13 June 2014

Karaoke カラオケ

Karaoke is a simple sound combination of the of Japanese kara "empty" and ōkesutora オーケストラ "orchestra.”  (Note that kara is also in karate – “empty” and then te “hand.”)

It is a form of interactive entertainment or video game in which amateur singers sing along with recorded music (a music video) using a microphone and public address system. The music is typically a well-known pop song minus the lead vocal. Lyrics are usually displayed on a video screen, along with a moving symbol, changing color, or music video images, to guide the singer.  (from Wikipedia)

There are family/small group karaoke businesses.  The facility will have several rooms with karaoke machines, microphones, and a couch.  For an hourly fee a family/small group can use the room and also purchase ice cream and other treats to eat in the room.
http://www.shockmeaudio.com/karaokesystem/Laptop/lapkaraokelarge.jpg
Some karaoke systems rate your singing.  Disney movie soundtracks are very popular.