Is Karaoke still a thing?

In case you were wondering if Japanese people still flock to karaoke (pronounced ka-raw-okay in Japanese), the answer is yes.  The 1980's sensation may not still be in it's height of popularity, but it is still very common. 

Not everyone chooses to go to a karaoke room.  Many people use their smart TVs to sing along to their favorite songs.  My husband has an app through his Xbox.  He purchases time allotments (of one hour or one month) then sings the afternoon or evening away.  He often sings with our son, sharing the microphone and enthusiasm.

There are fancy systems, too.  But most people just use apps because it is less to buy and store.  Most of them rank your tone and timeliness so you know if you are singing in key and on tempo.  I guess my husband's app has the ranking system, too, but he turned it off because it is not our speed.  We're much more casual.  Although my husband wishes I would stay in tune once in a while.

There are still lots of karaoke championships on television.  These contestants are not looking for fame or a singing contract, like on American Idol and all the other shows on American TV.  They just want the prize money, like on a game show.

To put it simply, singing is very popular here.  Whether you are singing by yourself in your living room, with a group of friends in a karaoke room, or on television, everyone wants to join in.