Ken Hirai is a popular Japanese R&B and pop singer. He has successfully worked as a model, actor, composer, lyricist, singer, and brand ambassador. During his career, he has released 45 singles and nine studio albums. Nearly all of them have worked well on the Oricon charts. His single Hitomi o Tojite became one of the best-selling singles in Japan. The compilation album Ken Hirai 10th Anniversary Complete Single Collection 95–05 Utabaka became very popular. It went on to sell many copies in Japan and his fame enhanced to a new level. Here are more details regarding his personal and professional life.
Bio and Early Life
Ken was born on January 17, 1972, and he is currently 49 years old. He has lived his childhood in Higashiosaka, Osaka prefecture. Since his childhood, he wanted to become a singer. His music career began in 1993 as he was signed up by Sony Music. He used to give frequent auditions in Yokohama while he was a student. Both his parents Michinori Hirai, Sawako Hirai have supported him fully and that’s how he could fulfill his dreams with a lot of passion.
Career
Ken’s debut album is called un-balanced that became highly popular. His second album was named Stare At and it also got the same level of success. He wanted to keep things slow and fans had to wait for the third album to release. The Changing Same is the third album that featured Rakuten. The songs of this album got domestic and international fame. You will be happy to know that he is the first Japanese artist who was performed at the Apollo Theater in New York. The reception has been heartwarming and the recognition is exemplary. Ken has a very strong fan base all across Asia. He got the chance to appear at the MTV Music Summit in Taiwan.
Award and Achievements
Ken was voted Best New Japanese Act in the pop category. The poll was organized by the RTHK radio station that is popular in Hong Kong. His song Kiss of Life was taken as the theme song of the popular drama series Love Revolution. After a year he released his fourth album gaining Through Losing. The album was a big success and went on to sell 1.5 million all over Asia.
A massive national tour was planned to look at his solid fame. As he was interested in getting international fame he was happy to perform at the Music Fair show in March 2002. Babyface from an LA studio was also featured in this show. Ken has received many nominations and also won the Best Male Artist at the inaugural MTV Video Music Awards Japan. If this isn’t enough he has also appeared in the official FIFA World Cup concert. Chemistry and Lauryn Hill collaborated with him.
Net Worth and Personal Life
The total net worth of Ken happens to be around $1-$5 million. He is one of the most famous singers in Japan and entire Asia. His major source of income is his active singing career. His musical inspiration comes from artists like Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye. All his fans were shocked to know that is interested in men and doesn’t plan to get married.
