Karaoke has been entertaining the world for more than 20 years and most sources credit Japanese inventor Daisuke Inoue as the hero/culprit. The word karaoke is a compound of the Japanese words 'kara' (short for 'karappo', meaning empty) and 'oke' (from okesutura, or orchestra). Originally designed as entertainment for businessmen, it has become a form of relaxation and self-expression for people of all ages.
Hong Kongers have been obsessed with the phenomenon since its arrival here about 15 years ago. The range of people that pick up a mike of an evening is incredible, from students, to Peak-residing businessmen, to cleaning ladies. As a result, huge numbers of karaoke bars have sprung up across the SAR, some better than others.
By far the most opulent is Nightingale in The Charterhouse in Wan Chai (tel: 2833 5566). In operation for four years, it targets high-spending customers. Rooms cost a minimum of $1,000 during the week and $1,500 at weekends. Party rooms (up to 25 people) can cost as much as $4,000. Nightingale's karaoke director, Jacky Chan (no relation to the actor), says they aim to provide hotel-quality service and food.
Most impressive is the equipment, with projector screens, powerful speakers and wireless microphones. There's also a computerised song list which has Canto-pop, British, Japanese, Italian, French and Thai options as well as instant song delivery.
V-mix (above right) is a little cheaper. Located next to Windsor House and Victoria Park on Sugar Street in Causeway Bay (tel: 2137 9888), this Taiwanese franchise has four floors and over 100 rooms, from cosy lovers' dens to a spacious 40-person party lounge. Though the equipment isn't great, it's easy on the pocket, costing between $25 and $221 a session and is open 24-hours a day. And for the star gazers, there is also a VIP section, where movie star Carina Lau Kar-ling and singers Nicholas Tse and Joey Yung are frequent visitors.
Sticking with the 'V' theme, if you happen to be near the New World Renaissance Hotel on Salisbury Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, there is always In-V (tel: 2369 4111). It is at the high end - rooms start at $1,300 per session. Though the equipment is by no means top-of-the-range, there is a great selection of food.