Ken Hirai’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

one earbud at a timeHirai Ken81rank/position

Ken Hirai 'One Earbud at a Time' Music Video

The 1995 release “One Earbud Each” paints a lovely scene of sharing earphones with someone you like and listening to the same music.

Although Ken Hirai is often associated with gentle, ballad-like songs, this track is a bright, poppy, and fun number.

Its catchy groove makes it easy to sing along without overthinking.

The key is a bit on the higher side, so it’s comfortable as-is for many women, while men can lower the key a little to enjoy singing it, too.

Immerse yourself in the song’s world, ride the rhythm, and have fun singing!

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SAKI

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Look up at the stars in the nightHirai Ken82rank/position

Look Up at the Stars in the Night (Ken Hirai ver. / Kyu Sakamoto) cover: numa chan

When Ken Hirai, who creates so many masterpieces, sings Kyū Sakamoto’s all-time classic, it feels even more premium.

It’s become an even better song.

Whether it heals you or moves you, it’s turned into a track you simply can’t listen to without tears.

Please give it a listen.

Close your eyes (quietly closing my eyes)Hirai Ken (COVER: Chon Jeuku)83rank/position

정재욱 ‘가만히 눈을 감고’ 라이브 LIVE /180906[사랑하기 좋은 날, 이금희입니다]

The 20th single by singer-songwriter Ken Hirai, who has created numerous masterpieces with his gently enveloping vocals and heartrending edge voice that tightens the heart.

Written specifically as the theme song for the film “Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World,” its story—framed as an answer song to the heroine’s message—truly stirs the emotions.

In 2005, a remake cover by Korean singer Jung Jae-wook was released and became a major hit, further boosting his popularity.

It’s a timeless J-pop classic that reaffirms how a beautiful melody can cross oceans.

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Hoshino Takashi

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If I’m wrapped in kindnessYUI × Hirai Ken84rank/position

YUI feat. Ken Hirai (If Wrapped in Kindness)

A cover by two singer-songwriters who are each firmly established in both skill and individuality.

Each performs it as if it were their own song, resulting in a rendition that reaffirms the excellence of the original melody.

With a male and a female vocalist, this cover lets you enjoy completely different atmospheres within a single track.

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Hoshino Takashi

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NostalgiaHirai Ken85rank/position

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

It’s a song that sings of nostalgia and longing.

Ken Hirai’s beautiful, soaring vocals are a must-hear, evoking the warm scenes and atmosphere of family from childhood.

It’s a track that makes you realize that memories are never cold—they remain warm.

Sing ForeverHirai Ken86rank/position

Ken Hirai “Sing Forever” MUSIC VIDEO

Ken Hirai himself commented that this song is a “hymn to life,” expressing what he feels now as a singer after 15 years.

As the first track of his 15th anniversary, Sing Forever is a gospel song filled with hope and warmth that shakes the heart and reaches the soul.

It was selected as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s information program Sukkiri!! in October 2010.

TABOOHirai Ken87rank/position

TABOO Ken Hirai (Lyrics: Ken Hirai, Music: MAESTRO -T) Arrangement/Vocals & Piano, Acoustic Guitar Performance: Mitsuhiro Kozaki [Sings with Instruments] Vol.177

A collaboration between Ken Hirai and m-flo’s vocalist LISA, included on Ken Hirai’s remix album “Kh re-mixed up 1,” released in November 2001.

With an upbeat hip-hop groove and lyrics that tell a seductive, mature, and stylish story of an affair with a friend’s girlfriend, the track captivates.

The contrast between Hirai and LISA’s beautiful vocals is soothing.

harf of meHirai Ken88rank/position

Ken Hirai "half of me" MUSIC VIDEO

There are many songs by Ken Hirai that can move you to tears, but for anyone who’s gone through a breakup, “half of me” might be impossible to listen to without crying…

Released in 2018 as Ken Hirai’s 45th single, this song was also the theme for the drama “Twilight Meteor Shower: Midlife Turn, Fell in Love.” Its heartbreakingly poignant and strikingly realistic lyrics will surely shake many listeners to the core.

If you’re dealing with a breakup and can’t think about the future right now, take the time to face your sadness honestly—and let yourself cry as much as you need.

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utatane

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why(CASSETTE VISION remix)Hirai Ken89rank/position

[Tried Singing] UP DOWN BICYCLE

This is the remix version by DJ Tatsuta included on Ken Hirai’s remix album “Kh re-mixed up 1,” released in November 2001.

The laid-back BGM and the funny croaking, like a frog or a pig going “gue-gue,” make it interesting.

Goodbye, My LoveHirai Ken90rank/position

Ken Hirai “Aishiteru” Music Video

A Japanese take on Philly soul delivered with a title in the style of kayōkyoku.

Over a sweet melody by Maestro T (Yoshihiro Toyoshima) and Kiyoshi Matsuo, it sings of parting from an unattainable love.

With Nobuyuki Shimizu joining to add droplet sounds and arrange strings and horns, the production beautifully depicts tender yet heartrending emotions.