The popular karaoke bar is a phenomenon that for Japanese people is as natural as oxygen. The name karaoke means "empty orchestra", an orchestra without vocals. Japanese people love to party and enjoy having someone sing to liven up the atmosphere. It's more important to sing than to sing well. Singing a little off-key can bring laughter, adding some extra spice to the party.

It seems that Japanese people are a bit more generous towards each other when it comes to singing in public. You won't be judged or criticized. Karaoke is a way to relax and bond as Japanese people don't have many outlets to relieve stress and are normally very reserved. Karaoke allows them to be a little silly and childish in an accepted context.

Karaoke isn't only sung with friends at a bar but also in so-called karaoke boxes. These can range from a separate room adjacent to a karaoke bar to a small booth in a shopping center. Japanese people often rent a karaoke box after work and let loose for a couple of hours.