Job Discussion Forums

muji · Joined: 19 Apr 2007 Posts: 23

I've heard a lot about the Japanese affinity for Karaoke, and how it is central to most 'nights out'... how true is this? At Karaoke places, does everybody sing, or just the very extroverted?

Also, how do Japanese treat reluctant westeners who've never sung before? Are westeners easily excused, or is everyone expected to get up there and sing, regardless?

canuck · Joined: 11 May 2003 Posts: 1921 Location: Japan

Karaoke is popular. Every person is different. Add alcohol to the mix...

chirp · Joined: 03 Dec 2005 Posts: 148

muji,

Karaoke in Japan is probably very different from what you have previously experienced. It is done in small private rooms, usually with unlimited drinks (including alcohol). You are only singing with your friends, not in front of masses of strangers. It is not a "performance" and everyone joins in.

Don't stress about it - it is a fun experience for both the talented and not so talented singers. Wink

And it can be a life saver when you miss the last train home!

jademonkey · Joined: 30 Mar 2007 Posts: 180

Karaoke is a crass part-time that I enjoy immensely and it's one of the cheapest nights of revelry you're likely to have.

cornishmuppet · Joined: 27 Mar 2004 Posts: 642 Location: Nagano, Japan

Up on the table my son, beer in one hand, mike in the other, and then roar until your lungs bleed. Its the only way. Even better if you're with all-Japanese co-workers and you're the only one drinking.

bshabu · Joined: 03 Apr 2003 Posts: 200 Location: Kumagaya

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Don't worry about it. Is it me, or do most Japanese seem tone-deaf? Never have I heard such frightful singing as in Japan. Even if you can't carry a tune, you will likely not be alone.

Eva Pilot · Posted: Fri May 04, 2007 2:04 pm Post subject:

YAH YAH YAH.

That's all you need to know to be a karaoke hero.