Ken Hirai’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

paulHirai Ken29rank/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 overlap…Hirai Ken30rank/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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Before our feelings overlapHirai Ken31rank/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 Ken32rank/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.”

ELEGYHirai Ken33rank/position

Ken Hirai - ELEGY (Elegy) (Ken’s Bar Winter 2009)

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 Ken34rank/position

Ken Hirai 'Missin’ you ~It will break my heart~' MUSIC VIDEO

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.

photoHirai Ken35rank/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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