As some of you might know, the word Karaoke originated from Japan. It comes from the Japanese words kara (empty) and ōkesutora (orchestra). The implication being, therefore, that Karaoke can be a one-man music show. The origin of the Karaoke machine, however, it’s a somewhat debated topic. On one hand, we have Japan, stating that Karaoke machines were invented by Daisuke Inoue. On the other, we have the Philippines, defending Roberto del Rosario as the true inventor. In either case, what can’t be denied is that Japan innovated the most with the technology. As Karaoke continues to garner popularity, Japanese audio technology grows and expands alongside it. Nowhere is this clearer than in Japanese Karaoke Bars, which have become staples of the nation’s nightlife. Today, we want to tell you about one of (if not) the best Japanese Karaoke chains: Big Echo Karaoke.
Big Echo Karaoke is more than a collection of karaoke bars, it’s a quintessential Japanese experience. It’s a place where one’s voice blends with that of famous rock-stars, and the immersive audio lets you live your stardom fantasies. A place to share and sing along with friends and family. A glimpse into Japan’s nightlife, and an invitation to be a part of it. So, join us as we explore the amazing world Big Echo Karaoke has stored for us.
What sets Big Echo Karaoke apart?
So, what makes Big Echo Karaoke so special? What sets it apart from other Japanese Karaoke chains, like, for example, Karaoke-Kan? The answer to all these questions lies in its history. Big Echo Karaoke started in September 1988, as a project spearheaded by the DAIICHIKOSHO company.
For those unaware, DAIICHIKOSHO is a Japanese electronics company specialized in Karaoke Machines. This brand has been in the Karaoke business since the beginning, as evidenced by their 1976 TD-20 Karaoke system. However, they truly established themselves as leaders in the industry with the release of the DAM Karaoke System (Daiichikosho Amusement Multimedia).
The DAM karaoke System
Image credit: Enjoy Sing
Ever since its introduction, the DAM Karaoke System has remained an industry-setter in the world of Karaoke. Arriving relatively late, the first DAM system was released in 1994, well after the Karaoke boom of the 1980s. Nevertheless, their innovations were immediately noticeable. The first models included 64 chords of electronic instruments, live vocal backing, and video CD compatibility. Furthermore, as the DAM system evolved, their audio quality and song selection kept growing. The current models, the LIVE DAM AI series, includes AI assistant technology, voice recognition, and over 250,000 songs.
This is, needless to say, impressive, but it’s not necessarily what we look for in Karaoke. What really concerns most people, like you and me, it’s whether we’ll be able to sing along to our favourite songs. Furthermore, DAM has competition, with the JOYSOUND Karaoke System rivalling it in extra features and song-catalogue. So, should you ask an establishment whether they have DAM or JOYSOUND? Well, yes, as both systems have their merit.
I would personally give DAM the edge, as it’s the Japanese Karaoke System that features the most English songs. As some Japanese Karaoke goers have put it: “DAM has more Western bangers.” JOYSOUND is a great option if you like Japanese over Western music, as they do have some amazing options like the Touhou Project tracks. However, if you’re looking to sing your favourite song the way Scarlett Johanson sang in Lost in Translation, DAM it’s your best option.
Additionally, I must mention both systems have easy to understand UI (user interface) and English language options.
Big Echo Karaoke, the DAM Paradise
Image credit: Big Echo.jp
Now, returning to Big Echo Karaoke, you’ll easily understand what sets them apart from their competitors. Being a project of DAIICHIKOSHO, Big Echo always has the best DAM systems before anyone else. As a matter of fact, while I was writing this article, a new DAM system was announced through their website: LIVE DAM WAO!
Furthermore, Big Echo possesses special equipment specifically designed to make the best out of the system: microphones, television screens, audio amplifiers and more. Add to this their impeccable layout and rooms, and Big Echo Karaoke stands out immediately.
