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{{short description|Japanese R&B and pop singer (born 1972)}}
{{BLP unsourced|date=November 2008}}
{{Redirect|Yokogao|the 2019 film|A Girl Missing}}
{{Inappropriate tone|date=June 2008}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2020}}

{{BLP sources|date=March 2010}}
{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject Musicians -->
{{Infobox musical artist
| Name = Ken Hirai<br>平井堅
| Img =
| name = Ken Hirai
| Img_capt =
| native_name = 平井 堅
| native_name_lang = ja
| Img_size = <!-- Only for FREE images smaller than 220 pixels -->
| Landscape =
| image =
| Background = solo_singer
| alt =
| Birth_name =
| caption =
| Alias =
| image_size = <!-- Only for FREE images smaller than 220 pixels -->
| birth_name = Hirai Ken
| Born = {{birth date and age|1972|1|17}}<br>[[Higashiosaka, Osaka|Higashiōsaka]], [[Osaka prefecture|Osaka]], [[Japan]]
| Died =
| alias =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1972|01|17}}
| Origin = [[Nabari, Mie|Nabari]], [[Mie Prefecture|Mie]], [[Japan]]
| Instrument = Piano
| death_date =
| Genre = [[J-pop|Japanese Pop]], [[Rhythm and blues|R&B]]
| origin = [[Higashiōsaka, Osaka]], Japan
| Occupation = [[Singer]], [[Songwriter]], [[Record Producer]]
| instrument = Vocals, piano, keyboards
| genre = [[J-pop]], [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]], [[jazz]], [[Soul music|soul]]
| Years_active = 1995-present
| occupation = Singer-songwriter, record producer
| Label = [[DefSTAR Records]]
| Associated_acts =
| years_active = 1995–present
| URL = [http://www.kenhirai.net Ken Hirai.net]
| label = [[DefStar Records]]
| associated_acts =
| Notable_instruments =
| website = {{Url|https://kenhirai.jp/}}
}}
}}


{{nihongo|'''Ken Hirai'''|平井堅|Hirai Ken|born on [[January 17]], [[1972]]}} is a [[Japan]]ese [[Rhythm and blues|R&B]] and [[Pop music|pop]] singer. His soulful voice and unconventional looks won him fans following his debut in 1992. Since his debut, Hirai has worked as a [[Model (person)|model]], [[actor]], [[composer]], [[lyricist]], [[singer]], [[spokesperson]].
{{Nihongo|'''Ken Hirai'''|平井 堅|Hirai Ken|born January 17, 1972}} is a Japanese singer-songwriter.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jpopasia.com/profiles/137/ken-hirai.html|title=Profile of Ken Hirai|publisher=JpopAsia}}</ref><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=RA0EAAAAMBAJ&dq=%22Ken+Hirai&pg=RA1-PA53 Billboard] December 28, 2002</ref><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=zioEAAAAMBAJ&dq=%22Ken+Hirai&pg=PA92 CMJ New Music Monthly] Oct 2000</ref> Since his debut, Hirai has worked as a model, actor, composer, lyricist, singer, and brand ambassador.


During his career, Hirai has released forty-seven singles and eleven studio albums as of January 2024.<ref name="Official Discography">[http://www.kenhirai.net/disco/index.html Official Discography].</ref> According to [[Oricon]], his single ''[[Hitomi o Tojite]]'' (''Close Your Eyes'') became the best-selling single of 2004 in Japan,<ref name="Oricon Annual Ranking 2004">[http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/special/041222_01.html Oricon Annual Ranking 2004].</ref> while his compilation album ''[[Ken Hirai 10th Anniversary Complete Single Collection '95-'05 Utabaka|Ken Hirai 10th Anniversary Complete Single Collection '95–'05 "Utabaka"]]'' became the best-selling album of 2006 in Japan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://contents.oricon.co.jp/music/special/061221_03.html|title=2006年 年間アルバムチャート大発表！|date=December 21, 2006|publisher=[[Oricon]]|access-date=August 24, 2010}}</ref>
During his career, Hirai has sold close to 14 million copies of his albums and singles. His [[Oricon]] achievements include a #1 Yearly 2004 (for a single<!-- For which single? -->) and one #1 Yearly 2006 (for an album<!-- For which album? -->)


== Early life ==
== Early life ==
Born [[January 17]], [[1972]] in [[Higashiosaka, Osaka|Higashiosaka]], [[Osaka prefecture]], Ken Hirai grew up in [[Nabari, Mie|Nabari]], [[Mie Prefecture]].
Born on January 17, 1972, in [[Higashiōsaka]], Osaka, Ken Hirai grew up in [[Nabari, Mie]].<ref>[http://www.jpopasia.com/celebrity/kenhirai/ "Ken Hirai's bio"] Retrieved August 11, 2015</ref>


== Career ==
He began his music career back in 1993 when he signed with [[Sony Music Japan|Sony Music]] following an audition in [[Yokohama]] the previous year while he was a student. His debut single "Precious Junk" and album were recorded the following year and released in 1995. The first single, used as the theme to a TV drama, immediately garnered Hirai attention and his second single, "Katahou Zutsu no Earphone"「片方ずつのイヤホン」also used for a drama, further capitalized on his unique sound. Hirai's debut album, "un-balanced", went on sale the same year and was followed by a second, "Stare At", in December of the following year.


