Ken Hirai’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Close your eyes (quietly closing my eyes)Hirai Ken (COVER: Chon Jeuku)78rank/position

정재욱 ‘가만히 눈을 감고’ 라이브 LIVE /180906[사랑하기 좋은 날, 이금희입니다]

The 20th single by singer-songwriter Ken Hirai, who has created numerous masterpieces with his gently enveloping vocals and heartrending edge voice that tightens the heart.

Written specifically as the theme song for the film “Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World,” its story—framed as an answer song to the heroine’s message—truly stirs the emotions.

In 2005, a remake cover by Korean singer Jung Jae-wook was released and became a major hit, further boosting his popularity.

It’s a timeless J-pop classic that reaffirms how a beautiful melody can cross oceans.

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Hoshino Takashi

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If I’m wrapped in kindnessYUI × Hirai Ken79rank/position

YUI feat. Ken Hirai (If Wrapped in Kindness)

A cover by two singer-songwriters who are each firmly established in both skill and individuality.

Each performs it as if it were their own song, resulting in a rendition that reaffirms the excellence of the original melody.

With a male and a female vocalist, this cover lets you enjoy completely different atmospheres within a single track.

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Hoshino Takashi

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NostalgiaHirai Ken80rank/position

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

It’s a song that sings of nostalgia and longing.

Ken Hirai’s beautiful, soaring vocals are a must-hear, evoking the warm scenes and atmosphere of family from childhood.

It’s a track that makes you realize that memories are never cold—they remain warm.

Sing ForeverHirai Ken81rank/position

Ken Hirai “Sing Forever” MUSIC VIDEO

Ken Hirai himself commented that this song is a “hymn to life,” expressing what he feels now as a singer after 15 years.

As the first track of his 15th anniversary, Sing Forever is a gospel song filled with hope and warmth that shakes the heart and reaches the soul.

It was selected as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s information program Sukkiri!! in October 2010.

TABOOHirai Ken82rank/position

Ken Hirai “LOVE OR LUST” Music Video

A collaboration between Ken Hirai and m-flo’s vocalist LISA, included on Ken Hirai’s remix album “Kh re-mixed up 1,” released in November 2001.

With an upbeat hip-hop groove and lyrics that tell a seductive, mature, and stylish story of an affair with a friend’s girlfriend, the track captivates.

The contrast between Hirai and LISA’s beautiful vocals is soothing.

why(CASSETTE VISION remix)Hirai Ken83rank/position

Yosaku cuts down trees.

This is the remix version by DJ Tatsuta included on Ken Hirai’s remix album “Kh re-mixed up 1,” released in November 2001.

The laid-back BGM and the funny croaking, like a frog or a pig going “gue-gue,” make it interesting.

Goodbye, My LoveHirai Ken84rank/position

Ken Hirai “Aishiteru” Music Video

A Japanese take on Philly soul delivered with a title in the style of kayōkyoku.

Over a sweet melody by Maestro T (Yoshihiro Toyoshima) and Kiyoshi Matsuo, it sings of parting from an unattainable love.

With Nobuyuki Shimizu joining to add droplet sounds and arrange strings and horns, the production beautifully depicts tender yet heartrending emotions.