Karaoke box

A karaoke box (カラオケボックス, karaoke bokkusu) is a type of karaoke establishment commonly found in Asia, the United States and Canada. It originated in Japan, and is now popular worldwide, particularly in Asia. Karaoke boxes consist of multiple rooms containing karaoke equipment, usually rented out for a period of time. A typical karaoke box establishment contains 10–20 (or more) such rooms, that can be themed so that each room has a different feeling or can be a traditional karaoke box, as well as have a main karaoke bar area in the front. Karaoke box establishments often sell beverages, and sometimes food, but sometimes the establishment offers free refreshments. Many people of all ages enjoy karaoke as a pastime in Japan, as it still has a significant influence in the Japanese music scene and tourists are attracted to it as well. While people visit and enjoy karaoke boxes with family and friends, people also go by themselves and are able to enjoy the comfort of performing in the room by themselves. There is also a different style of karaoke, the traditional type where the patrons sing in front of everyone, that is also still offered in popular entertainment areas. A new style of karaoke booth has appeared in Chinese shopping malls; customers can enter a booth, similar to a photo-booth, that allows them to perform different songs. It is suitable for use by one or two people. The booths are cheaper than the traditional karaoke box, as customers do not have to rent a room but just go in and sing a number of songs. The booths are very similar to the karaoke boxes but on a more intimate scale, with at least 20,000 booths running with an estimated CN¥3.18 billion (US$477 million) in 2017. The booths have an air conditioner,...