Ranking of popular songs by Haruo Oka, a hit singer who enlivened prewar and postwar Japan
Singer Haruo Oka made his debut after passing a King Records audition in 1938.
While working, he attended the Sakata Music School to hone his singing, and after his debut he scored hits with songs such as “Shanghai no Hanauri Musume” (The Flower Seller of Shanghai) and “Minato Chanson.”
Even after the end of the Pacific War, his uniquely bright voice resonated with the spirit of the times, and he continued to be blessed with hit songs.
He is remembered as one of the star singers representing the late 1940s and 1950s (the early Showa era).
This time, we present a ranking of Haruo Oka’s most popular songs.
We hope you’ll listen while picturing Japan as it was back then.
Ranking of popular songs by Haruo Oka, a hit singer who enlivened prewar and postwar Japan
The Longed-For Hawaii RouteHaruo Oka1rank/position
A bright, hopeful tune and melody make this 1948 classic truly uplifting.
In the postwar reconstruction era, it became a gem of a song that expressed dreams and longing for the wider world.
Haruo Oka’s warm voice gently embraces the yearning for Hawaii, which felt out of reach at the time.
Upon its release, the song drew a huge response and was adapted into a film by Shin-Toho in 1950.
The co-starring of Haruo Oka and Hibari Misora is said to have captivated audiences of the day.
At a time when overseas travel was not yet common, this piece powerfully sang of a distant land—Hawaii—making it a song packed with memories of the older generation’s youth and hopes for a brighter future.
Why not hum along together, wrapped in nostalgic memories?
The Flower Girl of TokyoHaruo Oka2rank/position
This is a classic song that portrays the touching figure of a young woman selling flowers on a spring night, on a street corner in Tokyo just after the war.
The hint of melancholy that drifts within its cheerful vocals deeply resonates with listeners.
Released in June 1946, the single “Tokyo no Hanauri Musume” (The Flower-Selling Girl of Tokyo) has long been cherished as a signature piece by Haruo Oka.
Issued by King Records at the time, it became a song of hope for people during the postwar reconstruction era.
The friendly melody crafted by Gento Uehara is pleasant to the ear and remains timeless even today.
It’s perfect for March, when the first signs of spring can be felt—listen to it while reminiscing about your youthful days.
Humming along to its nostalgic rhythm naturally brings smiles and creates a heartwarming moment.
I wanted to see you.Haruo Oka3rank/position
Haruo Oka, whose nostalgic and warm singing voice has captivated many, is a beloved figure.
Released in July 1955, this work is known as a representative song of the “madrosu kayō” genre, which centers on port towns and sailors.
With its emotionally rich melody and lyrics that resonate deeply, it became a memorable piece that offered hope to postwar Japanese society.
Issued by Nippon Columbia as an SP record, it was extensively featured on radio programs and in films, becoming a trendsetter of its time.
It’s a perfect song for those who want to revel in fond memories or experience a heartwarming vocal performance.
The Longed-For Route to HawaiiHaruo Oka4rank/position
“A Longing for the Hawaii Route” is one of Haruo Oka’s signature songs and a classic that sings of the dreams and hopes of the Japanese people after the war.
Its lyrics vividly evoke the beautiful scenery of Hawaii.
Released in 1948, it has remained beloved ever since.
If you sing it at a relaxed tempo, you may feel as if you’re suddenly traveling to Hawaii.
It’s sure to be enjoyed by people in their 80s! How about everyone singing it together and savoring a Hawaiian mood?
Cry not, little dove.Haruo Oka5rank/position
Accompanied by Haruo Oka’s captivating vocals, the song portrays the feelings of a man reluctant to say goodbye.
Released in 1947, shortly after the war, it resonated with many people and was featured in films and dramas.
It’s recommended for those who have experienced parting or who wish to reflect on memories with someone dear.
Listening to this song may bring back nostalgic memories.
With its heartfelt lyrics and Haruo Oka’s soothing voice, it’s sure to offer a chance to look back on life.
Spring at the BorderHaruo Oka6rank/position
Haruo Oka was a popular singer who rose to fame from before the war through the postwar era, scoring huge hits in his peak years in the late 1940s with songs like “A Longing Voyage to Hawaii.” His landmark debut single was “Spring at the Border,” released in 1939 (Showa 14).
The lyrics, seemingly sung from the perspective of a protagonist staying on the border between the Soviet Union and Manchukuo at the time, evoke a poignant yearning for spring back home in Japan.
Oka’s refined, impeccable vocals lend compelling weight to the song’s unique sense of melancholy.
Tokyo Flower GirlHaruo Oka7rank/position
Haruo Oka’s classic “Tokyo no Hanauri Musume” (The Flower-Selling Girl of Tokyo) is a captivating song, with lyrics that delicately depict scenes of Tokyo soon after the war and Oka’s warm, lustrous voice.
Released in 1946, it became widely cherished as an encouraging anthem that resonated with people of the time.
Its melody, filled with nostalgia and hope, surely continues to linger in many hearts today.
It’s a song that can prompt those in their 90s to recall their youth and the dreams and passions of those days.
We hope listeners will cherish the past while looking ahead with energy.
With that sentiment in mind, we wholeheartedly recommend this timeless masterpiece.