Haruo Minami Popular Song Rankings [2026]

Farewell in the Snow on Nanbu HillMinami Haruo8rank/position

Rōkyoku: Snowy Farewell at Nanbusaka

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

Shin Nara Ondo (Nara Prefecture)

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

Haruo Minami / The Song of Momotaro the Samurai (Dance: Minami-ryu Head, Miyuki Minami)

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.

The Crows of TsukubaMinami Haruo11rank/position

Haruo Minami “Crows of Tsukuba (Ibaraki Prefecture)” [from the album ‘A Singing Tour of Japan’ – Beloved Songs of the Hometown edition]

This is a local song set in Ibaraki by Haruo Minami, known as a nationally beloved singer.

The emotionally rich “kayō-rōkyoku” style, unique to a rōkyoku balladeer, vividly portrays the scenery of Tsukuba and the human warmth that resides there.

The word “aho-garasu” (foolish crow) that appears in the lyrics likely symbolizes the protagonist’s helpless feelings and homesickness as he travels far from home.

Listening to Minami’s powerful yet gentle voice, you can almost see the sun setting over the banks of the Tone River and the scenes of Morokawa-juku.

It’s a deeply moving song filled with the spirit of Ibaraki and the bittersweet longing for one’s hometown.

Snow Migratory BirdsMinami Haruo12rank/position

Snow Migratory Bird - Haruo Minami

This is a masterpiece of a matabi (wandering gambler) ballad, irresistible with Mr.

Minami’s singing voice.

I can’t help feeling that men and ninkyō—chivalry—are inseparable.

Put simply, yakuza is a business of “selling one’s manliness,” so it’s only natural that it most vividly expresses a man’s spirit and swagger.