A Karaoke Bar at its Core
So far, it’s reasonable for you to believe that Big Echo Karaoke is a sort of DAM amusement park. A playground where common folks can experience the very best technology in the Karaoke World. However, dear reader, this is but one of the things that makes Big Echo Karaoke special. At its core, Big Echo is a Karaoke bar, and needs more than good equipment to stand out from its competition. We’ve already looked at the bigger picture, so now it’s the time we examine the little details. Those things that make you want to return to a place, write a review and tell your friend. We’re talking about the service, the food, the layout, and the experience that awaits your arrival to properly exist.
The Big Echo Staff
Image credit: Big Echo Jobfind
The majority of the staff is composed of part-time university students, which makes their professionalism all the more impressive. Entering a Big Echo Karaoke establishment means being met with a warm smile, and a group of people ready to meet you and your friend’s every need. All while dressed in a clean and cool uniform, which adds to the welcoming atmosphere of the place.
It would, obviously, be unfair on our part saying it’s great all the time. There exist some reviews that have criticized how the staff lacked attention on a busy day. However, if you’ve ever worked in retail, you’ll know this is perfectly normal. Furthermore, there exist many interviews with staff members, all of which express gratitude towards Big Echo Karaoke. Most of them note how the friendly work environment allowed them to smile genuinely and make good friends with the customers. As one interview puts it: “It’s rewarding, it’s safe, and it’s great to have friends.” And this wonderful and elegant environment is something you can immediately feel by setting foot in Big Echo Karaoke.
The Big Echo Food
Image credit: Big Echo.jp
Before, after and during a Karaoke session, Big Echo has you covered with some excellent and varied food options. Their menu has everything you would want from a Karaoke bar, with fantastic appetizers, delicious meals, and an extensive list of beverages (both with and without alcohol). Among their food items you’ll find some familiar faces, like french fries, onion rings, pizza, garlic bread and more. That is, western-style food. However, Big Echo Karaoke is a proudly Japanese establishment, as evidenced by their offerings of takoyaki, ramen, edamame, and fried octopus.
Admittedly, their food can be quite expensive by Japanese standards. Although it would still be considered cheap by western standards, it would be misleading from our end not to mention it. This being said, Big Echo does offer some great deals in the form of party courses and all-you-can-drink bundles. They have two party course options, both of which were carefully selected by their chef. These come as a bonus with a 3-hour room charge, and are available for 2 people or more. Their all-you-can-drink menu features four options, which range from strong liquor to soft drinks.
Finally, Big Echo Karaoke includes a list of allergies in their menus, both in physical and digital formats. Moreover, Big Echo closely follows HACCP guidelines, which ensures no cross-food contamination and excellent hygiene standards.
Big Echo Convenient Services
Of course, great services go beyond a friendly staff and delicious food. A truly great and versatile establishment is there when you didn’t know you needed it. Big Echo Karaoke fits that criteria.
All of their rooms, for example, include free Wi-fi, offering valuable internet access when you need it most. If you ever get lost in Japan, just know there’s probably a Big Echo Karaoke place which can help you get back on track. Furthermore, their rooms offering free Wi-fi has led to many people using them for teleworking. You might think it’s counterintuitive to work in a place full of people singing, but their soundproof walls make the environment perfect. If you don’t turn-on the Karaoke Machine, what’s left is a beautifully designed room just for you.
Based on what was said previously, Big Echo could potentially be whatever you see fit. Their rooms can be an office, the scenario for a perfect date, a movie theater, or resting place for busy days. In short, they offer a safe space, which is why we must now mention one of the better uses people have found for it.
The Perfect Bounce Partner
As you’ll see further down this article, Big Echo Karaoke establishments are strategically located. Whether it is in large cities or in authentic Japanese towns, Big Echo can usually be found near the major train station. This is convenient for more reasons than you might think. You can, of course, have one last Karaoke night before heading back. But, perhaps one of the best and most used applications is using their rooms to store your luggage.
Instead of walking around with your luggage in hand, or being forced to return to the hotel at the last minute, you can have it next to the station at a Big Echo establishment. As mentioned previously, their rooms are a safe space, meaning your luggage will be more than secured in their hands. Depending on the establishment, it can be open 24 hours or from 10 AM to 5 PM, making it perfect for morning, noon or night train rides.
