Ken Hirai’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

ELEGYHirai Ken36rank/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 Ken37rank/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.

LIFE is… ～another story～Hirai Ken38rank/position

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

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.

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Kubota Mami

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Plus OneHirai Ken39rank/position

Ken Hirai 'Plus One' MUSIC VIDEO (Short Ver.)

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

♪Precious Junk (10th Anniversary LIVE) ☆Ken Hirai ☆Movie Editing

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.

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Hoshino Takashi

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fake starHirai Ken41rank/position

Ken Hirai “fake star” MUSIC VIDEO

Ken Hirai creates everything from comedy-focused songs to tearjerkers like “Grandfather’s Clock.” Among his works, “fake star” is particularly sexy.

Its exquisitely sensual melody is sure to leave you entranced as you listen.

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Ryo

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Pop starHirai Ken42rank/position

Ken Hirai POP STAR

It’s a slightly high-difficulty song that really tests your vocal ability, but when a skilled singer performs it, you’ll go “whoa!” (Conversely, if it’s sung poorly, it can really kill the mood, so it’s truly for advanced singers.) The accompaniment is quiet, so how about placing it around the middle when people are getting tired of loud sounds?