Karaoke Culture Day
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What Is Karaoke Culture Day?
October 17th is "Karaoke Culture Day" in Japan. It was established by the All-Japan Karaoke Industrialist Association, a national body of businesses that sell and lease karaoke equipment. The date comes from the founding of the association on October 17, 1994. Based on the view that "karaoke is the greatest entertainment culture Japan has produced," the day aims to spread the appeal and culture of karaoke even further.
Karaoke: Entertainment Made in Japan
Karaoke is a Japanese form of entertainment now understood around the world simply as "karaoke." The association promotes it through support for cultural activities and exchanges.
- Established by:All-Japan Karaoke Industrialist Association
- Date origin:the association's founding date, October 17, 1994
- Meaning of the word:"kara" means "empty" and "oke" is short for "orchestra"
- Recent activities:holds a "Karaoke Culture Day Festival" around the day
From "Empty Performance" to "Karaoke"
Before the word "karaoke" caught on, backing-only performances were often called "kara-ensō" (empty performance), and one theory says the word "karaoke" was born from casual talk among members of the NHK Symphony Orchestra. As part of its Karaoke Culture Day activities, the association holds a "Karaoke Culture Day Festival" and has run a slogan contest encouraging people to get home safely after drinking. Founded as the industry's first nationwide body of karaoke businesses, the association also works for the orderly development of the industry. Singing out loud is enjoyed by all generations as a way to refresh.
Tips for Marking This Day
- Sing your heart out at karaoke after work
- Share the origin of the word -- "empty orchestra" -- as a conversation starter
- Swap go-to karaoke songs with your coworkers
- Find songs that family and friends of all ages can enjoy together
Sing, and Your Heart Feels Lighter
The refreshing feeling after finishing a song is part of karaoke's charm. On October 17th, give thanks for this Japanese entertainment culture and hum a favorite tune.