In Japan, karaoke is nothing like how it is in the US. In the US, it’s a big group event where one person sings in front of a crowd. It’s meant to be a bit embarrassing. In Japan, however, it’s a private event with only a few people per group and you get a private room. It’s customary to get a drink with your room and you rent the karaoke room for 1-3 hours. Lots of Japanese people use this to unwind at the end of the week, sing, dance, and blow off steam with friends or coworkers.

Leanne and I found a karaoke place near our house where we sang for an hour. It was a lot of fun! Leanne is camera shy but believe me, she can really sing!