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Haruo Minami Popular Song Rankings [2026]
Haruo Minami, a quintessential enka singer of the Showa era from Niigata Prefecture, was honored with the Fourth Class, Gold Rays with Rosette of the Order of the Rising Sun and the Niigata Prefectural Honor Award.
Here, we present a ranking of his beloved and popular songs—timeless classics left behind by the artist, who passed away at the age of 77.
Haruo Minami Popular Song Rankings [2026] (1–10)
Hello from countries around the worldMinami Haruo1rank/position
Released in March 1967, this heartwarming song by Haruo Minami became a beloved national favorite, selling over three million copies as the theme song for Expo ’70 in Osaka.
Its heartfelt wish for global exchange and peace is gently wrapped in a friendly melody and bright, uplifting vocals.
Expressing human connection through warm smiles and handshakes, the song has continued to be cherished as a bridge linking people across generations.
We believe it will bring back fond memories and offer a wonderful time as seniors enjoy singing it together.
Chanchiki OdesaMinami Haruo2rank/position
This is a signature work by Haruo Minami—memorable for his performances in traditional kimono—released in June 1957.
The song became a massive hit, selling over 2.2 million copies, and stirred nostalgia in many people living away from their hometowns.
Its poignant lyrics about thinking of home at a street stall tug at the heart, while the cheerful festival-style rhythm lifts the spirits just by listening.
A film based on the song was released in 1958, in which Minami himself also appeared.
On a long autumn evening, a chat with friends will feel all the warmer with this tune.
Even those who don’t usually listen to songs may find themselves smiling and humming along, clapping in time.
Tokyo Olympic OndoMinami Haruo3rank/position
As the name suggests, Tokyo Olympic Ondo was the theme song for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, and in addition to Haruo Minami, it was performed by prominent singers such as Yukio Hashi, Michiya Mihashi, Kyu Sakamoto, and Saburo Kitajima.
It is said that the association with Haruo Minami became fixed because his version sold the most.
At the time, Minami said, “Japan worked hard and achieved such a remarkable recovery.
The Tokyo Olympics is an opportunity to show that to the world, and I poured my strong desire to make it a success into the song.” For seniors, it may be a track that brings back the feelings of that era.
Omanta BayashiMinami Haruo4rank/position
Released in 1975.
Haruo Minami, who hails from Koshiji Town in Mishima District (now Nagaoka City), created many works connected to Niigata.
The word “omanta,” repeated many times in the song and likely to stick in your head, is a Niigata dialect term meaning “you all.”
Jan Knight JanMinami Haruo5rank/position
Revenge isn’t just for sports matches—you want a rematch when you lose at mahjong too, right? This is the ending theme from the mahjong anime Super Zugan, sung by Haruo Minami.
It captures the feelings of a player during a game very well, and it’s also surprising that Haruo Minami was the one who sang it.
Lupin OndoMinami Haruo6rank/position
Some of you might be surprised: “It’s Lupin, but Haruo Minami?” It’s like, is it really okay to cheerfully belt out something like “Steal it all across Japan!” in a bon-odori style? There’s even proper choreography, and if you sing and dance the whole thing, I think it’s quite a fantastic festival tune.
Expo Bon DanceMinami Haruo7rank/position
A song created to energize the Japan World Exposition.
Its charm lies in a lively melody that evokes splendor and lyrics in the ondo style.
Released in 1970 as the B-side to “Sekai no Kuni Kara Konnichiwa” (Hello from the Countries of the World), it became beloved throughout Japan alongside the success of Expo ’70 in Osaka.
Combined with Haruo Minami’s distinctive vocal style, it results in a memorable track that fuses Japanese tradition with modernization.
It expresses the grandeur of the Expo and the beauty of Japanese culture, while also conveying the atmosphere of the high economic growth era.
Recommended for those who want to feel international exchange and Japan’s pride.
Farewell in the Snow on Nanbu HillMinami Haruo8rank/position
A masterful long-form kayō-rokkyoku that brilliantly fuses rōkyoku narrative singing with popular song.
Released in 1962, this work is set in the world of Chūshingura and portrays a farewell scene among samurai on snowy Nanbuzaka in Edo.
With Haruo Minami’s signature powerful, lustrous voice, narration and singing are exquisitely interwoven as the story unfolds.
Over the approximately 15-minute runtime, themes of duty and human feeling, as well as samurai pride and poignancy, are expressed with rich emotion.
Credited under the name Toji Kitamura, Minami himself handled the lyrics and structure, showcasing both his skill as a rōkyoku performer and his expressive power as a singer.
It is a true classic recommended for those who enjoy period pieces based on traditional Japanese tales and for anyone who wants to discover the appeal of the art of rōkyoku.
New Nara OndoMinami Haruo9rank/position
This is a local festival song in which Haruo Minami, known as a nationally beloved singer, powerfully extols the charms of the ancient capital.
His uniquely piercing, beautiful voice and the spirited shouts of “Yoisho!” resonate in the chest, making your heart leap just by listening.
Iconic scenes of Nara—like the Great Buddha and the deer in the park—spring vividly to mind one after another, likely stirring a sense of travel in many listeners.
It’s a masterpiece that leaves you with a warm feeling, as if you’re part of a festival circle from the good old days.
Song of Momotaro the SamuraiMinami Haruo10rank/position
Known as the theme song for the period drama “Momotaro Samurai,” this piece was released by Haruo Minami in 1976.
The lyrics were written by Minami himself, with music composed by Masaaki Hirao.
Positioned between enka and rōkyoku, incorporating elements of naniwabushi, the song prominently showcases Minami’s weighty and dramatic vocal style.
Its majestic melody befits a work depicting a hero who symbolizes Japanese tradition and justice, and the lyrics praising the dignified, imposing character of Momotaro Samurai leave a strong impression.
The drama, which aired 258 episodes over five years, made a lasting impact on viewers of the time.
Becoming one of Minami’s signature songs, this track is also recommended for fans of period dramas.