FUMIJAPAN
FUMI AFTER DARKカラオケ A LITTLE BRAVER. A LOT MORE FUN.

YOUR FIRST KARAOKE NIGHT IN JAPAN

A song can start
a conversation.

You don’t have to be a great singer.
Just bring a song you love.

Share a chorus. Ask about a favourite song. Karaoke can turn a night out into one of the lovely little encounters you remember from Japan.

Find a place to sing ↗Help me get ready ↓
Already at the bar? Open the Japanese help →
0:55 · Karaoke with Fumi
Read the film transcript

Hi, I’m Fumi.

Karaoke is a much-loved part of life in Japan—and it can be a wonderful way to meet people.

Sharing a song gives you something to smile about, and something to talk about afterwards.

Never tried it before? That’s absolutely fine. You don’t need a perfect voice to join in and enjoy yourself.

Below, I’ll help you find somewhere to go, choose a song you know, and get comfortable singing it. You can even practise in a private karaoke room before trying a shared bar.

There are some useful Japanese phrases, too, to help you start a conversation.

So, let’s find your song—and make an evening in Japan something to remember.

A shared song. A warmer welcome. Film credits ↗

10 cities to explore12 songs to tryYOUR kind of eveningCome on in ↓

A SMALL ADVENTURE, AT YOUR OWN PACE

From “not me”
to “one more song.”

Singing gives you something to talk about. Start privately if you like, then take one comfortable song into a shared bar. Listening on your first night is welcome, too.

01 / FIND YOUR SONG

Something you know.

Pick familiar favourites. Practise a little on your phone.

Explore the songs ↗02 / MAKE IT YOURS

A room of your own.

Try the microphone, find your key and enjoy a private rehearsal.

Make a practice plan ↗03 / SHARE THE MOMENT

A song. Then a hello.

Take a turn, listen to someone else and let a conversation happen.

Choose your evening ↗

PART ONE / WHERE TO GO

Find your night.

Shared bars, open counters, live accompaniment or your own little rehearsal room. Choose the setting that feels right for you.

JAPAN, AFTER DARK 10 CITIES
Japan city overview; choose a city using the buttons alongside the mapTokyoOsakaKyotoSapporoSendaiNagoyaKobeHiroshimaFukuokaSAPPOROTOKYOFUKUOKANAHA · INSETPACIFIC OCEAN

City overview · not venue locations. Naha shown in an inset.

Where will you be?

Choose a city to see the places we’ve researched.

Tokyo · A room for every kind of singer.

Live accompanimentTokyo · Ginza

Karat

Sing with live musicians accompanying the karaoke track. A step up in atmosphere for a song you already know.

Prices & before you go
What it costs

¥2,200 per person per hour, plus an order, 20% service and 10% tax.

Good to know

First-visit membership and ID required. No filming. Closed Sundays; busy nights may have a two-hour limit.

B2F, Dai-ni Ichiyoshi Building, 7-5-10 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Research checked 24 October 2026. Confirm current details with the venue.

Official venue website ↗ · Search Maps ↗
Check with the venue ↗
Shared barTokyo · Shinjuku

NearMe

A shared karaoke bar with English help, useful if you would like staff to explain the first steps.

Prices & before you go
What it costs

¥1,500 cover + a drink (soft drinks from ¥500; alcohol from ¥1,000), plus 10% tax.

Good to know

Smoking is allowed. Usually from 20:00; quiet nights may finish early. Check the evening before going.

5F, Caterina Building, 1-3-15 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

Research checked 24 October 2026. Confirm current details with the venue.

Official venue website ↗ · Search Maps ↗
Check with the venue ↗
Live accompanimentTokyo · Shinjuku

Kitten Blue

Karaoke with live saxophone accompaniment. The sax adds something special without turning it into a full-band venue.

Prices & before you go
What it costs

¥5,500 for up to five hours, including karaoke, selected self-service drinks and tax; extension ¥1,100/hour.

Good to know

Beer, champagne and bottled wine cost extra. Monday–Saturday evenings; confirm opening and availability.

4F, Cross Building, 3-8-2 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

Research checked 24 October 2026. Confirm current details with the venue.

