Entertainment! Japan Return to Essay List

Karaoke
Photo from www-jcsu.jesus.cam.ac.uk

Karaoke: singing popular songs accompanied by a recording of an orchestra (usually in bars or nightclubs) (Want try Karaoke yourself on your computer? EASY! Just plug in a microphone and start singing. http://www.freekaraoke.com/ gives you access to free songs to sing along to!

J-Pop: Japanese pop music sounds similar to Western pop music. The lyrics are mostly in Japanese; however, many songs contain some English expressions or have an English title.
(Into j-pop or other forms of Japanese music? visit http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-14-71-av-49-en.html to nab yourself some tunes)

Enka
Photo from http://www.quixium.com/enka/

Enka: The term enka refers to two different styles of Japanese music. The first is a traditional type of music from both the Meiji period (1868–1912) and the Taisho period (1912-1926). The second is a genre of melodramatic Japanese popular songs, which has been likened to American country music in terms of themes and audience. The term now usually refers to the latter. In recent decades, enka music has declined both in sales and in recognition as American-like J-Pop music has become more popular. However, there are still many in Japan who like it. Its popularity among younger Japanese people has increased lately because of singer Kiyoshi Hikawa and the early solo releases of then-Morning Musume member Yuko Nakazawa. Enka singers, especially females, usually perform in a kimono.
(To learn more about Enka visit: http://www.quixium.com/enka/)

Manga and Anime: Manga are Japanese comics. In Japan, there are comics covering every possible topic from recipes to travel guides and from science fiction to history. Consequently, there are manga for children, adults and almost every age and interest group. For example, it is not uncommon to see business men reading thick comics books in commuter trains.
Anime are Japanese cartoons. Japanese manga and anime (e.g. Sailor Moon and Pokemon) have become popular around the world.
(For legal online manga Downloads: http://www.stoptazmo.com/ has a great selection o_<)

Pachinko
Photo from www.valpo.edu

Pachinko: a Japanese pinball game played on a vertical machine in which slots struck by the player's ball release other balls that in turn are exchanged for noncash prizes.

Hot Springs/Onsen
Photo from www.city.sendai.jp

Hot Springs: A Japanese hot spring. The country's volcanic geography means there are many hot spring resorts, or spas, a favorite destination of private or company excursions. Onsen hotels can have public baths as large as swimming pools.