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.
- Showa-era kayōkyoku: hit songs by male singers, classic masterpieces of Japanese popular music.
- Showa-era nostalgic songs: Popular ranking
- Spring songs from the early Showa era: a collection of kayōkyoku and shōka that evoke spring
- When you can’t decide what to sing at karaoke: Easy-to-sing classic hits from the Showa era
- Kazumasa Oda’s Most Popular Karaoke Songs Ranking [2026]
- Cool masterpieces of enka, the heart of Japan
- Haruo Minami Popular Song Rankings [2026]
- Enka singer who led the postwar pop scene! Hideo Murata’s most popular songs ranked
- Showa-era love songs: A roundup of timeless love songs cherished across generations
- [Showa Era] A roundup of nostalgic folk song classics and popular tracks you’ll want to sing at karaoke
- Yukio Hashi’s Popular Song Rankings [2026]
- Okubukako’s famous and popular songs
- Okubo Hanako’s Love Songs: Popular Song Ranking [2026]
Ranking of popular songs by Haruo Oka, a hit singer who enlivened prewar and postwar Japan
Paradise of YouthHaruo Oka8rank/position
“Seishun no Paradise” by Haruo Oka, a star singer who represents postwar Japan.
Released in November 1946, the song captivates with its bright, hopeful melody and lyrics themed around the joys of youth and romance.
In the classic Showa-era kayōkyoku style, Oka’s outstanding vocal prowess shines over a friendly, lively tune.
It is a masterpiece that offered great comfort and encouragement to the Japanese people during the dark postwar period, and even today, his warm, gentle voice continues to be loved by many.
Singing it together with someone in their 90s could make for a wonderful moment, as you both bask in memories of their younger days.