Ken Hirai’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Even if the day comes when we partHirai Ken29rank/position

Ken Hirai “Even If the Day Comes When We Part” MUSIC VIDEO

Precisely because we love, our hearts ache at the thought that a farewell will someday come.

Someday We’ll Have to Part, which captures that feeling, was released in 2008 and was chosen as the theme song for the film I Remember the Sky.

Its lyrics remind us that even happy days will one day end, which is why we should cherish the present and love the people we care about with all our hearts.

With its gentle melody and a range that isn’t too wide, it’s easy to sing.

Try singing it while thinking of someone precious to you.

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SAKI

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photoHirai Ken30rank/position

♪ Photo (A cappella) ☆ Ken Hirai @ LIVE 2008 “FAKIN’ POP” Osaka-jō Hall

“Shashin (Photograph)” by Ken Hirai was used as the theme song for JRA’s commercials in 2008.

The track is included on his seventh album, FAKIN’ POP.

Hirai wrote this song for his late father, and once you know that, it really hits home that he’s singing to someone who is no longer here.

For those who have lost someone dear or close, it may be a song you can’t listen to without tears.

Ken Hirai’s heartfelt voice loosens the tear ducts all the more.

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utatane

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Before our feelings overlap…Hirai Ken31rank/position

Ken Hirai “Before Our Feelings Overlap…” MUSIC VIDEO

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!

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Kubota Mami

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1995Hirai Ken32rank/position

Ken Hirai '1995' MUSIC VIDEO

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!

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Kei Takahata

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paulHirai Ken33rank/position

PAUL – Ken Hirai, guitar, solo performance (singing with guitar)

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.

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Araki Jakkan

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Before our feelings overlapHirai Ken34rank/position

Ken Hirai – Before Our Feelings Overlap (Live)

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 - CANDY (Ken’s Bar Winter 2009)

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.”