Unveiling the Enigma of Ken Hirai’s Absence an Exclusive Interview

Last November, the website was updated for the first time in a year and four months.

However, six years after the release of this song, the release of new songs stopped after the album “Anata ni Naritakatta” was released in 2021. His live events, such as “Ken’s Bar,” were also not held, and there has been almost no activity from him for almost two years. Although his website was updated last November after a year and four months, his activities remain in a state of suspension.

“Due to the activity suspension during the COVID-19 pandemic, some fans were worried about COVID depression. Amidst this, KAN, whom he greatly respects, passed away. Given Hirai’s delicate nature, the shock must have been significant, which concerns those close to him as well,” says a journalist from a music magazine.

It was reported in a weekly women’s magazine that Hirai attended KAN’s wake and funeral, but he has since disappeared from the public eye.

While pondering over wanting to hear that transparently sexy voice again, a reporter enters a convenience store. There, he spots a man resembling Jean Reno, wearing a black cap, sunglasses, and a long coat, emitting an unusual aura while waiting in line at the cash register.

Could this foreign-looking man be?

Several weeks later, the reporter, encountering the Jean Reno look-alike walking in Tokyo, gathers his courage and approaches him.

–Are you Mr. Hirai? What have you been up to these past few years?

“Um, well, you know, just normally…”

— Have you been writing any songs?

“Yeah, that’s right.”

— Fans are worried about you.

“I’m sorry, I apologize.”

— Do you have any message for them?

“I hope to have a chance to speak directly.”

— When might that be?

“I’m not sure about that.”

— Any plans to resume your activities?

“I’m not sure about that either.”

With occasional smiles, Hirai answers slowly with his transparent voice.

As FRIDAY watches his tall figure leaving under the setting sun, they are convinced. The opportunity for Hirai to announce his return to his fans will come sooner than later.

From the March 22, 2024 issue of FRIDAY