Music
Karaoke
Ruriko Mitsuishi (Faculty of Law, 3rd Year)
“Karaoke” is a shortened word for karappo orchestra, which means lack of orchestra. It was originally invented in Japan and is now famous and loved by many people from around the world. I often go to karaoke with exchange students after school.
One thing I realized is that while Japanese people usually sing individually, exchange students (especially Americans) tend to sing together. When they see a song they know, they get up and sing and soon it becomes a large chorus. It’s a little unusual within the Japanese to sing as a group so it was surprising at first. Some exchange students even say that going to karaoke is better than going to nightclubs.
progress year by year. Besides singing, you can enjoy a variety of food, drinks, and games. My friends and I usually go to the largest Jankara in Shijo-Kawaramachi, which is famous for its free drinks. But I have to say, the newly established Super Jankara is unlike any karaoke. The rooms are spacious, everything is lined up neatly, and it’s as if you walked into a hotel. Japanese karaoke is like heaven.
Karaoke is a good way to put aside Japanese tatemae (public position or attitude) and to bond with other people. There are awkward situations when you feel uncomfortable or nervous talking to someone for the first time but I think karaoke breaks the ice and loosens people up to have a good time.
Karaoke is one of the essential entertainments in Japanese culture that are enchanted by generations and generations.