=== 1995–2000: ''Un-balanced'', ''Stare At,'' ''The Changing Same'' ===
== 1997 - 2000 ==
Taking things more slowly, Hirai used the next four years to consolidate his style and take time out - he only released one single each in 1997 and '98 and didn't produce any new music during 1999. Fans had to wait until 2000 for a third album from Hirai, ''The Changing Same'', and it was the first single, "Rakuen"(楽園, lit. Paradise), that established him as a major player in the domestic charts and overseas. He was the first Japanese artist to take the classic test of a true R&B performer - playing at the [[Apollo Theater]] in [[New York City|New York]], where he got a warm reception. Capitalizing on a strong fan base in [[Asia]], Hirai appeared at the [[MTV]] Music Summit in [[Republic of China|Taiwan]] in August 2000. Hirai was voted "Best New Japanese Act" in a pop poll organized by the [[Radio Television Hong Kong|RTHK]] radio station in [[Hong Kong]].
Signing with Sony, he released his first single in 1995, but to no great success. Hirai used the next four years to consolidate his style and take time out – he only released one single each in 1997 and 1998, and did not produce any new music during 1999. Fans waited until 2000 for a third album from Hirai, ''The Changing Same''. It was the first single, {{Nihongo|"Rakuen"|楽園||Paradise}}, that established him as a major player in the Japanese sales charts and overseas. Hirai was voted "Best New Japanese Act" in a pop poll organized by the [[Radio Television Hong Kong|RTHK]] radio station in Hong Kong.


=== 2001–2003: ''Gaining Through Losing'', ''Life Is...'' ===
== 2001 - 2003 ==
Hirai's 1st remix album, ''Kh Re-mixed Up 1'' was released on November 28, 2001. Through the album, the artist showed a new part of himself to the audience, which appealed to club-goers and DJs for the first time. In the summer of that same year, Hirai earned the title of Best Male Artist at the inaugural [[MTV Video Music Awards Japan]], and appeared at the official [[FIFA World Cup 2002]] concert with [[Chemistry (band)|Chemistry]] and [[Lauryn Hill]].
2001 saw Hirai's single, "Kiss of Life", used as the theme for the popular "Love Revolution" TV drama series. His fourth album "Gaining Through Losing" (which went to sell 1.5 million all over Asia, including Japan), and a national tour of the same name, built on his solid reputation. Hirai's 1st remix album, "Kh re-mixed up 1" was released in November, 2001. Through the album, the artist showed a new part of himself to the audience, which appealed to club-goers and [[Disk jockey|DJ]]s for the first time.


Already an established star, Hirai went one step further when he released a cover of {{Nihongo|"Ōki na Furudokei"|大きな古時計||A Big Old Clock}}; a Japanese version of "[[My Grandfather's Clock]]" by Henry Clay Work) in 2002. A popular nursery rhyme, it was expected to be a minor success, but went on to become one of the biggest hits of the year.
Hirai had already shown that he had the urge to perform abroad, so his live appearance on the Music Fair show in March 2002 with producer/singer [[Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds|Babyface]] from an LA studio was very much part of the plan. In the summer, recognition like winning the Best Male Artist at the inaugural [[MTV Video Music Awards Japan]] and appearing in the official [[FIFA World Cup]] concert with [[Chemistry (band)|Chemistry]] and [[Lauryn Hill]] seemed like they were just par for the course.


In 2003, Hirai performed for [[MTV Unplugged]] Live in New York; he was the first Japanese male solo vocalist to perform on the show. He was also interviewed by [[CNN]]'s ''The Music Room'', televised in 210 countries and watched by 230 million viewers. His 5th album ''Life Is...'', which contains "Strawberry Sex", "Ring", and "Ōki na Furudokei", was released on January 22, 2003.
Already an established star, Hirai went one step further when he released a cover of "Ooki na Furudokei"「大きな古時計」(Lit. 'A Big Old Clock'; a Japanese version of "My Grandfather's Clock" by Henry Clay Work) in 2002. A popular nursery rhyme, it was expected to be a minor success, but went on to become one of the biggest hits of the year.


On December 1, 2003, the concept album ''Ken's Bar'' was released. On the album, Hirai selected favorite songs and covered them in his own style. The music was primarily jazz and blues oriented.
In 2003, Ken performed for [[MTV Unplugged]] Live in New York, as the 1st Japanese male solo vocalist. He was also interviewed by [[CNN]] "The Music Room", which was televised in 210 countries, and watched by 230 million viewers. His 5th album "Life is...", which contains "Strawberry Sex", "Ring", and his super-hit single "Ooki na Furudokei", was released on [[January 22]], [[2003]].


