Times Of TIU

Author: Juri A.

Editor: Karen W.

Translator: Ferano R. K.

When you have spent all your time doing nothing but playing, you might have come up with the idea of “Karaoke” as one of the options to hang out with your friends. Despite the relatively low price of karaoke, free drinks are often included in the package, and, more importantly, you can stay for a long time. However, is such convenience and excitement of karaoke really available in other countries? There is a wide variety of karaoke bars in Japan, but which one is the best? We hope this article answers some of your questions, whether you are a secret karaoke fan at TIU or a karaoke addict who is going to study abroad in the future.

1. What is Karaoke?

　

Karaoke is such a familiar term, have you ever heard of its name or its origin? 

The name “karaoke” was derived from the “empty (“kara” in Japanese) orchestra” which was　taped orchestra performance so that the broadcasting industry did not have to call for an  orchestra when they asked a singer to perform. Over time, it was abbreviated and came to be known as “karaoke,” a name that is familiar to everyone. Although karaoke boxes originated in Japan, the author has heard that karaoke itself came from other countries, yet as far as the author can find on the Internet, it seems that Japan is the pioneer of karaoke. (Reference: Entame Mail Produced by Home Mate Karaoke Research  Enjoy Karaoke! (Theatre/Hall Information: https://onl.bz/zx9fsjw)

2. Karaoke Overseas

By the way, have you ever been to karaoke places outside of Japan? While the author has been to karaoke places in Australia, the author has only encountered the so-called Japanese snack-bar style karaoke, which consists primarily of people singing in front of other customers at a bar, or Korean-style karaoke (made by a Korean manufacturer). Moreover, in order to find out what kind of karaoke is available in other countries, we interviewed a student from TIU. We refer to the student as “A” and the author as “B” below.

• The United States of America

A: Karaoke bars are not as popular as those in Japan. There are no places like Manekineko (karaoke store) in Japan that specialize in karaoke itself, but it is often done in bars. Therefore, there is no need to pay for the karaoke itself. The main difference between Japan and other countries is that you only pay for drinks at bars.

B: It seems that the U.S. has many styles of karaoke similar to those in Australia. The difference from Japanese snack bars is that there is no package for karaoke.

• China

A: Karaoke used to be as common as in Japan, but for some reason, it has been replaced by clubs rather than going to karaoke clubs. Prices themselves are not much different from those in Japan, but many places offer all-you-can-eat for free or for a fee, so it is often a place to relax and have a meal in a private room rather than for the sole purpose of singing.

B: It is very different from Japan in that karaoke and clubs are equal in terms of entertainment to the extent that they can replace each other in China, depending on the region and the current trend. Moreover, all-you-can-eat is also rare in Japan.

• Indonesia 

A: There are not as many Karaoke places as in Japan, but they are popular and cheaper than in Japan. Most of them do not serve alcohol, and many people go to karaoke bars solely for the purpose of singing.

B: In Japan, many people go to karaoke bars to enjoy drinking and singing, so much so that it is not surprising that the purpose of karaoke is now reversed, but in Indonesia, people seem to prefer singing instead of drinking.

• Mongolia

A: Although Karaoke is not as common in Mongolia as it is in Japan, it is cheaper. However, couples often use them as a substitute for hotels, which is the impression one gets when talking about karaoke-ing. Recently, cameras have been installed in many places to prevent such situations.

B: It is interesting to note how excessive it is to use karaoke bars as hotels, although there is a slight tendency to do so in Japan as well since it is a private space. It seems to have improved a lot now, so that we can use it with peace of mind!

Although the style may be different, Karaoke seems to be quite popular in each of these countries. It is interesting to see how cultural differences can be experienced even in karaoke in various countries.

3. Where is the best karaoke bar?

Now that we have learned a lot about karaoke in other countries, thanks to the help of international students at TIU, we are now able to understand more about them. However, in a world full of various karaoke bars, the author has personally lined up a few karaoke places to see which ones offer the best value for TIU students in terms of affordability, accessibility, and overall satisfaction. (⚠︎ Note: The author is not a karaoke expert.)

1. Karaoke ALL, the ‘cheapest’ local karaoke place

Karaoke ALL, located just 3 minutes away from Kasumigaseki station, is a place that every TIU student must have visited at least once. The package includes a drink bar, making it a great value. Best of all, the price is an unbeatable 1,000 yen for a flat rate of late-night free time (this price should vary depending on the store and time of year).

2. Manekineko, all-you-can-eat soft-served ice cream

Located next to Honkawagoe Station Pepe, Manekineko offers free admission hours for university students for around 700 yen (depending on the time of year and location). Furthermore, membership registration is required, but it is inexpensive considering the excellent facilities and all-you-can-eat soft-serve ice cream.

3. ‘Chotto-Rich’ Karaoke Bar

There are several karaoke houses in the Crea Mall that have better interiors and a full range of cosplay. The food looks good, too, so you can have a private space! It seems a little more expensive than the others, but (depending on the store) it’s inexpensive considering the memories you can make there!

4. Karaoke is Universal!

What the author learned from the interviews is that karaoke seems to work differently in each country. However, since karaoke is popular all over the world, we have learned that no matter how much of a karaoke addict you are, you will have no trouble while studying abroad. I hope you will also use this article as a reference and enjoy karaoke not only in Japan but around the world!