Tadaharu Nakano

was a popular Japanese baritone singer of jazz and ryūkōka in Shōwa era Japan.

Life and career Nakano was born in Ōzu, Ehime on May 27, 1909. His interest in music was sparked in early childhood by the sound of the organ at a local Christian church where his father served as a pastor.

When he became older, he joined his congregation's choir where his interest in Western music grew. He later credited the experience as the greatest influence on his career as a jazz singer. and The Comedian Harmonists, Nakano founded his own vocal group in 1934: the . A string of hits followed, beginning with their cover of Leslie Sarony's . Ryōichi Hattori later collaborated with Nakano and his group, producing some of the group's most memorable songs. One of their most controversial numbers was 1940's , which satirized the widespread shortages of food and materials in wartime Japan. The song's subsequent ban, as well as a general government crackdown on jazz music, resulted in the Rhythm Boys' breakup in 1941. Nakano went on to continue a solo career.

After the war, Nakano joined King Records, but quickly retired from singing citing a throat injury. Composition became the focus of the final part of his career, penning hit songs for Chiemi Eri, Utako Matsushima, Hachirō Kasuga, Michiya Mihashi and Ichirō Wakahara.

Death Nakano died February 19, 1970, from lung cancer, aged 60. He was buried at the Zōshigaya Cemetery.