Sing Your Heart Out: The Ultimate Guide to Karaoke in Japan

Did you know that “karaoke” is a term that originated in Japan? You can enjoy this modern form of entertainment at bars and clubs all around the world. However, karaoke in Japan offers a fresh and unique experience. Get ready for karaoke in its purest form!

Introduction to Karaoke in Japan

If you’re used to karaoke in your home country, you might be in for a culture shock when you first experience karaoke in Japan. Firstly, there is hardly any debate about whether or not karaoke is fun. In Japan, the general consensus is that karaoke is fantastic! This beloved pastime is one of the most popular forms of entertainment in social gatherings and family reunions. Its popularity should come as no surprise if you consider the fact that the entire concept was invented in the country before spreading worldwide.

Karaoke in Japan is unique because the most popular way to do it is in a private room with people you know rather than in a public hall among strangers. This private room is called a karaoke box, and it’s located in a karaoke hall. Japan is also unique for having not just individual outlets but also karaoke chains, which are companies that own and operate multiple karaoke halls in the country.

The History of Karaoke in Japan

The origins of karaoke started long before the first karaoke machine was invented. Rather, it began with its naming and the concept tied to it. In the late 50s and early 90s, when professional Japanese singers could not secure a band or orchestra, they would perform using instrumental playback tracks. In the music industry, such singers were referred to as karaoke, which is a mixture of two Japanese words: kara meaning “empty” and the shortened form of okesutora meaning “orchestra.”

Karaoke would only become a form of entertainment after the invention of the karaoke machine. There is some debate about who the original inventor of this machine may have been. However, the most popular belief is that Shigeichi Negishi, a factory owner with a passion for singing, invented the first karaoke machine in 1967 and called it “Sparko Box.” Unfortunately, he did not patent or mass-produce his invention. In 1971, Daisuke Inoue, a famous musician in Kobe, invented a coin-operated version of the karaoke machine and called it 8 Juke. Like Negishi, Inoue did not patent his invention.

Filipino entrepreneur Roberto del Rosari invented and patented his version of the karaoke machine in 1975. Known as the Sing Along System (SAS), his invention played a major role in popularizing karaoke outside of Japan.

Karaoke technology continued to evolve and improve over the decades. Addition of new music genres, lyrics display monitor, and better sound systems were only a few of the major improvements. Karaoke soon turned into a popular global entertainment activity. But while the rest of the world popularized it in clubs and bars, Japan took on a more private approach with the use of the karaoke box. 

What is a Karaoke Box?

A karaoke box is a private space where people go to sing karaoke as a group. It contains all of the equipment needed to perform karaoke, such as a microphone and karaoke machine, and can be rented out for a specific period. The karaoke box can take the form of a private room, lounge, or suite. Its focus on privacy differs from the open-mic style commonly found in Western bars and clubs. People often come in groups of friends or families. However, it’s not unusual for individuals to use the karaoke room for themselves. Some perform solo for therapeutic reasons while others use the room as a cheap rehearsal space.

Karaoke halls and chain branches in Japan typically have multiple karaoke boxes in one building, along with a bar area. Each box contains standard, random, or thematic decorations. Common equipment in a karaoke box include disco balls, karaoke player, microphones, colored lights, chairs, and tables. A typical karaoke box can hold as many as 50 people.

A major benefit of the karaoke box is the availability of food and beverages. These are usually sold, although some karaoke establishments offer complimentary refreshments when you rent a box.

Popular Karaoke Chains: Big Echo and More

We’ve mentioned karaoke chains a few times in this post. That’s because they play massive roles in the technological and innovative advancement of karaoke in Japan. The following are some of the major karaoke chains in the country:

1. Big Echo: This is the biggest karaoke chain in Japan. Each branch offers karaoke boxes featuring music in different languages, including English and Chinese. If you’re looking for a large space for your group, a Big Echo outlet should have what you need, thanks to their massive and affordable karaoke rooms.

2. Karaoke Kan: Although Karaoke Ken has branches across the country, its main focus is Tokyo. It offers a membership program that allows you to enjoy discounts on rent prices. The chain is also famous for providing all-you-can-drink packages and cosplay costumes.

3. Côte d’Azur: This is one of the oldest chains on our list. Famous for their kid-friendly atmosphere, Côte d’Azur has a large collection of songs in various languages. They also offer a wide range of karaoke box options including party, two-man, and family rooms.

4. Manekineko: This is Japan’s second largest karaoke chain. You can feel free to bring your own food and drinks to the location, thanks to their unique business model. Some Manekineko outlets provide 24-hour service. If you’re lucky, you’ll find one that allows you to record your own songs.