=== 2004–2006: ''Sentimentalovers'' ===
In [[December 10]], [[2003]], the conceptual album, "Ken's Bar", was released. In the album, Hirai selected his favorite songs and covered in his own style. The music was primarily jazz oriented, but covers of many blues numbers were present as well.
In May 2004, Hirai launched his next album, ''Sentimentalovers''. The album spawned four singles, with {{Nihongo|"Hitomi o Tojite"|瞳をとじて||Close Your Eyes}} being the most successful, becoming the highest-selling single of that year.<ref name="Oricon Annual Ranking 2004"/>


Hirai's 2005 single, "[[Pop Star (Ken Hirai song)|Pop Star]]", was one of his career's biggest hits, reaching number one on the [[Oricon|Oricon charts]]. The video for the song, which featured Hirai playing 7 different characters and animals, became an instant hit. A cover of the song was featured on the rhythm game [[Moero! Nekketsu Rhythm Damashii Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan 2]] for the [[Nintendo DS]], and [[Namco]] popular drumming game ''[[Taiko no Tatsujin]] 8''.
== 2004 - 2006 ==
In May 2004, "SENTIMENTALovers" was made public. The album spawned 4 singles, with "Hitomi wo Tojite" (瞳をとじて, ''Close Your Eyes'') being the most successful, also becoming the highest-selling single of that year.


=== 2007–2009: ''Fakin' Pop'', ''Ken's Bar II'' ===
Hirai's 2005 single, "[[Pop Star]]", was one of his career's biggest hits, spawning multiple imitations and reaching No. 1 on the Oricon Charts. The video for the song, which featured Hirai playing 7 different characters and animals, became an instant household hit. It features heavily on [[YouTube]]. A cover of the song was featured on the rhythm game [[Moero! Nekketsu Rhythm Damashii Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan 2]] for the Nintendo DS.
In 2007, Hirai released two singles. Both singles peaked at number 5 on the Oricon charts and sold around 100,000 copies. The first of these was "Elegy", followed by "Kimi no Suki na Toko (Why I Love You)". "Elegy" was a major radio success in Japan. In August 2007, Hirai released his 27th single, titled "[[Fake Star]]".


On February 20, 2008, Hirai released his 28th and 1st double A-side single, titled "Canvas/Kimi wa Suteki (You're Wonderful)". The singles debuted at number six on the Oricon charts. "Canvas" was used as the insert and ending theme song to Fuji TV's ''[[Honey and Clover|Hachimitsu to Clover]]''. It was written and composed by Hirai, and arranged by Tomita Keichi, as was Hirai's 17th single "Ring".
== 2007 - 2008 ==
In 2007, Hirai released two singles. Both singles peaked at number 5 on the Oricon charts and also sold around 100,000 copies. The first of these was "Elegy", followed by "Kimi no Suki na Toko". "Elegy" is considered by Hirai's fan community to be his finest single, and it was a major radio success in Japan.


On March 12, 2008, Hirai released his seventh studio album, ''[[Fakin' Pop]]''. Hirai then released his 29th single, {{Nihongo|"Itsuka Hanareru Hi ga Kite mo"|いつか離れる日が来ても||If One Day I'm Separated From You}} on April 23, 2008. The song was a recut single from ''Fakin' Pop,'' and used as the theme song for {{Nihongo|''Ano Sora o Oboeteru''|あの空をおぼえてる}}.
In August 2007, Hirai released his 27th single, entitled "[[Fake Star]]", along with a music video that was considered a huge departure for the star due to its risqué subject material.{{Fact|date=November 2008}}


On May 27, 2009, Hirai released ''[[Ken's Bar II]]'', continuing the concept of creating jazz covers of his favorite Japanese and English songs; these included "Love: Destiny" ([[Ayumi Hamasaki]]), "White Lovers" ([[Keisuke Kuwata|Keisuke Kawata]]), and "Because of You" ([[Ne-Yo]]).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-03-04 |title=平井堅があゆをカバー！ 草野マサムネとデュエットも |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/65282/full/ |access-date=2024-10-24 |website=ORICON NEWS}}</ref> He held a 2009 summer concert tour in Japan under the same name. On September 23, 2009, his 30th single, "[[Candy (Ken Hirai song)|Candy]]" was released, followed by {{Nihongo|"Boku wa Kimi ni Koi wo Suru"|僕は君に恋をする||"I'm Going to Fall in Love With You"}} in October.
On February 20, 2008, hirai released his 28th and 1st double A-side single, titled "Canvas / Kimi wa Su.te.ki♡ (You're Won.der.ful)". The singles debuted at number 6 on the Oricon charts.


=== 2010–2014: 15th anniversary, ''Japanese Singer'' ===
"Canvas" is used as the insert and ending theme song to Fuji TV's "[[Honey and Clover|Hachimitsu to Clover]]" drama, which is based on a popular manga. It was written and composed by Hirai, and arranged by Tomita Keichi, (just like Hirai's 17th single, "Ring"). "Canvas" has been described as a pop ballad.{{Fact|date=November 2008}}
On October 13, 2010, Hirai's 32nd single "Sing Forever" was released. His 33rd single, "[[Aishiteru (Ken Hirai song)|Aishiteru]]", was followed by a compilation entitled '[[Ken Hirai discography|Ken Hirai 15th Anniversary c/w Collection '95–'10 "Ura Utabaka]]"' that celebrated his fifteenth anniversary in the music industry.


