Celebrating Young Talent: CEO Haruto Oka Recognized in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2025
Haruto Oka, the CEO of HA-LU, a Tokyo-based short drama label, has been honored in the latest Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2025 list. This recognition highlights Oka's impressive contributions to the realm of social media, marketing, and advertising, solidifying his position as a rising star in the industry.
What is Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia?
Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia is a prestigious award that acknowledges thirty individuals under the age of thirty across various fields, including art, technology, education, and media. These young trailblazers are recognized for their outstanding achievements and potential to influence their respective industries, drawing considerable global attention.
In his statement regarding the award, Oka expressed deep gratitude, stating, "It is a tremendous honor to be selected for such a prestigious award. This is a significant moment, especially as HA-LU marks its first anniversary. I sincerely thank my team members, the creators who pour their hearts into our projects, and all our supporters. This award is not solely mine; it belongs to all those involved with us at HA-LU."
Oka further elaborated on the company's ethos, saying, "We often say, 'Let’s continue our youthful spirit into adulthood' as we navigate this world of capitalism, enjoying the journey. This recognition encourages us to expand our vision of 'Youth 2.0' and engage with even more talented creators. Our aim is to craft captivating works together and further strengthen our production and recruitment processes. Together with my amazing colleagues, we will strive to share HA-LU's intellectual properties with the world."
About Haruto Oka
Born on April 7, 2000, and affectionately nicknamed "Harubo," Oka has made a name for himself as the CEO of HA-LU. He boasts a significant social media following, with over 500,000 followers across his platforms, and has appeared in notable events like the Kansai Collection. In 2021, he launched a vintage clothing rental service in Shibuya, where he sold over 1,000 items under his brand and ranked high in ZOZOTOWN's sales charts.
Currently, Oka is at the helm of the production and promotion of the Haru Academy, overseeing the establishment of the HA-LU short drama label. In just one year, the label's social media accounts have amassed over 300 million views, with a follower count exceeding 370,000. With funding raised from notable investors including Mr. Osamu Suzuki, Mr. Kataishi from Yutori, CyberAgent Capital, Boost Capital, and Startup Factory, HA-LU is on a remarkable trajectory.
In April, during the 20th anniversary of "Cambria Palace," Oka will make his appearance as the youngest entrepreneur featured in the show, marking yet another milestone in his burgeoning career.
About HA-LU
HA-LU is a short drama label designed to captivate viewers in just a few minutes. It aims to bring together the next generation of creators to deliver a fresh take on youth, termed 'Youth 2.0.' HA-LU's mission is to produce engaging short dramas that resonate with audiences of all ages, making them feel the excitement of their own youthful experiences in mere minutes.
Since its establishment in 2024, the label has focused on encouraging creativity that aligns with the authentic sensibilities of young people. It aims not only to reshape the concept of youth in media but also to bridge the gap between generations, bringing forth stories that connect with everyone.
Based in Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo, HA-LU was founded on April 30, 2024, led by Haruto Oka. For more information, visit
HA-LU's official website or follow their
Instagram and
TikTok.
For inquiries, please contact HA-LU PR at pr@ha-lu.inc.