It's no wonder why karaoke is such a hit in Japan. It costs $10 for six hours in a private room with drinks included, and the place is open 24 hours.
Much like in America, karaokegoers in Japan usually throw a few back before belting one out.
"Karaoke is everywhere in Japan," said Asuka Ode, an international student studying at Chico State.
Though Ode is from a small town north of Tokyo, there are at least four different places to do karaoke there.
In Japan, karaoke is a private activity. Part of the thrill of American karaoke is standing up in front a bunch of a people with the possibility of making a fool of yourself.
"It's different here," said Mari Koyama, a Japanese international student. "It's open to the public, and I don't want to sing in front of people I don't know."
Entertainment arcades in Japan commonly have one floor dedicated to an activity, which can include karaoke, bowling and photo booths.
Koyama was not allowed to go to the karaoke bar until she was 13 because her mother thought that's where the "bad kids" went to do "bad things," she said.
Private rooms can be rented, each has a phone so drinks can be ordered and smoking is allowed, Ode said.
Birthday parties, co-worker get-togethers, New Year's parties, class reunions and even wedding receptions are held in karaoke bars in Japan.
"They give you tambourines and maracas," said Yuka Ando, a Japanese international student.
Since international students from Japan usually only go home for longer breaks, karaoke is something friends do to reunite, Ode said.
Karaoke machines in the United States don't have corny music videos to laugh at like those available in Japan, where a video for each song depicts a group of people singing.
"We usually make fun of the video. It's so outdated," Ode said. "They are all made in the '70s."
In Japan, some karaoke machines can score the singer's ability. There are also traditional Japanese karaoke songs, usually country songs, that are not usually sung by younger people.
"My grandma sings them," Ode said. "Young people do not."
In Japan, karaoke is more family-centered, and it is not uncommon for families to go every week. America has its own karaoke ideals, and in Chico, karaoke can be found in restaurants and bars.
Eden Draper can be reached at edraper@theorion.com
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