On May 4, 2011, Hirai released a new single "いとしき日々よ" for the Japan TV mega hit TV drama ''JIN-仁''. On June 8, 2011, Hirai released his ninth studio album, ''[[Japanese Singer (album)|Japanese Singer]]''.
On March 12, 2008, Hirai released his seventh studio album, ''Fakin' Pop''. ''Fakin' Pop'' is Hirai's first studio offering since 2004's "SENTIMENTALovers".


In 2014, he released the third in his series of song covers, ''[[Ken's Bar II|Ken's Bar III]]'', and a collaborative single with [[Namie Amuro]] called ''Grotesque''.
Hirai released his 29th single, "Itsuka Hanareru Hi ga Kite mo" (いつか離れる日が来ても; If one day I'm separated from you) on April 23, 2008. The song is a recut single from ''Fakin' Pop''.


=== 2015–present: 25th anniversary, ''The Still Life'', ''Anata ni Naritakatta'' ===
== Discography ==
On July 6, 2016, Hirai released his tenth studio album ''The Still Life.''
=== Singles ===
{| class="wikitable"
!align="left"|#
!align="left" width="270px"|Information
!align="left" width="90px"|[[Oricon Chart]] Weekly Peak
!align="left" width="90px"|Copies Sold in Japan
!align="left" width="130px"|Album
|-
|- bgcolor="#F0F8FF"
|align="center"|1st / Debut
|align="left"|'''''[[Precious Junk]]'''''
*Released : 1995.05.13
*Lyrics : Ken Hirai
*Music : Ken Hirai / Shun Yamashita
|align="center"|# 50
|align="center"| 44,000
|align="center" rowspan=2|[[un-balanced]]
|-
|align="center"|2nd
|align="left"|'''''[[Katahō Zutsu no Earphone]]'''''
*Released : 1995.06.21
*Lyrics : Ken Hirai
*Music : Ken Hirai / Shun Yamashita
|align="center"| -
|align="center"| -
|-
|- bgcolor="#F0F8FF"
|align="center"|3rd
|align="left"|'''''[[Yokogao]]'''''
*Released : 1995.11.22
*Lyrics & Music : Ken Hirai
|align="center"| -
|align="center"| -
|align="center" rowspan=3|[[Stare At]]
|-
|align="center"|4th
|align="left"|'''''[[Doshaburi]]'''''
*Released : 1996.08.21
*Lyrics & Music : Ken Hirai
|align="center"| -
|align="center"| -
|-
|- bgcolor="#F0F8FF"
|align="center"|5th
|align="left"|'''''[[Stay with Me (Ken Hirai)|Stay With Me]]'''''
*Released : 1996.11.01
*Lyrics : Ken Hirai
*Music : Joe Rinoie
|align="center"| -
|align="center"| -
|-
|align="center"|6th
|align="left"|'''''[[Heat Up]]'''''
*Released : 1997.07.21
*Lyrics & Music : Ken Hirai
|align="center"| -
|align="center"| -
|align="center" rowspan=4|[[The Changing Same]]
|-
|- bgcolor="#F0F8FF"
|align="center"|7th
|align="left"|'''''[[Love Love Love (Ken Hirai)|Love Love Love]]'''''
*Released : 1998.05.30
*Lyrics & Music : Ken Hirai
|align="center"| -
|align="center"| -
|-
|align="center"|8th
|align="left"|'''''[[Rakuen (Ken Hirai song)|Rakuen]]'''''
*Released : 2000.01.19
*Lyrics : Makoto Atozi
*Music : Masahito Nakano
*Chart Run : 28 weeks
|align="center"| # 7
|align="center"| 537,810
|-
|- bgcolor="#F0F8FF"
|align="center"|9th
|align="left"|'''''[[Why (Ken Hirai)|Why]]'''''
*Released : 2000.05.10
*Lyrics : Ken Hirai
*Music : Ken Matsubara
*Chart Run : 10 weeks
|align="center"| # 8
|align="center"| 211,000
|-
|align="center"|10th
|align="left"|'''''[[LOVE OR LUST]]'''''
*Released : 2000.10.18
*Chart Run : 15 weeks
|align="center"| # 6
|align="center"| 264,000
|align="center" rowspan=4|gaining through losing
|-
|- bgcolor="#F0F8FF"
|align="center"|11th
|align="left"|'''''Even if'''''
*Released : 2000.12.06
*Lyrics & Music : Ken Hirai
*Chart Run : 9 weeks
|align="center"| # 3
|align="center"| 334,000
|-
|align="center"|12th
|align="left"|'''''Miracles'''''
*Released : 2001.02.15
*Lyrics & Music : Ken Hirai
*Chart Run : 10 weeks
|align="center"| #4
|align="center"| 240,000
|-
|- bgcolor="#F0F8FF"
|align="center"|13th
|align="left"|'''''Kiss of Life'''''
*Released : 2001.05.16
