Karaoke - Personal Opinion


Although we have not try Karaoke in Japan yet, we have interviewed some university students about their opinion on Karaoke. Three students from Hokkaido University, Yuka, Yuna, and Misato have shared their opinion and thoughts with me.




A prevalent opinion about Karaoke is that it is a fun activity which can strengthen the relationship between friends, senpai, and co-workers. And through Karaoke, people can find out their similar preference and liking. Even if there is no common preference, by knowing about other people's favorite songs can still provide an opportunity to get to know each other. Misato and Yuka believe that Karaoke is an easy way to get along with new friends and it gives an excellent opportunity to break the ice among new friends.



Most of the time, Yuka goes to Karaoke with her close friends, because she will be nervous and shy when she sings in front of a group of new friends. Misato and Yuna also agreed that they would feel embarrassed if they have to sing in front of new friends or strangers. Yuka and Misato also point out that their song selection would be different depending on the group of people they are going with. For instance, if she is going out with a group of close friends, she is more willing to sing her favorite songs, even no one in the group knows how to sing. Yuka also mentions that the atmosphere in the Karaoke box is essential. Singing a different song in the Karaoke box can lead to a different atmosphere. With a group of new friends, Yuka would choose more popular and famous songs so everyone can get involved and enjoy the time. Misato agrees that when she goes Karaoke with senpai (先輩), or senpai from work, she tends to choose famous songs from their generation instead of the popular songs from her generation. Yuna comments that when she goes to Karaoke with her senpai, most of the time she will not have an opportunity to sing. Mostly, she will give the mic to senpai, and listen to senpai singing. It shows the hierarchy system in Japan is still very active. Yuna also says when she goes Karaoke with senpai, senpai will pay for her and she will pay for her kohai (後輩).



Regarding my own experience with Karaoke, I think it is an exciting activity to go with close friends. I agree with Yuna that I can open many conversations with my friends when we go to Karaoke. Thus, it usually strengthens our friendship. Overall, Yuna, Yuka, Misato, and I all think Karaoke is a very positive experience! Next week in Hakodate, we are going to try Karaoke on a street car which it is a completely different Karaoke experience comparing to my previous experience.

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