Ken Hirai's Most Popular Karaoke Songs Ranking [2025]

Close your eyesKen Hirai1rank/position

Ken Hirai 'Close Your Eyes' MUSIC VIDEO

This is a song that resonates with the aching feeling of holding on forever to the memory of a beloved person you’ve lost.

It’s the 20th single by singer-songwriter Ken Hirai, known for his unique musical world, released in 2004 and written as the theme song for the film “Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World.” It topped the year-end Oricon singles chart and became a massive hit, with total shipments exceeding one million copies.

It’s a ballad overflowing with the sorrow of only being able to meet that person in memories—when closing your eyes brings their smile to mind.

If you’ve experienced parting from someone dear, or if you want to quietly reflect on the past, please give it a listen.

POP STARKen Hirai2rank/position

Ken Hirai 'POP STAR' Music Video

This song is known as one of Ken Hirai’s signature works.

Released in November 2005, it drew attention as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 PM drama “Dangerous Beauty” (Kiken na Aneki).

It features a bright, catchy melody that brings out a pop sensibility to the fullest.

The lyrics center on themes of self-affirmation and love for others, delivering warmth to listeners.

The track is also said to symbolize a turning point in Hirai’s music, signaling a shift from his earlier ballad-focused style toward a more pop-oriented direction.

The music video’s catchy choreography is another highlight.

It’s the perfect song for a drive or when you want a change of pace.

NonfictionKen Hirai3rank/position

Ken Hirai “Nonfiction” MUSIC VIDEO (Short Ver.)

With a voice that shakes the soul, Ken Hirai delivers a moving song that reflects both the light and shadow of life.

This work carries a powerful message, created by deeply reading the drama’s script and layering it with his own experience of losing someone irreplaceable.

Its questions about a harsh reality—and its affirmation of living on nonetheless—stir the hearts of listeners.

Written in 2017 as the theme song for TBS’s Sunday drama “Little Giant,” it was also included that same year on the best-of album “Ken Hirai Singles Best Collection Utabaka 2.” Sing this song—laden with earnest emotion—during karaoke with someone important to you, and you’ll surely share an unforgettable moment that resonates deeply.

#302Ken Hirai4rank/position

Ken Hirai '#302' MUSIC VIDEO

“#302” portrays a bittersweet love for a woman nursing a broken heart.

Released in 2019, the song was used as the theme for the drama “4-Minute Marigold,” and the music video features Yui Sakuma and Sho Kiyohara.

Although the rhythm is in 6/8, the melody laid over it is very simple, so as long as you follow the lyrics closely, you should be able to sing it without feeling too uneasy.

The chorus goes a bit higher, so if high notes aren’t your strong suit, I recommend adjusting the key to something more comfortable.

Grandfather's ClockKen Hirai5rank/position

Ken Hirai / Grandfather's Clock

This song resonates with Ken Hirai’s warm, heartfelt vocals.

Centered on themes of family love and the passage of time, it weaves a 100-year story of a grandfather and an old clock.

Released in August 2002, it became familiar through NHK’s “Minna no Uta” and an au commercial.

It’s said to be a particularly memorable track for Hirai and even a foundation of his singing.

The single sold a total of 667,000 copies, reached No.

1 on the Oricon charts, and won the Japan Gold Disc Award.

It’s recommended for those who have experienced parting from a loved one or want to feel the bonds of family.

If you sing it at karaoke, you’re sure to be moved to the core.

Mr. Monster feat. AimyonKen Hirai6rank/position

Ken Hirai “Kaibutsu-san feat. Aimyon” MUSIC VIDEO

This is a lavish collaborative number by Ken Hirai, a leading figure in the J-POP scene, and Aimyon, who can now be called an icon of the times.

Written by Ken Hirai with Aimyon in mind, the song portrays a hopeless unrequited love—knowing it won’t be rewarded yet still being irresistibly drawn in.

The inescapable sorrow of it all is set to a sophisticated, urbane pop sound.

Released in March 2020, it was also included on the album “Anata ni Naritakatta” (“I Wanted to Be You”).

If you’re struggling with a futile love, this song might resonate perfectly.

ElegyKen Hirai7rank/position

Ken Hirai “Elegy” MUSIC VIDEO

A song by Ken Hirai that sings of a heartrending love from a woman’s perspective.

Released in January 2007 as his 25th single, it was also used as the theme song for the Toho film “Ai no Rukichi” (The Prisoner of Love).

The emotions of a woman tormented by a forbidden love are conveyed through Hirai’s delicate vocals.

It may be a bit challenging to sing at karaoke, but if you pour your feelings into it, it’s sure to resonate with listeners.

This is a recommended track for when you want to feel the bittersweetness of love or express your feelings to someone special.