Ken Hirai 平井 堅
Ken Hirai, as pictured on the cover of his single "Fake Star".
Background information
Born	January 17, 1972 (1972-01-17) (age 36) Higashiōsaka, Osaka, Japan
Origin	Nabari, Mie, Japan
Genre(s)	Japanese Pop, R&B
Occupation(s)	Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer
Instrument(s)	Piano
Years active	1995-present
Label(s)	DefSTAR Records
Website	Ken Hirai.net

Ken Hirai (平井 堅, Hirai Ken^?, born on January 17, 1972) is a Japanese R&B and 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, actor, composer, lyricist, singer, spokesperson. is the 17th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1972 (MCMLXXII) was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Japan. ... Higashiōsaka (東大阪市; -shi, East Osaka) is a city located in Osaka Prefecture, Japan. ... Osaka Prefecture (大阪府 ÅŒsaka-fu) is part of the Kinki region on Honshu island, Japan. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Japan. ... Nabari (名張市; -shi) is a city located in Mie, Japan. ... Mie Prefecture (三重県; Mie-ken) is part of the Kinki region on Honshu island, Japan. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... J-pop (or Jpop) is an abbreviation of Japanese pop. ... R&B redirects here. ... For other uses, see Singer (disambiguation). ... A songwriter is someone who writes the lyrics to songs, the musical composition or melody to songs, or both. ... In the music industry, a record producer (or music producer) has many roles, among them controlling the recording sessions, coaching and guiding the musicians, organizing and scheduling production budget and resources, and supervising the recording, mixing and mastering processes. ... A musical instrument is a device constructed or modified with the purpose of making music. ... In the music industry, a record label is a brand and a trademark associated with the marketing of music recordings and music videos. ... is the 17th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1972 (MCMLXXII) was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... R&B redirects here. ... For other uses, see Pop music (disambiguation). ... A model is a person who poses or displays for purposes of art, fashion, or other products and advertising. ... For other uses, see Actor (disambiguation). ... A composer is a person who writes music. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... For other uses, see Singer (disambiguation). ... A spokesperson (person could be replaced with the gender of the person), or spokesmodel is a person who speaks on behalf of others, but is understood not to be necessarily part of the others (e. ...

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) and one #1 Yearly 2006 (for an album) Oricon ), also known as Oricon Style, is a Japanese company which provides music industry-related information. ...

Early Life

Born January 17, 1972 in Higashiosaka, Osaka prefecture, Ken Hirai grew up in Nabari, Mie Prefecture. is the 17th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1972 (MCMLXXII) was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Higashiōsaka (東大阪市; -shi, East Osaka) is a city located in Osaka Prefecture, Japan. ... Osaka Prefecture (大阪府 ÅŒsaka-fu) is part of the Kinki region on Honshu island, Japan. ... Nabari (名張市; -shi) is a city located in Mie, Japan. ... Mie Prefecture (三重県; Mie-ken) is part of the Kinki region on Honshu island, Japan. ...

He began his music career back in 1993 when he signed with 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. Sony Music Entertainment Japan is Sonys music arm in Japan. ... For the town of Yokohama in Aomori Prefecture, see Yokohama, Aomori. ...

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, "LAKuEN"(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, where he got a warm reception. Capitalizing on a strong fan base in Asia, Hirai appeared at the MTV Music Summit in Taiwan in August 2000. Hirai was voted "Best New Japanese Act" in a pop poll organized by the RTHK radio station in Hong Kong. Apollo Theater marquee, c. ... New York, New York and NYC redirect here. ... For other uses, see Asia (disambiguation). ... This article is about the original U.S. music television channel. ... The logo of RTHK Radio Television Hong Kong (abbreviation: RTHK; Chinese: 香港電台; Cantonese IPA: , Jyutping: hoeng1 gong2 din6 toi4, Yale: hÄ“ung góng dihn tòih; Mandarin Pinyin: ) is a broadcasting organisation in Hong Kong that is operated as an independent department in the government under the Broadcasting Authority. ...