Big Echo Karaoke Rooms
So far, we’ve mentioned a lot of alternative uses for their rooms, but the main reason you’ll obviously want to visit them is to sing Karaoke. Needless to say, Big Echo offers some of the best private rooms in the Japanese Karaoke business, if not the whole world. As previously mentioned, all of their rooms offer free Wi-Fi, but many also include free smartphone connectivity kits, meaning you can find any song available on the internet. If you’re an artist, you could even sing your own songs. Choosing a room is, therefore, a matter of preference, and Big Echo has an option for everyone.
The Flat Room
The ideal room for a small group of friends, the Flat Room is a cozy option for Karaoke goers. The layout and decoration varies depending on location, but in every establishment you’ll find the right equipment and a warm environment.
The Flat Room is perfect to show your closest friends the quirkiest side of you. Pick a song you love and let yourself be carried away by the comfort of this beautiful place.
Luxury Room
Spacious and elegant, the Luxury Room is ideal for large gatherings and events that intend to last a long time. As evidenced by the video, these rooms come equipped with wardrobes and storages, ready to receive your worn out singing clothes. Furthermore, these rooms come equipped with a large television screen, a table perfect for a party course, and beautiful lighting.
You and your friends will savour every second in this beautiful room, wishing the clock stops ticking and the moment lasts forever.
Blacklight Room
One of the most immersive experiences you can find in Karaoke, the Blacklight Room transports you to a new reality. The lighting and backgrounds transform at your will, creating a new environment for whatever song you’ll want.
This room is direct and to the point: you come here to live the singing fantasies you’ve always dreamed of. From tropical beats to city pop tunes, the Blacklight Room can bring you to the place that gave birth to them.
Lighting Room
A place to show your skills, have a laugh, and dance to your friends singing over disco lights, the Lighting Room is a guaranteed blast. This is the closest Big Echo has to some western-style Karaoke layout, as it features a little stage. Nevertheless, it’s a private room, created so you can go all-out without the fear of strangers passing by.
As the name clearly indicates, this room is set apart by its disco lighting. The atmosphere is always fun, but, crucially, it’s not noisy. It’s up to you and your friends to give this place the sound it deserves.
Other Big Echo Rooms
Image credit: Big Echo.jp
The four previously mentioned rooms are the staples of Big Echo Karaoke, but they’re not the only ones. With each passing year, Big Echo continues to improve the Karaoke in Japan experience with new themed rooms, special events, added features and more. Unfortunately, many of these special rooms are not available in all Big Echo facilities. For that reason, we thought it would be best to group them in this section.
One of the most interesting newly added rooms are the Dual Projector Rooms. As the name suggests, these rooms feature at least two screens, with some stores even offering up to four. These screens add to the immersive feel of Karaoke, as they can project big crowds, making you the center stage of a large concert. As previously stated, these can’t be found in all facilities, which is why we would advise you to visit the Big Echo Karaoke Website, to find the one nearest you.
Another impressive and even more exclusive option is the Your-Favorite-Color rooms. These can only be found in the Shin-Yurakucho Store. As you might have guessed, these rooms are fully themed around a colour. Currently, there are 11 different colours for you to choose from, including Green, Pink, Red and even the silvery Aurora. These are perfect for exclusive parties, and people know it, which is why we would encourage you to book in advance.
Finally, another noteworthy room is the IQOS Room. Yes, IQOS, the famous heated tobacco company. In Big Echo Karaoke, you can get a special room that allows you to enjoy them without issue. Once again, stores that include these rooms are limited, so it’s better to check the website first.
Japan’s Nightlife Essential
Did you know there’s a whole karaoke etiquette in Japan? Well, there is! It includes not singing over other people’s songs, not talking loudly, cheering the singer, not hogging the mic and not queuing up multiple songs. And Japanese Karaoke goers follow them very closely.
I bring this up to illustrate that Karaoke in Japan is bigger than some of us might realize. Friday and Saturday nights see people of all ages eager to let themselves be heard through a microphone. From calm neighborhoods to the extravagant entertainment districts, Karaoke is always present. Big Echo Karaoke, being the biggest Karaoke chain, is essential to this beautiful ecosystem. And, like every crucial part of an ecosystem, Big Echo has its ups and downs.
