Ken Hirai’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Strawberry SexHirai Ken61rank/position

STRAWBERRY SEX

It was featured in a commercial for Honda Motor Co.’s “That’s.” It’s a song that Ken Hirai himself likes, and it’s often performed at his concerts.

In addition to its pop melody, the lyrics—expressing freshness and warmth—make it an appealing dance tune.

The RoseHirai Ken62rank/position

THE ROSE

The theme song of the 1979 American film The Rose.

Sung by the film’s star, Bette Midler, the song became popular for its beautiful melody and emotionally rich lyrics, and it continues to be covered by many artists today.

One such cover is by Ken Hirai, which was used in a Nescafé commercial and is included on his album Ken’s Bar.

WhyHirai Ken63rank/position

♪Why (Piano Version) ☆Ken Hirai ★Ken’s Bar Okinawa 2002

This song is packed to the brim with Ken Hirai’s appeal as an R&B singer.

It’s a poignant love song for adults, with lyrics that portray the feelings of a couple in a lull.

Hirai’s soaring, beautiful vocals and the groovy track evoke the taste of bittersweet love.

Wonderful WorldHirai Ken64rank/position

Ken Hirai - Wonderful World

A song included in Ken Hirai’s 9th single “why,” released in May and June 2000, as well as on his 3rd album “THE CHANGING SAME.” It’s a very sweet love song with a gentle, beautiful vocal performance.

with youHirai Ken65rank/position

Ken Hirai - "Anata to" ("With You")

This is a beautiful ballad that conveys Ken Hirai’s unadorned, exquisite vocals, accompanied by his ally Dai Suzuki on piano.

He sings, in a way only Ken Hirai can, about the warmth and kindness one seeks precisely because of having experienced sorrow and hardship.

The persuasive power of the final whispered words, “I want our loneliness to overlap,” is immeasurable.

restless; unable to sit still; cannot contain oneselfHirai Ken66rank/position

Ken Hirai “Ite mo Tatte mo” Music Video (Short Ver.)

Created as the theme song for Yuya Ishii’s film “The World of Machida-kun,” this track feels like it adds sound to the world as seen by the protagonist, Machida.

In addition to Ken Hirai’s signature style, the finger snaps in the intro and the doo-wop-like chorus toward the end infuse an R&B flavor, resulting in a song that feels both new and nostalgic.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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My Dear EllieHirai Ken67rank/position

Ken Hirai - Itoshi no Ellie

Ken Hirai possesses a voice that shines in ballads.

It’s no exaggeration to say that singing ballads is his destiny—he has a magnetic pull that lets him make one leisurely song after another entirely his own.

“Itoshi no Ellie” is one such song.

It seems to bring out even more poignancy than the original, with feelings for a beloved lover gradually welling up.

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gummy

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playing catchHirai Ken68rank/position

Catch Ball ☆ Ken Hirai @2000 ★ Kamakura Great Buddha Acoustic LIVE

Catch Ball,” said to be a song Ken Hirai wrote about his own father.

After being included on the 1996 album “Stare At,” it was also featured as a B-side on the 1997 single “HEAT UP.” It’s a song that inspires you to resolve to do your best so you can properly respond to a father who always cared about you.

With its simple, gentle melody, it’s easy to sing even for those who aren’t confident at karaoke.

Try singing it while thinking of your own parents.

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SAKI

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canvasHirai Ken69rank/position

Ken Hirai 'Canvas' MUSIC VIDEO

Canvas weaves words like painting to capture the faint, bittersweet memories nestled in the precious days of youth.

Released in 2008 as a double A-side single along with “You Are Su-te-ki ♡,” this song was chosen as the theme for the drama Honey and Clover.

Since it spans a relatively wide vocal range, you’ll want to pay some attention to key selection.

Overall, the lyrics flow gently and unhurriedly, making the melody itself easy to sing.

If you’d like to try a song with a broader range, this makes a great entry point.

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SAKI

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Soredemo Shitai MUSIC VIDEO (YouTube ver.)Hirai Ken70rank/position

Ken Hirai 'Soredemo Shitai MUSIC VIDEO (YouTube ver.)'

A shocking work in which Ken Hirai dives into the world of Indian cinema.

Armed with two weapons—his overwhelming vocal ability and his strikingly bold features—he blends seamlessly into the aesthetic.

Zero sense of incongruity! When you look closely at the lyrics, it’s not a cheerful song at all, hinting at an affair, but maybe that’s exactly why this kind of playful music video works?