2001 - 2003

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 DJs for the first time. For other meanings of DJ, see DJ (disambiguation). ...

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 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 and Lauryn Hill seemed like they were just par for the course. Babyface redirects here. ... The MTV Video Music Awards Japan started in 2002. ... The FIFA World Cup, sometimes called the Football World Cup or the Soccer World Cup, but usually referred to simply as the World Cup, is an international association football (soccer) competition contested by the mens national teams of the members of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA... CHEMISTRY is a Japanese popular music R&B duo. ... Lauryn Noel Hill (born May 25, 1975) is an American singer, rapper, musician, record producer and film actress. ...

Already an established star, Hirai went one step further when he released a cover of "Ooki na Furudokei"「大きな古時計」(A Big Old Clock) 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, 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. MTV Unplugged is a series showcasing popular musical artists playing acoustic instruments. ... The Cable News Network, commonly known as CNN, is a major cable television network founded in 1980 by Ted Turner. ... is the 22nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

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. is the 344th day of the year (345th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

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.

Ken'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 Ken playing 7 different characters and animals, became an instant household hit. It features heavily on YouTube rotation. A cover of the song was featured on the rhythm game Moero! Nekketsu Rhythm Damashii Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan 2 for the Nintendo DS. A celebrity is a person who is widely recognized in a society. ... YouTube is a popular video sharing website where users can upload, view and share video clips. ... Moero! Nekketsu Rhythm Damashii Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan 2 , lit. ...

2007 - 2008

In 2007, Hirai released 2 singles. Both singles peaked at #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.

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' risque subject matter. fake star is Ken Hirais 27th single. ...

On 20th February 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 #6 on the Oricon charts .

Canvas is used as the insert and ending theme song to Fuji TV's Hachimitsu to Clover dorama which is based in a popular manga. It has been described as a pop-ballad and was written and composed by Hirai and arranged by Tomita Keichi, just like Hirai's 17th single Ring .

On March 12, 2008, Hirai released his highly anticipating 7th studio album FAKIN' POP . FAKIN' POP is Hirai's 1st studio offering since 2004's SENTIMENTALovers .

Influences

Some of Hirai's musical influences are Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, amongst others. His musical style is most similar to American neo-soul artist Maxwell, and he is currently comparable to Robin Thicke, Justin Timberlake, and D'Angelo. Donny Hathaway (October 1, 1945 – January 13, 1979) was an American soul musician. ... Stevie Wonder (born Steveland Hardaway Judkins on May 13, 1950, name later changed to Steveland Hardaway Morris)[1] is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer. ... Marvin Gaye (born Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr. ... Maxwell, on the cover of his 2001 Now album. ... Robin Charles Thicke (born March 10, 1977) is a R&B and soul singer, songwriter, musician, composer, and occasional actor. ... Justin Randall Timberlake (born January 31, 1981[1]), sometimes known as JT, is an American pop and R&B singer, songwriter, record producer, dancer, and actor. ... DAngelo (born Michaela Eugene Archer on February 11, 1974 in Richmond, Virginia) is a Grammy Award winning American soul singer, pianist, guitarist, songwriter, and record producer. ...

