Understanding karaoke probably takes understanding its origins a bit. It fits that combination of "letting go" and "regimented fun" that is so typical in Japan.

Understanding karaoke probably takes understanding its origins a bit. It fits that combination of "letting go" and "regimented fun" that is so typical in Japan. You get blind drunk, often with your co-workers, even boss, and make fools of yourselves, preferably in a somewhat predictable, systematized fashion. The whole point is to drop the usual social strictures, but in the context of something which is itself, somewhat controlled. Then you stagger home and puke on each others' shoes, and the workplace/friendship bond is deepened. That's contrasted to the more informal, "Singing at a social gathering", which often tends to prize actual singing ability; it's a means to entertain the group, not a social ritual.