5. JOYSOUND: You may be familiar with the online karaoke service and song library of the same name. Joysound the service and karaoke chain are owned by the same company. Each branch has an in-house karaoke bar where you can buy ice cream and other beverages.

How to Enjoy Karaoke in Japan

If you’ve never experienced japanese-style karaoke, you don’t have to feel nervous before your first visit. Simply follow our step-by-step guide on how to use a karaoke box.

1. Book a room: While some karaoke stores offer online reservations, most of them use staff-operated counters or check-in tablets. You may be asked to provide your name, phone number, group size, desired session length, and preferred drinks. Be sure to bring a valid ID if you want to have alcohol there. After booking, you’ll be handed a receipt or tab, although you only pay after your karaoke session ends.

2. Select songs: After you enter the room assigned to your group, you can select songs using the electronic console. Many consoles contain a function that allows you to switch to English songs. If not, there’s usually a songbook nearby that serves as a directory.

3. Sing songs, have fun, and maintain good karaoke etiquette: Feel free to customize the settings using the console. Many of the devices have unique features that allow you to enhance the experience. Don’t hog the mic or skip other people’s songs.

4. Order food and drinks: Most private rooms have a telephone for you to use for ordering food and drinks. Some provide an ipad in the room for this purpose.

5. End your session: Some rooms have a visible timer. Nevertheless, a staff member would alert you a few minutes before your session expires. You can choose to extend your session or call it a night. All members of your group should exit the box when the session ends.

6. Pay: Head back to the reception area with your tab and pay for the session and additional food and drinks.

Karaoke Technology and Innovations

One of the main factors driving the karaoke industry in Japan is the ability to match each generation with the right technology and innovations. These days some karaoke machines can correct the pitch of your voice or add sound effects like echo and auto-tune.

Karaoke machines in Japan also offer more innovative features, including global leaderboard systems, touch screen interfaces, and song recording. Presently, the sound systems have never been of a higher quality. The only concern we have about these technological innovations is the effect it has on pricing.

How much does karaoke cost in Japan? Karaoke is usually charged per person, per half hour or hour.The rate depends on whether you go during off-peak hours or peak hours. Off-peak hours are usually during the daytime on weekdays. Also, the level of the technological features in the room may drive the price up.

Karaoke Menu: Food and Drinks

The availability of refreshments in Japanese karaoke boxes makes the experience more satisfying. Typical snacks and drinks you can order while singing include fried chicken karaage, french fries, takoyaki, gyoza, edamame, sake, and beer. There is a strong focus on fried food and alcoholic beverages.

The Role of Karaoke in Japanese Pop Culture

As one of the most popular forms of social entertainment in the country, karaoke has unsurprisingly penetrated Japanese pop culture. On TV, you’ll find lots of Japanese karaoke game shows. The Karaoke Battle is one of the most popular ones and features some truly talented participants.

In January, 2024, Let's Go Karaoke!, a Japanese movie that centers on the karaoke theme, was released. It’s an adaptation of a popular manga series of the same name and plot. Both versions demonstrate how karaoke scenes are often used to develop character relationships and showcase pivotal moments in storytelling.

Karaoke themes can also be found in anime. The popular Netflix hit anime series, Aggretsuko, features a main character with a secret love for death metal karaoke. 

Karaoke Themed Nights and Events

Karaoke bars in Japan host themed nights of special events to add variety for their customers. You can either visit any of them during such events or create a themed karaoke party with your friends using any of the following ideas:

1. Time-specific songs (e.g 90s, 80s, early 2,000s)

2. Costume or cosplay party

3. Anime theme songs

4. One-hit wonders

5. TV shows theme songs

6. Genre-specific songs (e.g R&B, hip hop, metal)

7. Famous Japanese songs

Finding the Best Karaoke Spots in Japan

If you’re looking for the best karaoke spots in Japan, you’ll need somewhere with an ample selection of English songs. We recommend that you aim for the big karaoke chains such as Big Echo and Karaoke Kan. They have branches in most of the major cities, including Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. However, they can get crowded on Friday and Saturday nights. Thanks to its vibrant nightlife, Tokyo has the highest number of fantastic options, especially in its Shibuya and Shinjuku wards.

Conclusion:

Don’t hesitate to experience this fun and integral part of the Japanese entertainment scene. You should never feel awkward or embarrassed about singing in front of others. What matters the most is that you have fun doing it. If you ever feel confused, refer back to this guide for a refresher.

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