Discography

Singles

1. "Precious Junk" (lyrics Ken Hirai, music Ken Hirai/Shun Yamashita) (May 13, 1995) #50, 9 weeks, sold 44,000 copies
2. "Katahou Zutsu no Earphone" (片方ずつのイヤフォン, "Katahou Zutsu no Earphone"^? One-sided Earphone) (lyrics Ken Hirai, music Ken Hirai/Shun Yamashita) (June 21, 1995) did not chart
3. "Yokogao" (横顔, "Yokogao"^? Face in Profile) (lyrics & music Ken Hirai) (November 22, 1995) did not chart
4. "Doshaburi" (ドシャブリ, "Doshaburi"^? Downpour) (lyrics & music Ken Hirai) (August 21, 1996) did not chart
5. "Stay With Me" (lyrics Ken Hirai, music Joe Rinoie) (November 1, 1996) did not chart
6. "HEAT UP" (lyrics & music Ken Hirai) (July 21, 1997) did not chart
7. "Love Love Love" (lyrics & music Ken Hirai) (May 30, 1998) did not chart
8. "LAKuEN" (楽園, "LAKuEN"^? Paradise) (lyrics Makoto Atozi music Masahito Nakano) (January 19, 2000) #7, 28 weeks, sold over 537,810 copies
9. "why" (lyrics Ken Hirai music Ken Matsubara) (May 10, 2000) #8, 10 weeks, sold over 211,000 copies
10. "LOVE OR LUST" (lyrics Ken Hirai music Ken Hirai/Ken Matsubara) (October 18, 2000) #6, 15 weeks, sold over 264,000 copies
11. "even if" (lyrics & music Ken Hirai) (December 6, 2000) #3, 9 weeks, sold over 334,000 copies
12. "Miracles" (lyrics & music Ken Hirai) (February 15, 2001) #4, 10 weeks, sold over 240,000 copies
13. "KISS OF LIFE" (lyrics Ken Hirai music Ken Hirai/Masahito Nakano) (May 16, 2001) #2, 11 weeks, sold over 555,330 copies
14. "Missin' you ~It will break my heart~" (lyrics Ken Hirai music Babyface) (January 30, 2002) #4, 6 weeks, sold over 115,000 copies
15. "Strawberry Sex" (lyrics Ken Hirai/Taku Tada music Ken Hirai/Masahito Nakano) (May 22, 2002) #13, 5 weeks, sold 49,000 copies
16. "Ooki na Furudokei" (大きな古時計, "Ooki na Furudokei"^?) Cover version of "My Grandfather's Clock" ) (lyrics & music Henry Clay Work Japanese lyrics Kogo Hotomi) (August 28, 2002) #1, 35 weeks, sold over 772,000 copies
17. "Ring" (lyrics & music Ken Hirai) (November 7, 2002) #1, 16 weeks, sold over 322,000 copies
18. "LIFE is... ~another story~" (lyrics & music Ken Hirai) (May 8, 2003) #3, 19 weeks, sold 191,000 copies
19. "style" (lyrics Ken Hirai music Yasuhiro Minami) (July 30, 2003) #12, 7 weeks, sold 44,000 copies
20. "Hitomi wo Tojite" (瞳をとじて, "Hitomi wo Tojite"^? Close Your Eyes) (lyrics & music Ken Hirai) (April 28, 2004) #2, 59 weeks, sold approximately 893,000 copies
21. "Kimi wa Tomodachi" (キミはともだち, "Kimi wa Tomodachi"^? You're My Friend) (lyrics & music Ken Hirai) (May 29, 2004) #5, 22 weeks, sold 160,999 copies
22. "Omoi ga Kasanaru Sono Mae ni... " (思いがかさなるその前に…, "Omoi ga Kasanaru Sono Mae ni... "^? The Memories Pile Up Before Me) (lyrics & music Ken Hirai) (October 6, 2004) #1, 16 weeks, sold over 272,000 copies
23. "POP STAR" (lyrics & music Ken Hirai) (October 26, 2005) #1, 14 weeks, sold over 244,000 copies
24. "By My Melody" (バイマイメロディー, Bai mai merodī^?) (June 14, 2006) #2, 9 weeks, sold over 81,398 copies
25. "Elegy (Aika))" (哀歌 (エレジー), Aika (Erejī)^?) (January 17, 2007), #5, 16 weeks, sold over 118,749* copies
26. "Kimi no Suki na Toko" (君のすきなとこ , The Things I Like About You^?) (February 28, 2007) #5, 11 weeks, sold over 102,765 copies
27. "fake star" (September 12, 2007) #6, 6 weeks, sold over 32,009 copies
28. "Canvas / Kimi wa Su.te.ki♥" (キャンバス/君はス．テ．キ♥, Canvas/You're Won.der.ful♥^?) (February 20, 2008) #6, 5 weeks* , sold over 38,145* copies

