Japanese Karaoke Bar?

Question

I'm wondering if any tourists to Japan have had experiences in one, I am going to Tokyo in a few months with some friends and I have been suggested to try one out as they are meant to be a lot of fun.

I want to know what it is like and how the locals react to you getting up to sing? lol.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

You had better sing or else you will be considered a wet blanket. Any given Westerner will have it pointed out to them that they must be able to sing at least some hymn or fight song, if nothing else. You don't have to be good-just do your best and be good sport. Karaoke in N. America is about being a decent amateur singer-it's not the same in Japan. In Japan it's more like even if you can't play pool very well you should shoot one rack when you go to the bar, and then you can drink in peace.

I can't sing worth very well, but I can do an angsty version of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" that drives my vocal cords to the limit-that seems to keep people quiet for a while. At least they don't ask for more, nor complain about me being a bad sport.

Answer 2

Hello Dave,
a karaoke bar and a karaoke box arent the same thing. a karaoke box has soundproofed rooms which you and your buddies rent for a coupla hours. how you find enjoyment depends on you. classically you are supposed to sing and order drink&food. i find this boring. people dont invite me anyway

Answer 3

Karaoke Bar? In Japan? You must speak Japanese well enough to pass genuine Japanese bar girls out there. If you don't care where they are from, you may speak in English to Chinese, Russian, Filipina and/or Korean etc. foreigners bar girls there.

In addition, you need to consider to pay quite expensive charge even for just one set no matter how many girls you designate. If you just want to sing songs, go to Karaoke room where you can drink either. It costs much cheaper.

If you meant to be the family type Karaoke room, that is usually providing a separated room for each customer group so that you don't worry about any reaction from others unknown.

Many bars in Japan have their Karaoke service and locals down there don't care who sings songs anyway.

Answer 4

I was invited into a small karaoke bar in Osaka and had a great time! It was a bit difficult at first to find English songs, but once we got the hang of it we had a lot of fun. While I was singing more and more Japanese came in to join us and they sang especially for me! I can recommend it. Have fun!