karaoke

Karaoke is a form of interactive entertainment in which individuals sing along to pre-recorded music tracks with on-screen lyrics guiding the performance. The backing music is typically instrumental, and participants sing into a microphone linked to a sound system, projecting their voice to an audience or a private room.

Karaoke originated in Japan in the early 1970s. The first karaoke machine is attributed to Daisuke Inoue, a musician from Kobe, who developed a device that allowed patrons to sing along to instrumental tracks at bars. The term karaoke comes from the Japanese words kara (empty) and oke (orchestra), describing an “empty orchestra.”

Equipment and formats vary from dedicated karaoke machines with built-in libraries to home systems and mobile apps that stream songs and display synchronized lyrics. Earlier devices used cassette or vinyl media, while later ones employed CD+G, DVD, Blu-ray, and digital streaming. Modern systems often include features such as key and tempo adjustments, scoring, and social sharing. Lyrics are presented in large, scrolling text on a screen or projector to facilitate singing.

Venues and global spread have popularized karaoke as a social activity. In Japan and many parts of Asia, private rooms known as karaoke boxes are common, while bars and clubs in many countries offer public or stage-style karaoke. Home entertainment and online platforms have broadened access, with smartphones and streaming services providing extensive catalogs without dedicated equipment.

As a widespread leisure activity, karaoke combines music, performance, and social interaction, continuing to evolve with digital platforms and varying licensing practices across regions.