Look up lyrics in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... For other uses, see Music (disambiguation). ... is the 133rd day of the year (134th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1995 (MCMXCV) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display full 1995 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 172nd day of the year (173rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1995 (MCMXCV) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display full 1995 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 326th day of the year (327th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1995 (MCMXCV) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display full 1995 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 233rd day of the year (234th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1996 (MCMXCVI) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 305th day of the year (306th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1996 (MCMXCVI) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 202nd day of the year (203rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For the band, see 1997 (band). ... is the 150th day of the year (151st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1998 (MCMXCVIII) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 19th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2000 (MM) was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full 2000 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 130th day of the year (131st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2000 (MM) was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full 2000 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 291st day of the year (292nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 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It is a standard of British brass bands and colliery bands, and is also popular in bluegrass music. ... Henry Clay Work (October 1, 1832 - June 8, 1884) was an American composer. ... is the 240th day of the year (241st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also see: 2002 (number). ... is the 311th day of the year (312th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also see: 2002 (number). ... is the 128th day of the year (129th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 211th day of the year (212th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 118th day of the year (119th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 149th day of the year (150th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 279th day of the year (280th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... A celebrity is a person who is widely recognized in a society. ... is the 299th day of the year (300th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 165th day of the year (166th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 17th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 59th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... fake star is Ken Hirais 27th single. ... is the 255th day of the year (256th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 51st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Anno Domini (or common era), in accordance to the Gregorian calendar. ...

Albums

1. un-balanced, July 7, 1995 – #57; over 18,000 sold
2. Stare At, December 1, 1996 did not chart
3. THE CHANGING SAME , June 21, 2000 – #1; over 1,263,000 copies sold
4. gaining through losing, July 4, 2001 – #2; over 1,067,780 copies sold
5. LIFE is..., January 22, 2003 – #1 over 806,000 copies sold
6. SENTIMENTALovers, November 24, 2004 – #1; over 1,660,885 copies sold
7. FAKIN' POP, March 12, 2008 – #2 1st week sales – 161,038 copies . Total reported sales - 225,892*

is the 188th day of the year (189th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1995 (MCMXCV) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display full 1995 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 335th day of the year (336th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1996 (MCMXCVI) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 172nd day of the year (173rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2000 (MM) was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full 2000 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 185th day of the year (186th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2001 (MMI) was a common year starting on Monday (link displays the 2001 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 22nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 328th day of the year (329th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 71st day of the year (72nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Anno Domini (or common era), in accordance to the Gregorian calendar. ...

Compilations

• 10th Anniversary Complete Single Collection '95-'05 “歌バカ” ("Utabaka") November 23, 2005 - #1; 2,104,349* copies sold

is the 327th day of the year (328th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Others

• Kh re-mixed up 1(Remixes), November 28, 2001 – #6; over 186,000 copies sold
• Ken's Bar (Cover album), December 10, 2003 – #2; over 491,000 copies sold

is the 332nd day of the year (333rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2001 (MMI) was a common year starting on Monday (link displays the 2001 Gregorian calendar). ... is the 344th day of the year (345th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Trivia

Trivia sections are discouraged under Wikipedia guidelines. The article could be improved by integrating relevant items and removing inappropriate ones.

