If you’re spending time in Japan, you will probably go to Karaoke (カラオケ) at least once. You’ll either get invited by friends or coworkers, or you might just get curious about what these brightly lit buildings are lining the streets.
Karaoke is a major part of modern Japanese culture. People of all age, from students to the elders, join in on the fun of singing with friends, either at a bar with Karaoke or at a special Karaoke center. Modern Karaoke bars and centers offer a wide range of songs, including Japanese classic and pop, western rock, pop, rap and many more. The ability to sing is not important as the machine displays just the song lyrics. Therefore there is nothing embarrassing about singing Karaoke at a bar, even though you might not be the best singer (as is the author). It is rather a fun social activity than it is a contest.
In modern Karaoke centers, you are assigned your own private room to sing in. You can choose between different plans with a drink usually included in the price. Upon reaching your booth, you’ll find a telephone on the wall to order food and drinks, a couple of microphones and a few touchscreens to choose your songs. Every time you select a song on the touchscreen, it is automatically added to the cue. Songs are played chronologically. About ten before your reservation ends, the clerk will notify you via the telephone. You pay the total fee at the counter by the entrance.
Karaoke is a lot of fun and something you should definitely try. Invite you friends!
http://www.japanese-school-asahi.com/
