The 2005 single "Pop Star" marked a return to upbeat, danceable pop for Ken Hirai, showcasing his versatility beyond R&B ballads. The song became one of his signature tracks and a staple of his live performances.
- "Pop Star" was featured as the theme song for a popular Japanese TV drama, contributing to its chart success. The single debuted at number 3 on the Oricon weekly charts. It was included on his 2005 compilation album 'Ken Hirai 10th Anniversary Complete Single Collection "Hit Parade"'.
- The music video for "Pop Star," directed by Wataru Ohno, won the award for "Best Pop Video" at the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards Japan. Hirai's energetic performance in the video, featuring dance routines, contrasted with his more common ballad-focused image.
- Upon its release, "Pop Star" quickly became a commercial success, selling over 150,000 copies in its first week and peaking at number 2 on the Oricon charts. The song's catchy melody and Hirai's distinctive vocals cemented its status as a fan favorite.
Ken Hirai is a Japanese singer-songwriter from Tokyo, best known for his soulful R&B-influenced pop music. In 2005, he was at the peak of his commercial success, having released several chart-topping albums and singles.
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