Almost everyone has either performed, or at the very least, heard about karaoke before. However, what most people don’t know is that karaoke is actually a Japanese word. In Japanese, karaoke (カラオケ) translates to “empty orchestra”. As you can imagine, as the word originates from Japan, karaoke is quite popular throughout the “Land of the Rising Sun”.
However, if you’re imagining people trying to sing their favorite song at a bar in front of a bunch of strangers, then you may have the wrong idea. Japanese karaoke is quite different from what you might find elsewhere, such as how many envision it in America.
Difference Between American and Japanese Karaoke
The biggest difference you’ll find between typical American and Japanese karaoke is that karaoke is performed in public in America, and it’s done in private in Japan. While you can absolutely still find some public karaoke bars in Japan, the vast majority of karaoke is generally done in private rooms.
You can find karaoke buildings all throughout Japan where you can rent private rooms in which you and your friends can sing along to songs, order food and drinks and have a great time together.
If you have a strong aversion to singing in front of people, then this karaoke can still be embarrassing; but at least you only embarrass yourself in front of your closest friends, rather than an entire room of strangers!
Cost of Karaoke in Japan
If you are interested in trying karaoke while visiting, then you may be wondering how much it costs to do karaoke in Japan.
The answer can vary depending on the location and prestige of the establishment. Typically a karaoke room can charge about 100 to 400 yen per half-hour and per person. The prices will fluctuate depending on peak demand times. Weekdays after 6-7pm and all weekend are typically peak hours. Inversely, weekdays before 6pm, while everyone is at work, are off-peak hours. Additionally, national holidays where people are off work are also considered peak times.
If you know you are going to stay for a long time, then you can usually take advantage of the “all-you-can-sing” deals. For around 500 yen off-peak and 2500 yen peak hours, you can rent a room for as long you like.
Food and drinks are available; however, some places require you to buy at least one thing during your stay. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are available and many offer all-you-can-drink (nomihodai) deals as well.
How to Do Karaoke in Japan
The first step to doing Karaoke in Japan is to go to the reception desk at the entrance of the building, almost like you’re renting a room at a hotel. The staff will then ask you a few questions to get you set up.
They will first inquire about whether it’s your first time at their establishment. Some places require a registration or membership, so you may have to register first. They’ll probably also need some ID and may ask to see your passport.
Next the receptionist will determine your group size and ask how long you would like to sing or if you want to do the all-you-can-sing plan.
They may also take an initial order of food and drink to start you off.
Lastly they’ll ask what type of karaoke machine/room you want depending on the options they have.
After they get through their questions, they will give you a room with a tab/receipt that you can bring back to the desk after your session is finished in order to pay.
Tab in hand, you’ll then go find your room using the room number listed on your bill. Inside the room, you’ll typically find a tablet where you can order food and drinks and have them delivered directly to your room. There will also be some wireless mics to sing with and another tablet where you can select your songs.
Obviously there will be songs in Japanese, but most places also have popular English, Chinese and Korean songs as well.
Once your session is about ten minutes from ending, the reception desk will call up to let you know and you can decide whether you want to extend your time or not.
Karaoke in Japan
Whether you’re looking for a way to kill some time or to let loose with some friends after a night out, karaoke in Japan is a great choice. It’s a fun and interesting part of present-day Japanese culture and should definitely be on everyone’s Japan bucket list.
