Capitalizing on a strong fan base in Asia, Hirai appeared at the MTV Music Summit in Taiwan in August 2000. 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. Paradise), that established him as a major player in the domestic charts and overseas.

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. 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. 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. 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. His debut single 'Precious Junk' and album were recorded the following year and released in 1995. 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 Oricon achievements include a #1 Yearly 2004 (for a single ) and one #1 Yearly 2006 (for an album )īorn Januin Higashiosaka, Osaka prefecture, Ken Hirai grew up in Nabari, Mie Prefecture. Since his debut, Hirai has worked as a model, actor, composer, lyricist, singer, spokesperson.ĭuring his career, Hirai has sold close to 14 million copies of his albums and singles. His soulful voice and unconventional looks won him fans following his debut in 1992. Nihongo| Ken Hirai|平井堅|Hirai Ken|born on Januis a Japanese R&B and pop singer.

Occupation = Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer

Img_capt = Ken Hirai, as pictured on the cover of his single 'Fake Star'.

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