カラオケ
からおけ
karaoke
= karaoke / singing to recorded music
Karaoke (カラオケ) is singing along to pre-recorded instrumental music. Invented in Japan, it became a global phenomenon and integral part of Japanese nightlife and social bonding.
Karaoke involves singing over backing tracks in dedicated venues or at home. Started in Japan in the 1970s as a home amusement before becoming a massive industry. Karaoke establishments rent private rooms by the hour. Singing karaoke is a social activity—friends gather to sing together. It’s a confidence-building activity and social bonding ritual. Professional karaoke competitions exist.
Karaoke is about confidence and fun, not perfection. Joining coworkers for karaoke is common team-building in Japan.
カラ (from ‘kara’/empty) + オケ (from ‘orchestra’)
EXAMPLE 1
友達とカラオケに行った。本当に楽しかった。
Tomodachi to karaoke ni itta. Hontou ni tanoshikatta.
I went to karaoke with friends. It was so fun.
EXAMPLE 2
カラオケで、好きな歌を歌った。
Karaoke de, suki na uta wo utatta.
At karaoke, I sang my favorite song.
EXAMPLE 3
会社の同僚とカラオケをするのは、チームビルディングだ。
Kaisha no douryou to karaoke wo suru no wa, chimu birudingu da.
Going to karaoke with coworkers is team-building.
Karaoke is quintessentially Japanese. Originated in Japan, now global.
Social bonding ritual across Japan’s social life.
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