Ken Hirai’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
With his uniquely expansive vocals and catchy songs, Ken Hirai has secured an unshakable position in the J-pop scene.
This time, we’ll introduce a ranking of his most popular tracks.
Since these are all well-known songs, there’s a good chance you’ve heard many of them.
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Ken Hirai's Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (31–40)
Before our feelings overlap…Hirai Ken31rank/position
From the very beginning, Ken Hirai’s beautiful singing voice resonates in this song.
It’s a 2004 track that was used in a TOYOTA Corolla Fielder commercial and also served as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “The Truth of Tsugumi Kuzushi.” The lyrics make it a ballad that feels both like singing and like speaking to someone, so it’s a song you can really get into and sing calmly.
I often point out Ken Hirai’s singing characteristics to my students, so please use them as a reference! First, while it’s memorable that he sings with his eyes closed, in reality, closing your eyes can cause unnecessary tension and make it harder to stay on pitch.
However, Hirai raises his eyebrows and uses his hand to track the pitch while he sings.
He compensates in other ways so that singing becomes more natural and easier.
This gesture also makes it much easier to produce falsetto, so definitely give it a try!
1995Hirai Ken32rank/position
A track from Ken Hirai’s first album in about five years, “Anataninaritakatta,” released on May 12, 2021.
Its music video was unveiled on May 5, ahead of the album release.
Not limited to this song, much of Ken Hirai’s music appears to be sung using mixed voice.
Speaking of mixed voice, it lies between falsetto and chest voice—a blend of the two—so in that sense, you could say this track is a treasure trove of diverse falsetto-like tones.
There are hardly any sections sung in what you’d call typical falsetto, but it’s a song you can enjoy as a showcase of varied vocal production.
If you’re confident in your falsetto, definitely try singing it at karaoke.
It’s also perfect as practice material!
paulHirai Ken33rank/position
A bittersweet yet heartwarming song that recalls the relationship with a beloved dog from childhood.
It’s sung by singer-songwriter Ken Hirai, also known for hits like “Hitomi wo Tojite.” The track was included as the B-side to his 2002 cover single “Ookina Furudokei.” The lyrics are based on a dog that Hirai himself actually owned.
It speaks to the realization that, although a precious presence is gone, that loved one will always remain in your heart.
Before our feelings overlapHirai Ken34rank/position
There are countless love songs out there, but I don’t think there are many as wide-ranging and grand in their expression of love as Ken Hirai’s.
When you listen to songs that brim with emotion and hope—anywhere, anytime, and for anyone—don’t they truly warm your heart?
CANDYHirai Ken35rank/position
Ken Hirai’s 30th single.
Despite its pop sound and the cute title “CANDY,” it’s no exaggeration to say the lyrics are almost adults-only.
The music video is also provocative—so much so that Ken Hirai himself reportedly said, “It would be hard to air this on terrestrial TV.”
ELEGYHirai Ken36rank/position
This is a dark-themed song by Ken Hirai, who holds a pioneering position among Japanese artists for incorporating authentic rhythm and blues.
True to its theme, it’s imbued with an elegiac atmosphere, and together with the lyrics, it achieves a depth that makes it a perfect fit even for summer.
Missin’ you ～It will break my heart～Hirai Ken37rank/position
Ken Hirai, one of Japan’s leading singer-songwriters, released the single “Missin’ you ~It will break my heart~” on January 30, 2002, which drew attention as a collaboration with internationally renowned producer Babyface.
The song conveys lost love and deep sorrow through Hirai’s unique sensibility.
In particular, the pain of parting and the strength to keep holding on to love resonate deeply with listeners.
Hirai’s warm vocals and piercing melody may offer comfort to those mourning a lost love.
As the song also touches on the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, it carries an even deeper message.
It is a track I strongly recommend to anyone overwhelmed by grief or unable to forget a love they have lost.
LIFE is… ～another story～Hirai Ken38rank/position
This is a renowned ballad that was rearranged from a track on the 2003 album “LIFE is…” and released as a single the same year as the theme song for the drama “The Life of Quill, the Seeing-Eye Dog.” Even in difficult circumstances, it expresses the “truth” of facing forward and living on, conveyed through Ken Hirai’s poignant yet warm vocals, making it a song that’s extremely popular among fans.
With its beautiful sound highlighted by piano and string accompaniment, it’s also a personal favorite of mine.
The verse sits in the low range and the chorus leaps into the high range, creating a large contrast, so be sure to lift your facial muscles from the start to avoid your pitch dropping.
Even as the melody changes, if you focus on projecting all your voice from your temples, you’ll find it easier to sing.
Plus OneHirai Ken39rank/position
The music video, created with a ’90s vibe in mind, conveys a retro atmosphere through Ken Hirai’s and the backup dancers’ outfits as well as the video processing.
The song has an up-tempo yet somewhat wistful feel.
It suits Ken Hirai’s distinctive voice very well.
Precious JunkHirai Ken40rank/position
This is the debut single by singer-songwriter Ken Hirai, who has gained popularity for his stirring edge voice and diverse musicality.
Released on May 13, 1995, it was used as the theme song for the TV drama “The King’s Restaurant.” From the lively intro that opens with soulful choral work to the pop melody woven by his rich yet faintly wistful vocals, the essence of Ken Hirai as an artist is already on full display.
It’s a polished pop tune whose level of completion hardly seems like a debut—befitting his background performing as a house singer at live music clubs before his official debut.
