually.

It is a song that gently stays by the side of those trying to move forward despite their pain, or those who wish to confront the darker emotions within themselves.

ElegyHirai Ken3rank/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.

Nevertheless, I want to do it.Hirai Ken4rank/position

Ken Hirai 'Soredemo Shitai MUSIC VIDEO (YouTube ver.)'

Ken Hirai’s 2014 single “Soredemo Shitai” is a song that conveys the feelings of a woman who has gotten involved with a man who has a wife.

The entire music video was shot in New Delhi, India’s capital, and makes a huge impact with Hirai dressed in traditional Indian attire, dancing alongside Indian locals.

The lyrics poignantly capture the aching heart of the woman, who agonizes as she watches the man act in ways that ensure he won’t take any trace of her back home with him.

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Hamada Takuya

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Because it won’t reach / Because it doesn’t reachHirai Ken5rank/position

Ken Hirai 'Because It Won’t Reach You' MUSIC VIDEO (Short Ver.)

The film “50 First Kisses” portrays a heartrending love story.

Ken Hirai wrote “Todokanai Kara” as its theme song.

The lyrics speak on behalf of the film’s protagonist, depicting a deep love that will never reach the other person.

Many lines tie directly to the movie, so you’ll relate even more if you listen after watching it.

That said, it’s still moving enough to stir your heart even if you haven’t seen the film.

The live version included on the CD features an even more passionate performance, so be sure to check that out as well.

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yamamoto

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Can I call it magic?Hirai Ken6rank/position

Ken Hirai “May I Call It Magic?” MUSIC VIDEO (Short Ver.)

Sometimes that feeling that you could do anything for someone important to you can seem almost magical, right? Singer-songwriter Ken Hirai captures that sentiment beautifully in his song “Mahō tte Itte Ii Kana” (“May I Call It Magic?”).

In particular, the lyric that says, “I can’t do anything extraordinary, but I’m confident I can make you happy,” is so direct that if someone sang it to you, many women would probably swoon! Also, since the high notes are sung in falsetto, it’s a great choice for people who have trouble hitting high notes in their chest voice.

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Yuuki

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Close your eyesHirai Ken7rank/position

Hitomi wo Tojite – Ken Hirai (Full)

A gem of a ballad suffused with the lingering ache of deep, bittersweet love.

Ken Hirai’s delicate, soul-stirring vocals beautifully convey the profound longing and sense of loss for a departed lover.

Sung with the purest feeling of closing one’s eyes and picturing the one you love, this work was released as a single in April 2004.

Chosen as the theme song for the film “Crying Out Love in the Center of the World,” it topped the Oricon year-end chart.

Its heart-piercing vocals and beautiful melody line make it a refined track for adults—perfect for a night drive or a quiet moment alone.