*Lyrics : Ken Hirai
*Music : Ken Hirai / Masahito Nakano
*Chart Run : 11 weeks
|align="center"| # 2
|align="center"| 555,330
|-
|align="center"|14th
|align="left"|'''''[[Missin' you: It will break my heart]]'''''
*Released : 2002.01.30
*Chart Run : 6 weeks
|align="center"| # 4
|align="center"| 115,000
|align="center" rowspan=4|[[Life is...]]
|-
|- bgcolor="#F0F8FF"
|align="center"|15th
|align="left"|'''''[[Strawberry Sex]]'''''
*Released : 2002.05.22
*Lyrics: Ken Hirai / Taku Tada
*Music: Ken Hirai / Masahito Nakano
*Chart Run : 5 weeks
|align="center"| # 13
|align="center"| 49,000
|-
|align="center"|16th
|align="left"|'''''{{nihongo|"Ooki na Furudokei"|大きな古時計|}}'''''
*Released : 2002.08.28
*Cover version of "[[My Grandfather's Clock]]"
*Original Lyrics & Music : [[Henry Clay Work]]
*Japanese lyrics : Kogo Hotomi
*Chart Run : 35 weeks
|align="center"| # 1
|align="center"| 772,000
|-
|- bgcolor="#F0F8FF"
|align="center"|17th
|align="left"|'''''Ring'''''
*Released : 2002.11.07
*Lyrics & Music : Ken Hirai
*Chart Run : 16 weeks
|align="center"| # 1
|align="center"| 322,000
|-
|align="center"|18th
|align="left"|'''''Life is... another story'''''
*Released : 2003.05.08
*Lyrics & Music : Ken Hirai
*Chart Run : 19 weeks
|align="center"| # 3
|align="center"| 191,000
|align="center" rowspan=5|[[SENTIMENTALovers]]
|-
|- bgcolor="#F0F8FF"
|align="center"|19th
|align="left"|'''''style'''''
*Released : 2003.07.30
*Chart Run : 7 weeks
|align="center"| # 12
|align="center"| 44,000
|-
|align="center"|20th
|align="left"|'''''{{nihongo|"Hitomi wo Tojite"|瞳をとじて||Close Your Eyes}}'''''
*Released : 2004.04.28
*Lyrics : Ken Hirai
*Chart Run : 59 weeks
|align="center"| # 2 (weekly)<br><br># 1 (yearly)
|align="center"| 893,000
|-
|- bgcolor="#F0F8FF"
|align="center"|21st
|align="left"|'''''{{nihongo|"Kimi wa Tomodachi"|キミはともだち||You're My Friend}}'''''
*Released : 2004.05.29
*Lyrics : Ken Hirai
*Chart Run : 22 weeks
|align="center"| # 5
|align="center"| 161,000
|-
|align="center"|22nd
|align="left"|'''''Omoi ga Kasanaru Sono Mae ni...'''''<br>
(思いがかさなるその前に…)
*Released : 2004.10.06
*Lyrics : Ken Hirai
*Chart Run : 16 weeks
|align="center"| # 1
|align="center"| 272,000
|-
|- bgcolor="#F0F8FF"
|align="center"|23rd
|align="left"|'''''[[Pop Star]]'''''
*Released : 2005.10.26
*Chart Run : 14 weeks
|align="center"| # 1
|align="center"| 244,000
|align="center" rowspan=7|[[Fakin' Pop]]
|-
|align="center"|24th
|align="left"|'''''{{nihongo|"Bye My Melody"|バイマイメロディー}}'''''
*Released : 2006.06.14
*Chart Run : 9 weeks
|align="center"| # 2
|align="center"| 81,400
|-
|- bgcolor="#F0F8FF"
|align="center"|25th
|align="left"|'''''{{nihongo|"Elegy (Aika)"|哀歌 (エレジー)}}'''''
*Released : 2007.01.17
*Chart Run : 16 weeks
|align="center"| # 5
|align="center"| 119,000
|-
|align="center"|26th
|align="left"|'''''{{nihongo|"Kimi no Suki na Toko"|君のすきなとこ}}'''''
*Released : 2007.02.28
*Chart Run : 11 weeks
|align="center"| # 5
|align="center"| 102,800
|-
|- bgcolor="#F0F8FF"
|align="center"|27th
|align="left"|'''''[[Fake Star]]'''''
*Released : 2007.09.12
*Chart Run : 6 weeks
|align="center"| # 6
|align="center"| 32,000 +
|-
|align="center"|28th
|align="left"|'''''Canvas / Kimi wa Su.te.ki''''' (キャンバス/君はス．テ．キ♥)
*Released : 2008.02.20
*Chart Run : 5 weeks
|align="center"| # 6
|align="center"| 38,600 +
|-
|- bgcolor="#F0F8FF"
|align="center"|29th
|align="left"|'''''Itsuka Hanareru Hi ga Kite mo''''' (いつか離れる日が来ても)
*Released : 2008.04.23
*Chart Run : 6 weeks
|align="center"| # 19
|align="center"| 18,500 +
|-
|- bgcolor="#F0F8FF"
|align="center"|30th
|align="left"|'''''CANDY'''''
*Released : 2009.09.23
|align="center"| tbc
|align="center"| tbc
|align="center" rowspan=2| -
|}