The Ups and Downs
Now, I would like to be a messenger. A medium from which you can get to know Big Echo Karaoke from other people’s perspective. I can tell you about Tamao Yatani, who went after a long day of work and sang to his heart’s content. Maybe you find Donnie more relatable, as he spent half the night singing Queen songs with some friends. And I couldn’t forget about the guy who almost falls asleep while in a Zoom meeting, just because the Big Echo Karaoke Rooms were just that comfortable. These are all real people, who left comments of the wonderful experience they had.
Of course, it would be misleading from our end not to mention the bad reviews. Samantha, for example, wasn’t told the all-you-can-drink didn’t work with the tablet, and paid extra for what she ordered. A local guide, Hober, thinks the food prices are way too high for the quality you’re getting. Another customer, MoA, had a malfunctioning remote control and had to wait for the Staff to fix it. Overall, the average score of Big Echo Karaoke is 3.5 stars. If you’re anything like me, the sweet spot sits around 3.8 and higher.
However, what I want you to get out of this is the bigger picture. Big Echo Karaoke is not a curated experience designed to make for your perfect night. For the most part, it’s just there as an option. But it has been there for Japanese people for as long as they can remember. Many people, therefore, have some strong opinions about it, both positive and negative. Is a friend, a comfort place and a rival. It’s there to stay. And Japan wouldn’t have it any other way.
Big Echo Karaoke Locations
Being the largest Karaoke chain in Japan, Big Echo has more than 550 stores across the nation. Needless to say, covering all of them would take a long time, not to mention be tedious to read about. For that reason, we’ve selected a few of their flagship locations and the closest major station to get to them. For the sake of simplicity, we’ve divided this section into cities.
Fukuoka
Image credit: Big Echo.jp
The city that started it all, Fukuoka saw the birth of the first Big Echo Karaoke establishment back in 1988. The relationship between this city and Big Echo has only continued to grow, as it now hosts a total of 7 stores. However, there is one store that clearly stands out from the rest for its size and quality, and that’s Big Echo Hakata Chikushi Guchi. As the name suggests, it is located next to the Hakata Station, the most important train station in the city. The place is, therefore, connected to the Fukuoka Subway, Kyushu Railway Company and the West Japan Railway Company. Getting there is, in short, a breeze.
🕒 Schedule: Open from 11 AM to 6 AM, including weekdays, weekends and holidays.
Tokyo
Image credit: Luna Wang, via Unsplash
Unsurprisingly, the Japanese capital hosts the biggest number of Big Echo Karaoke locations, with more than 20 establishments. All of them are worth visiting, but, once again, the most important ones can be found near major train stations. These being: Yaesu Honten, Ginza Sukiyabashi, Shibuya Dogenzaka, Naka-meguro, and Kichijoji.
The first one, Yaesu Honten, is located right next to the Tokyo Station, making it the easiest one to access. To get there, you have the options of Central Japan Railways lines, the Tokyo Metro, the Shinkansen (bullet train), and direct train and buses from Narita International Airport. This is also a good time to mention the Big Echo Karaoke Ginza Sukiyabashi, as it’s located within a 9-minute walk from the Tokyo station. However, the benefit of this one in particular is that it’s located right next to the Ginza Station, allowing easier access to the subway.
The Big Echo Shibuya Dogenzaka should be self-explanatory, as it can be found as soon as you exit the world-famous Shibuya Station. For those unaware, this means it connects to JR East, as well as the Tokyo Metro and Tokyo Bus Terminal.
Afterwards we have Big Echo Karaoke Naka-meguro, located within a 5-minute walk from the Naka-meguro Station. This, in turn, means it is connected to the Tokyo Metro and Tokyu Railways.
Finally, as you’ve figured out by now, Big Echo Karaoke Kichijoji is next to the Kichijoji Station. It once again is connected to the JR East lines, but also the privately run Keio Railway line.
