Initially a divisive figure for a genre-defying style and audience-first philosophy, Haruo Minami is today rightfully celebrated both as the father of modern enka and as a key cultural figure of post-war Japan. He began his career as a traditional rōkyoku singer before he began to shape a pop-oriented style that shared themes with the rōkyoku of his roots, but folded in modern instruments, like guitar. He became well known for his outlandish style, which included extravagant kimonos, and revered for his stately ballads, which centre around the driving force of his crystal-clear, dynamic voice.