In 2021, ''Anata ni Naritakatta'' (あなたになりたかった, ''I Wanted to be You'') was announced as his eleventh studio album, released to commemorate his twenty-fifth anniversary.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Inc |first=Natasha |title=平井堅25周年イヤーを締めくくる約5年ぶりアルバム「あなたになりたかった」発売、シングル曲から新曲まで全曲を解説 - 音楽ナタリー 特集・インタビュー |url=https://natalie.mu/music/pp/hiraiken08 |access-date=2024-10-24 |website=音楽ナタリー |language=ja}}</ref> The album cover, taken with a heavy flash filter, represented the singer's desire to explore [[Ego death|ego loss]] in his art: "I don't really have anything I want to convey, and it's more like I'm erasing my ego." Hirai commented, "I thought that erasing the contents of my face would best express my stance."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Inc |first=Natasha |title=平井堅25周年イヤーを締めくくる約5年ぶりアルバム「あなたになりたかった」発売、シングル曲から新曲まで全曲を解説 - 音楽ナタリー 特集・インタビュー |url=https://natalie.mu/music/pp/hiraiken08 |access-date=2024-10-24 |website=音楽ナタリー |language=ja}}</ref>
=== Albums ===


== Discography ==
{| class="wikitable"
{{Main|Ken Hirai discography}}
!align="left"|#
!align="left" width="250px"|Information
!align="left"|[[Oricon Chart]] Weekly Peak
!align="left"|Copies Sold in Japan
|-
|- bgcolor="#F0F8FF"
|align="center"|1st / Debut
|align="left"|'''''" [[un-balanced]] "'''''
*Released : 1995.07.07
|align="center"|#57
|align="center"| 18,000
|-
|align="center"|2nd
|align="left"|'''''" Stare At "'''''
*Released : 1996.12.01
|align="center"| -
|align="center"| -
|-
|- bgcolor="#F0F8FF"
|align="center"|3rd
|align="left"|'''''" [[The Changing Same]] "'''''
*Released : 2000.06.21
|align="center"| #1
|align="center"| 1,263,000
|-
|align="center"|4th
|align="left"|'''''" gaining through losing "'''''
*Released : 2001.07.04
|align="center"| #2
|align="center"| 1,067,780
|-
|- bgcolor="#F0F8FF"
|align="center"|5th
|align="left"|'''''" [[Life is...]] "'''''
*Released : 2003.01.22
|align="center"| #1
|align="center"| 806,000
|-
|align="center"|6th
|align="left"|'''''" [[SENTIMENTALovers]] " '''''
*Released : 2004.11.24
*Weeks On Chart : 52
|align="center"| #1
|align="center"| 1,660,885
|-
|- bgcolor="#F0F8FF"
|align="center"|7th
|align="left"|'''''" [[Fakin' Pop]] " '''''
*Released : 2008.03.12
|align="center"| #2
|align="center"| 332,297
|-
|}


*''[[Un-balanced]]'' (1995)
=== Compilation albums ===
*''[[Stare At]]'' (1996)
{| class="wikitable"
*''[[The Changing Same]]'' (2000)
!align="left"|#
*''[[Gaining Through Losing]]'' (2001)
!align="left" width="250px"|Information
*''[[Life Is...]]'' (2003)
!align="left"|[[Oricon Chart]] Weekly Peak
*''[[Sentimentalovers]]'' (2004)
!align="left"|Copies Sold in Japan
*''[[Fakin' Pop]]'' (2008)
|-
*''[[Japanese Singer (album)|Japanese Singer]]'' (2011)
|- bgcolor="#F0F8FF"
*''[[The Still Life (Ken Hirai album)|The Still Life]]'' (2016)
|align="center"|1st
*''[[Anata ni Naritakatta]]'' (2021)
|align="left"|''10th Anniversary Complete Single Collection '95-'05 “歌バカ” ("Utabaka")''
*Released : 2005.11.23
|align="center"| #1
|align="center"| 2,104,349
|-
|}

=== Others ===
{| class="wikitable"
!align="left"|#
!align="left" width="250px"|Information
!align="left"|[[Oricon Chart]] Weekly Peak
!align="left"|Copies Sold in Japan
|-
|- bgcolor="#F0F8FF"
|align="center"|1st
|align="left"|'''''" Kh re-mixed up 1 "'''''
*Remix Album
*Released : 2001.11.28
|align="center"|#6
|align="center"| 186,000
|-
|align="center"|2nd
|align="left"|'''''" Ken's Bar "'''''
*Cover Album
*Released : 2003.12.10
|align="center"| #2
|align="center"| 491,000
|-

|- bgcolor="#F0F8FF"
|align="center"|3rd
|align="left"|'''''" [[Ken's Bar II]] "'''''
*Cover Album
*Released : 2009.05.27
|align="center"| #2
|align="center"| 120,000
|-
|}


