In Japan, karaoke is far more than a festival of drunken crooning. For many Japanese, and especially for young people, karaoke can form the bedrock of social outings. Japanese karaoke bars, meanwhile, are far more advanced than those you might find in the West – in Japan, off-pitch singing has been perfected to an art.

Choose your venue. In the nightlife districts of urban Japan, karaoke bars can seem like they`re on every corner. Ask around for recommendations, or pop into the first venue you see – in Tokyo, whole buildings can be devoted to it.

Book a room. They are rented by the hour, and the prices vary depending on the time of day: more expensive times are usually at night, when they are most popular.

Locate your room and familiarize yourself with the contents. In addition to microphones and a sound system, rooms also come with concert lighting.

Choose your songs. The control pad provided will list an endless supply of options, arranged by artist or title.

Throw self-consciousness to the winds and sing. If you are initially anxious, each room is equipped with a phone from which you can order not only food, but drinks.