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What do you think of karaoke?

18 Comments

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18 Comments
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Great place to pick up girls.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

One of Japan's many great gifts to the world next to flip-flops, lucky cat statues, folding fans, sushi, anime and a system for accurately measuring and responding to tornadoes. But like most things it's fun when done right horrible when done wrong.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I like it more as a participatory sport, not spectator sport.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Great fun, one of my favorite activities.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I'd enjoy it... if I could sing a note ;) I think it's great and definitely a major part of modern Japanese pastimes (esp. as you're with coworkers more often than not).

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Love music, but detest karaoke1

1 ( +1 / -0 )

If done in moderation, it could be fun and another way to break the ice among camaraderie.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Since living in Japan I have taken to it and it is a good way to spend a drunken evening with friends or meet new people. box karaoke is not that great but if you can find a snack or similar where all sing in one room wih good company and booze and snacks it can be excellent.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

As a musician, I personally don't, but it can be sometimes fun to sing a few songs here and there, but I mostly go for the beer and food and LMAO at some of the people I'm with watching them play air guitar to the point that they are virtually having a meltdown. I also think my Japanese friends take it way more seriously than my foreign friends. But after a few drinks, who cares?

0 ( +2 / -2 )

I am always depressed and baffled when Japanese friends of mine talked about how karaoke helped them "relax and let go of stress." Goodness. Go for a run or just hang out talking. Read a book. Walk in the park. Sitting in a creepy neon box singing bad songs...just awful.

Karaoke is only a part of my life when I'm de-stressing in a different way: by getting thoroughly drunk.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

Aside from the tone-deaf 'performers' it can be fun, especially if you know what you're doing. In Tokyo, a few years ago, I had the opportunity to give it a go when a woman took me to one. After a few drinks, she managed to convince me to try it, so I did Deep Purple's 'Woman from Tokyo' and blew away the crowd as well as embarrassed her, but it a nice way. Just happens I performed the song for years in my band. Didn't need the words.

But the funniest experience was in Zao, where a small group of men and women treated me to a few drinks and I gave it a go again. One of the women was named Kayo, so I picked 'Lola', changed the song slightly to spell out and sing K - A - Y - O, and she loved it! Of course, her husband thought I was hitting on her, at first, but he came around and started the applause, at the end.

Fun? Absolutely! Just be good at it!

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Karaoke absolutely blows. Don't see the allure of tone-deaf people screwing up songs I don't like in the first place. One of the world's worst inventions.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

Don't enjoy it hence don't care.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Love it. It's a great way to unwind and have fun with close friends. My friends and I do it once a month, and we never get tired of it.

In past workplaces, it's been a great way to bond with co-workers and break down a lot of the inhibitions that arise from perceived language barriers. Tokyo working folk, on the other hand, seem to avoid karaoke like the plague. Don't quite know what that's about yet.

With family, it's always fun to load the machine with songs our kids know and let them go at it while the adults partake of unlimited drink bars and stress-free conversation.

I think karaoke's wonderful. Wish I had been able to do it when I was younger.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Been dragged there twice in 14 years. Both times somebody sang the Celine Dion atrocity from Titanic. Painful memories.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

I think it's can be very fun. And usually isn't.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Noisy and smoky.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Most people are not aware of the health benefits of karaoke. It provides therapy for stroke victims with speech issues. It actually exercises the lungs to full capacity allowing more oxygen into the bloodstream. In the end extra oxygen goes to the brain resulting in higher brain performance. Karaoke can also tone muscles, strengthen the stomach and bladder and even strengthen the immune system by raising endorphins like dopamine. The psychological effects are quite obvious. It can improve self-discipline, reduce depression and teaches patience, acceptance, and understanding.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

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