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
{{Portal|Japan|Music}}
*[http://www.kenhirai.net/ Ken Hirai] - Official website
*[http://www.pinups.co.jp/hirai/ Ken Hirai] - Second Official website
* [http://www.sonymusic.co.jp/artist/KenHirai/ Ken Hirai] – Official website
* [http://www.pinups.co.jp/hirai/ Ken Hirai] – Ken Hirai Official website by PINUPS artist Inc.
*[http://nippop.com/artist/artist_id-169/artist_name-ken_hirai/ Nippop Profile]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20081223232006/http://nippop.com/artist/artist_id-169/artist_name-ken_hirai/ Nippop Profile]
*[http://www.j-wave.co.jp/original/breadandcircus/ Ken Hirai ~ Flying Easy ~]
*[http://kenhirai.canalblog.com/ En Francais : French Multimedia Site]
* [http://kenhirai.canalblog.com/ En Francais : French Multimedia Site]


{{Ken Hirai's Studio Albums and Singles}}
{{Ken Hirai}}

{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Hirai, Ken}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Hirai, Ken}}
[[Category:1972 births]]
[[Category:1971 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Higashiōsaka]]
[[Category:Singers from Higashiōsaka]]
[[Category:People from Mie Prefecture]]
[[Category:Japanese male singer-songwriters]]
[[Category:Japanese singer-songwriters]]
[[Category:Japanese male pop singers]]
[[Category:Japanese male singers]]
[[Category:Japanese rhythm and blues singers]]
[[Category:Sony Music Japan artists]]
[[Category:Defstar Records artists]]
[[Category:Singers from Mie Prefecture]]

[[Category:20th-century Japanese male singers]]
[[zh-min-nan:Hirai Ken]]
[[Category:20th-century Japanese singers]]
[[de:Ken Hirai]]
[[Category:21st-century Japanese male singers]]
[[es:Ken Hirai]]
[[Category:21st-century Japanese singers]]
[[ko:히라이 겐]]
[[Category:Ariola Japan artists]]
[[id:Ken Hirai]]
[[it:Ken Hirai]]
[[ms:Ken Hirai]]
[[ja:平井堅]]
[[sv:Ken Hirai]]
[[th:เคน ฮิราอิ]]
[[zh:平井堅]]

Latest revision as of 12:46, 26 December 2024

"Yokogao" redirects here. For the 2019 film, see A Girl Missing.

Ken Hirai
平井 堅
Birth nameHirai Ken
Born (1972-01-17) January 17, 1972 (age 52)
OriginHigashiōsaka, Osaka, Japan
GenresJ-pop, R&B, jazz, soul
Occupation(s)Singer-songwriter, record producer
Instrument(s)Vocals, piano, keyboards
Years active1995–present
LabelsDefStar Records
Websitekenhirai.jp

Ken Hirai (平井 堅, Hirai Ken, born January 17, 1972) is a Japanese singer-songwriter.[1][2][3] Since his debut, Hirai has worked as a model, actor, composer, lyricist, singer, and brand ambassador.

During his career, Hirai has released forty-seven singles and eleven studio albums as of January 2024.[4] According to Oricon, his single Hitomi o Tojite (Close Your Eyes) became the best-selling single of 2004 in Japan,[5] while his compilation album Ken Hirai 10th Anniversary Complete Single Collection '95–'05 "Utabaka" became the best-selling album of 2006 in Japan.[6]

Early life

[edit]

Born on January 17, 1972, in Higashiōsaka, Osaka, Ken Hirai grew up in Nabari, Mie.[7]

Career

[edit]

1995–2000: Un-balanced, Stare At, The Changing Same

[edit]

Signing with Sony, he released his first single in 1995, but to no great success. Hirai used the next four years to consolidate his style and take time out – he only released one single each in 1997 and 1998, and did not produce any new music during 1999. Fans waited until 2000 for a third album from Hirai, The Changing Same. It was the first single, "Rakuen" (楽園, Paradise), that established him as a major player in the Japanese sales charts and overseas. Hirai was voted "Best New Japanese Act" in a pop poll organized by the RTHK radio station in Hong Kong.

2001–2003: Gaining Through Losing, Life Is...

[edit]

Hirai's 1st remix album, Kh Re-mixed Up 1 was released on November 28, 2001. Through the album, the artist showed a new part of himself to the audience, which appealed to club-goers and DJs for the first time. In the summer of that same year, Hirai earned the title of Best Male Artist at the inaugural MTV Video Music Awards Japan, and appeared at the official FIFA World Cup 2002 concert with Chemistry and Lauryn Hill.

Already an established star, Hirai went one step further when he released a cover of "Ōki na Furudokei" (大きな古時計, A Big Old Clock); a Japanese version of "My Grandfather's Clock" by Henry Clay Work) in 2002. A popular nursery rhyme, it was expected to be a minor success, but went on to become one of the biggest hits of the year.

In 2003, Hirai performed for MTV Unplugged Live in New York; he was the first Japanese male solo vocalist to perform on the show. He was also interviewed by CNN's The Music Room, televised in 210 countries and watched by 230 million viewers. His 5th album Life Is..., which contains "Strawberry Sex", "Ring", and "Ōki na Furudokei", was released on January 22, 2003.

