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Ken Hirai 平井 堅 | |
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Birth name | Hirai Ken |
Born | January 17, 1972 |
Origin | Higashiōsaka, Osaka, Japan |
Genres | J-pop, R&B, jazz, soul |
Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter, record producer |
Instrument(s) | Vocals, piano, keyboards |
Years active | 1995–present |
Labels | DefStar Records |
Website | kenhirai |
Ken Hirai (平井 堅, Hirai Ken, born January 17, 1972) is a Japanese R&B and pop singer.[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 45 singles and nine studio albums as of January 2019.[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]