• Hirai once participated in a music session with Babyface, who admired Hirai's singing ability. He said, "I think that Hirai can be popular in the world if he releases CDs in English".^{[citation needed]}
• At the end of 2003, Hirai was invited by Stevie Wonder to join his Japanese show, where he co-performed "You Are the Sunshine of My Life".
• Hirai's 20th single "Hitomi wo Tojite," the theme song of the Japanese movie "Crying Out Love, In the Center of the World", peaked at No. 2 in Japan's Oricon chart in 2004, but got No. 1 in annual sales for the year 2004. Incidentally, he also sang a cover version of Eagles hit "Desperado" as the single's B-side.
• 2channel, a Japanese internet forum, made a parody of Hirai's song "POP STAR", titled "Vip Star", in which internet slang of 2channel and the name of the administrator of the website, Hiroyuki, appear.
• When Yo Hitoto's songs are slowed down to 80% of their original speed (or as long as the song's pitch is lowered to 80% of the original), her voice sounds uncannily like that of Hirai's. Hirai's sounds also sound like that of Hitoto when replayed in 125% of their original pitch.
• The "バイ" part of the name of Hirai's 24th single "バイマイメロディー" is the double meaning of "by" and "bye".
• During a trip to Hong Kong, in an interview, he stated that he admires director Wong Kar-wai.^{[citation needed]}
• The name, 平井 堅 (Hirai Ken), literally means a strong well of peace, or Hard Level-well.^{[citation needed]}
• The 10th Anniversary Complete Single Collection '95-'05 “歌バカ” ("Utabaka") becomes the #1 best-selling album of 2006.^{[citation needed]}
• Hirai's 23rd single, "POP STAR," is a song in Moero! Nekketsu Rhythm Damashii Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan 2, the sequel to the Nintendo DS rhythm game, Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan. It is also the ending song for the dorama Kikenna Aneki.
• Since his debut (1995) with "Precious Junk" , Ken Hirai has sold over 13,956,000 copies (albums + singles) in Japan alone and has 4 #1 Singles. Ken Hirai is officially the #56 highest selling Japanese artist of all time.^{[citation needed]}
• Ken Hirai also made two appearances in the Crayon Shin Chan manga (as a time genie and as a villain in a Lord of the Rings spoof).^{[citation needed]}

Image File history File links Broom_icon. ... Look up Session in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Babyface redirects here. ... CD redirects here. ... Stevie Wonder (born Steveland Hardaway Judkins on May 13, 1950, name later changed to Steveland Hardaway Morris)[1] is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer. ... You Are the Sunshine of My Life is a 1973 pop single released by Motown music great Stevie Wonder. ... Socrates in Love, also known as Crying Out Love, In the Center of the World (Japanese title: Sekai no Chūshin de, Ai wo Sakebu, 世界の中心で、愛をさけぶ) is a Japanese novel written by Kyoichi Katayama (片山恭一). It was published by Shogakukan in April 2001. ... Oricon ), also known as Oricon Style, is a Japanese company which provides music industry-related information. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... // In popular music, a cover version, or simply cover, is a new rendition (performance or recording) of a previously recorded song. ... Eagles redirects here. ... Desperado is a song by the rock-country band Eagles, written by Glenn Frey and Don Henley. ... “DQN” redirects here. ... A typical Internet forum discussion, with common elements such as quotes and spoiler brackets A page from a forum showcasing emoticons and Internet slang An Internet forum is a web application for holding discussions and posting user generated content. ... Ttyl redirects here. ... Hiroyuki in Sapporo 2005 Hiroyuki Nishimura (西村 博之 Nishimura Hiroyuki; born November 16, 1976) is an administrator of 2channel, the largest and most influential BBS in Japan. ... Yo Hitoto (一青窈 Hitoto Yō, born September 20, 1976) is a Japanese popular music singer. ... Wong Kar-wai (Traditional Chinese: ; Simplified Chinese: ; Pinyin: ; Cantonese Yale: Wòhng Gà Waih; Shanghainese Latin method: Wan Kawe; born July 17, 1958) is a Hong Kong film director known for his visually unique, highly stylized art films. ... Moero! Nekketsu Rhythm Damashii Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan 2 , lit. ... Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan , lit. ... Japanese dramas (Japanese: ドラマ dorama; J-dramas; from English drama) are a staple of Japanese television and are broadcast daily. ... Crayon Shin-chan (クレヨンしんちゃん Kureyon Shinchan) is a manga and anime series written by Yoshito Usui. ...

External links

• Ken Hirai - Official website
• Ken Hirai - Second Official website
• Nippop Profile
• Ken Hirai ~ Flying Easy ~
• En Francais : French Multimedia Site