On December 1, 2003, the concept album Ken's Bar was released. On the album, Hirai selected favorite songs and covered them in his own style. The music was primarily jazz and blues oriented.

2004–2006: Sentimentalovers

[edit]

In May 2004, Hirai launched his next album, Sentimentalovers. The album spawned four singles, with "Hitomi o Tojite" (瞳をとじて, Close Your Eyes) being the most successful, becoming the highest-selling single of that year.[5]

Hirai's 2005 single, "Pop Star", was one of his career's biggest hits, reaching number one on the Oricon charts. The video for the song, which featured Hirai playing 7 different characters and animals, became an instant hit. A cover of the song was featured on the rhythm game Moero! Nekketsu Rhythm Damashii Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan 2 for the Nintendo DS, and Namco popular drumming game Taiko no Tatsujin 8.

2007–2009: Fakin' Pop, Ken's Bar II

[edit]

In 2007, Hirai released two singles. Both singles peaked at number 5 on the Oricon charts and sold around 100,000 copies. The first of these was "Elegy", followed by "Kimi no Suki na Toko (Why I Love You)". "Elegy" was a major radio success in Japan. In August 2007, Hirai released his 27th single, titled "Fake Star".

On February 20, 2008, Hirai released his 28th and 1st double A-side single, titled "Canvas/Kimi wa Suteki (You're Wonderful)". The singles debuted at number six on the Oricon charts. "Canvas" was used as the insert and ending theme song to Fuji TV's Hachimitsu to Clover. It was written and composed by Hirai, and arranged by Tomita Keichi, as was Hirai's 17th single "Ring".

On March 12, 2008, Hirai released his seventh studio album, Fakin' Pop. Hirai then released his 29th single, "Itsuka Hanareru Hi ga Kite mo" (いつか離れる日が来ても, If One Day I'm Separated From You) on April 23, 2008. The song was a recut single from Fakin' Pop, and used as the theme song for Ano Sora o Oboeteru (あの空をおぼえてる).

On May 27, 2009, Hirai released Ken's Bar II, continuing the concept of creating jazz covers of his favorite Japanese and English songs; these included "Love: Destiny" (Ayumi Hamasaki), "White Lovers" (Keisuke Kawata), and "Because of You" (Ne-Yo).[8] He held a 2009 summer concert tour in Japan under the same name. On September 23, 2009, his 30th single, "Candy" was released, followed by "Boku wa Kimi ni Koi wo Suru" (僕は君に恋をする, "I'm Going to Fall in Love With You") in October.

2010–2014: 15th anniversary, Japanese Singer

[edit]

On October 13, 2010, Hirai's 32nd single "Sing Forever" was released. His 33rd single, "Aishiteru", was followed by a compilation entitled 'Ken Hirai 15th Anniversary c/w Collection '95–'10 "Ura Utabaka"' that celebrated his fifteenth anniversary in the music industry.

On May 4, 2011, Hirai released a new single "いとしき日々よ" for the Japan TV mega hit TV drama JIN-仁. On June 8, 2011, Hirai released his ninth studio album, Japanese Singer.

In 2014, he released the third in his series of song covers, Ken's Bar III, and a collaborative single with Namie Amuro called Grotesque.

2015–present: 25th anniversary, The Still Life, Anata ni Naritakatta

[edit]

On July 6, 2016, Hirai released his tenth studio album The Still Life.

In 2021, Anata ni Naritakatta (あなたになりたかった, I Wanted to be You) was announced as his eleventh studio album, released to commemorate his twenty-fifth anniversary.[9] The album cover, taken with a heavy flash filter, represented the singer's desire to explore ego loss in his art: "I don't really have anything I want to convey, and it's more like I'm erasing my ego." Hirai commented, "I thought that erasing the contents of my face would best express my stance."[10]

Discography

[edit]
Main article: Ken Hirai discography

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Profile of Ken Hirai". JpopAsia.
  2. ^ Billboard December 28, 2002
  3. ^ CMJ New Music Monthly Oct 2000
  4. ^ Official Discography.
  5. ^ a b Oricon Annual Ranking 2004.
  6. ^ "2006年 年間アルバムチャート大発表！". Oricon. December 21, 2006. Retrieved August 24, 2010.
  7. ^ "Ken Hirai's bio" Retrieved August 11, 2015
  8. ^ "平井堅があゆをカバー！ 草野マサムネとデュエットも". ORICON NEWS. March 4, 2015. Retrieved October 24, 2024.
  9. ^ Inc, Natasha. "平井堅25周年イヤーを締めくくる約5年ぶりアルバム「あなたになりたかった」発売、シングル曲から新曲まで全曲を解説 - 音楽ナタリー 特集・インタビュー". 音楽ナタリー (in Japanese). Retrieved October 24, 2024. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  10. ^ Inc, Natasha. "平井堅25周年イヤーを締めくくる約5年ぶりアルバム「あなたになりたかった」発売、シングル曲から新曲まで全曲を解説 - 音楽ナタリー 特集・インタビュー". 音楽ナタリー (in Japanese). Retrieved October 24, 2024. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
[edit]
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