Karaoke is one of Japan’s most popular entertainment pastimes, with over 50 million people enjoying it at more than 15,000 karaoke box venues across the country. Karaoke is a massive industry and is even used as a tool for learning English.
Karaoke originated in Japan in the early 1980s and has since taken Asia by storm. Today, it is a global phenomenon. The concept is simple: an amateur singer (or sometimes a tone-deaf one!) performs a song using a recorded instrumental version while reading the lyrics on a screen.
Most songs are love ballads or well-known classic hits, typically sung in English, though some include Japanese verses or choruses. The lyrics are displayed on a monitor, often accompanied by a dreamlike, dramatic music video. The singer follows along with a microphone, making for a fun and immersive experience.
Karaoke is a beloved activity for all ages in Japan. At karaoke box venues, guests can hire private rooms, ranging from intimate spaces for two, where couples can serenade each other, to larger party rooms, perfect for group singalongs. These venues typically offer an extensive selection of music, along with theme lighting, such as mirror balls and flashing lights, to enhance the atmosphere. Many also serve drinks and food, making it a complete night out.
Originally, karaoke systems used cassette tapes and laser discs, but today’s venues feature state-of-the-art digital technology, incorporating DVD, MP3, and advanced audio processing tools. Many systems allow users to adjust the pitch and tempo to match their vocal range, ensuring an even better experience.
Karaoke is so popular in Japan that mobile phone companies have even introduced karaoke features in some of their devices, allowing people to download songs and sing along anywhere. There are even taxis equipped with karaoke machines, letting passengers sing along with the driver!
Some larger restaurants transform into karaoke venues after dinner service, while others have dedicated karaoke rooms to keep children entertained while their parents dine.
Karaoke is believed to have originated in Kobe in the 1970s, with the first machine invented by Inoue Daisuke from Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture. Inoue, a musician who played in bars but couldn’t sing, came up with the idea of playing instrumental tracks and having dining guests perform as singers.
With the help of friends—one a furniture maker and another an electronics specialist—Inoue developed what is thought to be the first karaoke machine, known as the Juke. This coin-operated machine played a song for 100 yen. He built 11 machines, and their popularity quickly skyrocketed, leading to the production of 10,000 more.
Website of Japan’s largest karaoke chain:
