Ken Hirai’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

GREEN CHRISTMASHirai Ken51rank/position

GREEN CHRISTMAS

While singing about a realistic Christmas scene—one without white snow or Santa Claus—this ballad is imbued with deep prayer and love.

Released in December 2000 as the B-side to the single “even if,” it shipped 360,000 copies and was featured as the J-WAVE CHRISTMAS SONG 2000.

In the recording, they pursued an extreme laid-back feel, stripping back instruments to create space.

At Ken Hirai’s winter concept live series “Ken’s Bar,” it has long been beloved as the standard pre-show SE.

With a voice that gently envelops the heart, this is a recommended song for those who wish to offer a prayer on a Christmas night spent alone.

Gaining Through LosingHirai Ken52rank/position

Ken Hirai- GAINING THROUGH LOOSING LIVE

The song title literally means “what you gain by losing,” but as you read the lyrics, you realize it’s actually about “what you only notice after it’s gone.” It’s a piece that can be interpreted in many ways depending on the listener.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you’ve lost your way and feel alone.

Grandfather’s clockHirai Ken53rank/position

Grandfather’s clock by Hirai Ken

It’s a popular American song known in Japan by the title “Ojii-san no Tokei” (Grandfather’s Clock).

In 2002, to mark the 40th anniversary of NHK introducing it to Japan, Ken Hirai released a cover that reached No.

1 on the Oricon chart.

It became a huge hit, even being selected for the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

LIFE is…Hirai Ken54rank/position

Ken Hirai LIFE is… Live

Among Ken Hirai’s exquisite ballads, when it comes to winter or Christmas, I think most fans would choose this song.

The colder it gets, the more I hope lovers listen to it and feel warm.

It’s a wonderful track I recommend even to those who aren’t fans.

LIFE is…〜another story〜Hirai Ken55rank/position

Ken Hirai “LIFE is… ~another story~” (cover) / Mami Hatanaka

When it comes to songs perfect for a wedding overflowing with love for a precious partner you’ll spend your life with, “LIFE is…

~another story~” comes to mind.

Released in 2003 by singer-songwriter Ken Hirai, it was also used as the theme song for the drama “Say Hello to Black Jack.” The lyrics portray the tendency to put on a brave face or struggle to show one’s true self in public, while unfolding phrases that feel like speaking directly to a loved one.

Many will relate to the honest feelings that well up just by thinking of the person they love.

With a somewhat wistful yet heartwarming melody, it gently envelops the atmosphere of the venue.

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mutō

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Love Love LoveHirai Ken56rank/position

Ken Hirai “Love Love Love” MUSIC VIDEO

It’s a song that starts a cappella and incorporates handclaps and gospel-style choruses, singing about love in a fresh and emotionally rich way.

It’s used as the ending theme for the TBS show “Ai no Hinadan.” The track itself features a simple arrangement with piano accompaniment.

Falsetto works well, but belting in a chest-voice style can also sound great.

Just be careful not to strain your throat by pushing too hard.

Using gestures and engaging your whole body while singing can help you stay relaxed, so have fun and sing your heart out.

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Kubota Mami

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MiraclesHirai Ken57rank/position

Tried Singing: Miracles / Ken Hirai ~Cover~

Released in February 2001.

It was used as the commercial song for Kikkoman Manjo Shochu, and Ken Hirai himself appeared in the ad.

It’s a romantic and mature love song—seductive and heart-wrenching, the kind that makes your chest tighten when you listen.

Very popular with women!

Missin’ you ?It will break my heart?Hirai Ken58rank/position

Missin You It Will Break My Heart

It was released in January 2002.

This is a collaboration with Babyface, the R&B singer and music producer.

It’s a popular song featuring gentle, soothing, laid-back R&B music paired with a clear, translucent, beautiful vocal.

The lyrics express a poignant longing for someone special.

POP STAYHirai Ken59rank/position

Ken Hirai – POP STAR @ Ken’s Bar 2011

With its upbeat tone, Ken Hirai in the music video is incredibly cute.

To mark the 10th anniversary of his debut, it’s said the song reflects his own desire to “keep joyfully continuing as a singer.” In the video, you can enjoy Ken Hirai with an afro hairstyle and see him dancing.

READY FOR YOUR LOVEHirai Ken60rank/position

[Too Delicious – Beware ⚠] READY FOR YOUR LOVE / Ken Hirai (with lyrics & chords) Toyo Tires commercial song

This song, used in a TOYO TIRES commercial, is included on Ken Hirai Singles Best Collection: Utabaka 2.

It was written, composed, and arranged by sound producer tofubeats.

It’s a rare dance track for Ken Hirai—highly upbeat and very much in tofubeats’ style!