🕒 Schedule: All of them are open from 11 AM to 5 AM, with some variation over weekends and holidays. Kichijoji is the exception, opening from 9 AM to 5AM every day.
Osaka
Image credit: Local guide Xin
Osaka, being one of the historical capitals of the nation, is home to a large number of Big Echo Karaoke stores. However, and perhaps the most surprising thing, it’s the fact that the majority of establishments are located in the Kita-ku District. For those unaware, Kita-ku is a major commercial, shopping and entertainment district in Osaka. Given the nature of Big Echo Karaoke, it’s no shock to know they can be found there. But, what is surprising is that you can find most of them within walking distance of each other. A simple stroll down the Sonezaki Ohatsu Tenjin-dori Shopping Street will make this evidently clear.
The best way to get to Kita-ku is by going to the Umeda Station, located at the center of the district. This is connected to the JR West lines, as well as the Osaka Metro. There’s a Big Echo Karaoke right outside the station, Big Echo Karaoke Umeda. This means you don’t have to walk much if you want to get directly to the action. This being said, I will encourage you to do so, as Osaka’s shopping streets are something to behold.
🕒 Schedule: Most Big Echo Karaoke in Kita-Ku are open from 11AM to 5AM, with some variations during weekends and holidays. Big Echo Karaoke Umeda, however, is open 24 hours Fridays and saturdays.
Kyoto
Given Kyoto’s reputation as the historical and cultural capital, it’s understandable that it has fewer Big Echo Karaoke stores compared to other major cities. Don’t get me wrong, Karaoke is a cultural touchstone of Japan, it’s just that Big Echo’s store facade doesn’t necessarily combine with the solemnity of Japanese temples. Elegant, yes, but in a different way. This being said, Kyoto is home to some fantastic Big Echo Karaoke establishments. Two notable ones are: Shijo Karasuma and Kyoto Ekimae.
Starting off with Big Echo Kyoto Ekimae, this one is located next to the Kyoto Station. Consequently, this means is connected to the Kyoto Municipal Subway, the JR Central and West lines, and the Kintetsu Railways. Big Echo Shijo Karamusa, on the other hand, is only connected to the subway through the Karasuma Line. This is, nevertheless, important, as the Karasuma Line is the best connected metro line in Kyoto.
🕒 Schedule: Big Echo Karaoke Kyoto Ekimae follows the usual schedule of the company, going from 11AM to 5AM. The Shijo Karasuma location, however, opens from 2PM to 5AM weekdays and from 12PM to 5 AM on weekends.
Pro-tip: Big Echo Karaoke Is Your Late-Night Luggage Solution
Big Echo Karaoke is not only a hub for music enthusiasts but also a practical partner for travelers needing flexible luggage storage. Many Big Echo locations across Japan collaborate with Bounce, offering secure storage options that align with their extended operating hours, often until 5 AM.
This partnership is especially beneficial for travelers with late-night plans or early morning departures. You can store your luggage at a participating Big Echo location, enjoy your evening, and retrieve your belongings at your convenience, even during the early hours.
By combining entertainment and practicality, Big Echo and Bounce provide a seamless solution for managing your luggage needs while experiencing Japan’s vibrant nightlife.
Download on the App Store (Apple) or on Google Play (Android).
Final Words
Like all great establishments, Big Echo Karaoke is more than the sum of its parts. It’s a place where you can do more than sing songs, order food and drink alcohol. It’s a microcosm, one that can get you closer to the Japanese experience. Whether through singing with company, making friends with the staff or learning the Karaoke etiquette, Big Echo will be there. With ups and downs, Big Echo Karaoke is not perfect, but is nonetheless an essential part of Japan’s nightlife.
Now, dear reader, we hope you have gained a new understanding of Big Echo Karaoke and Japanese Karaoke in general. In Japan, this is one of those cases where, once you know about it, you’ll start seeing it everywhere. Karaoke establishments will immediately appear as soon as you enter the country, and now you can tell your friends what you know. So, in your next trip to Japan, be sure to fill that empty orchestra and enter a Big Echo Karaoke.
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