Pump up the volume: Karaoke parlors add live concert streams

NAGOYA--There is no substitute for being at a concert in person and feeling the energy of the crowd during a live set, but this may be the next best thing.

Karaoke parlors have started a live-streaming service allowing patrons to experience performances by notable musicians and local talent alike.

Xing Inc., which operates the Joysound karaoke chain based here, is ramping up efforts to broadcast live shows at its outlets across Japan. The company uses special technology to re-create an atmosphere of excitement on large screens, complete with roaring applause.

Through the service, Xing is seeking to distinguish itself from its competitors by offering not only places to belt out a tune oneself, but also new value and a sense of fun in order to bolster profitability.

On the evening of Oct. 25, eight young people enthusiastically waved penlights in front of a huge screen at the Joysound Kanayama parlor in Atsuta Ward showing a performance by popular artists in Tokyo.

It was among 450 outlets across the country where the live concert was being aired, with a musician even shouting at a camera, "Are you ready, live broadcast viewers?"

"It felt like I was actually there," said a 29-year-old woman who joined the karaoke session with a friend she contacted on Twitter. "The service is nice for fans who are unable to go to Tokyo or Osaka."

The live broadcasts, part of Xing's Miruhako content streaming service introduced in June, are available at karaoke rooms outfitted with the latest equipment.

In rooms with the company's karaoke machines, 300,000 high-resolution tracks and 6,000 official music videos are available as well.

Making use of data streaming technology developed by Brother Industries Ltd., Xing's parent company, the live concert service is expected to benefit not only consumers, but also budding musicians, according to Norihiko Murase, who is in charge of product planning at Xing.

“Even small concerts can be broadcast throughout the nation,” said Murase, 40. “I will develop the service so that it can someday be like the Nippon Budokan hall, where many musicians dream of performing.”

INCREASING PROFITS

The new service is also expected to contribute to the profitability of Brother Industries, as only its karaoke equipment sector reported increases in both revenues and profits for the half year ending in September among other core departments, according to a Nov. 5 announcement.

“The live streaming service has been received very favorably, and the new machine has proven much more popular than expected,” said Ichiro Sasaki, president of Brother Industries. “I want to encourage people who tend not to go to karaoke parlors to visit our outlets.”

The live concert broadcast program will be held two or three times a month. Although karaoke users were allowed to enjoy the first nationwide streaming service on Oct. 25 for no additional charge, a plan is being considered to impose extra fees.