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"KARAOKE"
KARAOKE is a system, which enables ordinary people to feel like he is a professional singer by singing with the backing tracks. What is the etymology of KARAOKE? KARA means, "empty" in Japanese and OKE is an abbreviation stands for orchestra used in network. Therefore, the meaning of KARAOKE is to use a tape or gramophone record as a substitute for a live orchestra. The trigger for the invention was a request from a guest to a bandsman. In the early 1970's, he asked a bandsman to make an instrumental music tape for an employees' trip. The bandsman invented the first KARAOKE machine that played songs per 100-yen for 5 minutes. This KARAOKE machine was placed at nightclubs and rapidly came into wide use. In 1976, KARAOKE cassette tape went on the market and it created a great sensation all over Japan. Two years later, when a new type of KARAOKE machine named "Home Karaoke" was released, it enabled us to enjoy KARAOKE at home and won tremendous popularity. For those who are not comfortable with singing songs in front of people, it was a savior. They were able to make a practice personally with this machine at home. Furthermore, some people used it to give a home party. Thus Home Karaoke was well received. As KARAOKE took an appropriate position in the entertainment field, it evolved rapidly and has added functions, such as monitor screen, key and tempo controller and a unique function that grades singer's skill on a scale of one to 100. Later a specialty KARAOKE store called "KARAOKE BOX" appeared and it has become today's mainstream of KARAOKE business. KARAOKE BOX is a small studio designed for small numbers of people to enjoy KARAOKE and the origin of this system is said to be a remodeled track container. Today, we can find numerous KARAOKE BOX complexes in busy quarters.  Well, please let me introduce the system and some guidelines to enjoy KAROKE BOX.First of all, please book a room at the reception. One of the store staffs shows us a KARAOKE room and gives us a remote controller of KARAOKE machine. The room is decorated with a mirror ball and systematic illuminations, which changes automatically according to the compositions. You can order snacks, light meals and beverages including alcoholic drinks over the built-in phone. Also, they provide a tambourine and maracas to liven up the party. You may think that Japanese are modest and shy. But you will find the other side of Japanese feature if you have a chance to go KARAOKE with Japanese business persons. The purpose of going to KARAOKE BOX may vary from person to person. However, the factor common to everybody is that it releases stresses. Therefore, we have been addicted to KARAOLE for a long time. In conclusion, U.S. magazine TIME introduced the above-mentioned bandsman as "The most effective people to Asia in this century" in 1999. |