Official venue website ↗ · Search Maps ↗
Check with the venue ↗
Shared barTokyo · Roppongi

Fiesta at YP Roppongi

An English-song karaoke gathering inside YP Roppongi, with DAM and KaraFun.

Prices & before you go
What it costs

Published cover ¥4,000. Confirm which drinks or other items it includes.

Good to know

Saturday only, normally 18:00–23:30, with occasional closures. Check its announcements first.

4F, Parlet Building, 4-10-8 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Research checked 24 October 2026. Confirm current details with the venue.

Official venue website ↗ · Search Maps ↗
Check with the venue ↗
Shared barTokyo · Mita

CUPPAGE Tokyo

A Singapore-themed shared bar where a familiar English song can be a comfortable starting point.

Prices & before you go
What it costs

Table charge ¥3,500 includes singing and snacks; drinks extra.

Good to know

Check the current opening schedule. The last song is normally 30 minutes before closing.

B1F, Tamura Building, 3-4-12 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Research checked 24 October 2026. Confirm current details with the venue.

Official venue website ↗ · Search Maps ↗
Check with the venue ↗
Solo practiceTokyo · Shinjuku

OneKara Shinjuku Oguard

Your own headphone booth: a useful rehearsal stop when you want to try a song privately.

Prices & before you go
What it costs

Time-based rates vary. Check the branch tariff; premium headphone rental may cost extra.

Good to know

First-visit membership and ID. This branch lists basic headphones and a drink bar. Check current conditions.

4F, Kaleido Building, 7-1-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

Research checked 24 October 2026. Confirm current details with the venue.

Official venue website ↗ · Search Maps ↗
Check with the venue ↗
Shared barOsaka · Dotonbori

The Drunken Clam

A small shared bar with a clear turn-taking approach. Karaoke runs 20:00–midnight, then the evening becomes music only.

Prices & before you go
What it costs

Order a drink; no extra karaoke fee. A beer is listed at ¥700.

Good to know

20+ with ID. Walk-ins only; no smoking. Third-floor stair access. Queue one song and ask before joining another singer.

3F, Kiku Building, 6-26 Souemoncho, Chuo-ku, Osaka

Research checked 24 October 2026. Confirm current details with the venue.

Official venue website ↗ · Search Maps ↗
Check with the venue ↗
Shared barOsaka · Namba

Bar Kizuna

An Okinawan food-and-drink bar with karaoke, for an evening built around more than the microphone.

Prices & before you go
What it costs

Karaoke and cover charges are not clearly established. Ask staff for the complete price before sitting down.

Good to know

Normally opens from 18:00; irregular holidays. Check karaoke arrangements and the atmosphere that evening.

2F, Monzo Building, 1-6-8 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka

Research checked 24 October 2026. Confirm current details with the venue.

Official venue website ↗ · Search Maps ↗
Check with the venue ↗
Open counterOsaka · Tenma

Jankara Asian Tenma

An open karaoke counter alongside private rooms. Ask specifically for the shared counter.

Prices & before you go
What it costs

Counter plans and availability can differ from ordinary room bookings. Check the branch tariff.

Good to know

Do not assume a private-room reservation gives access to the social counter. Ask reception first.

2–3F, Top Lee Building, 4-5-5 Tenjinbashi, Kita-ku, Osaka

Research checked 24 October 2026. Confirm current details with the venue.

Jankara open-counter directory ↗ · Search Maps ↗
Check with the venue ↗
Open counterKyoto · Kyoto Station

Karaoke Bar KYO

A 30-seat shared counter near Kyoto Station, with an English guide to how it works.

Prices & before you go
What it costs

General weekday examples: ¥370/30 minutes in the day or ¥580/30 minutes at night. Other days and categories differ.

Good to know

Speak to staff before choosing a seat; do not use the normal room check-in machine. Soft-drink bar included.

5F, Entertainment Hub, 735-3 Higashi-Shiokoji, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto

Research checked 24 October 2026. Confirm current details with the venue.

Official venue website ↗ · Search Maps ↗
Check with the venue ↗
Open counterKyoto · Kawaramachi

Jankara Kyoto Kawaramachi / Ryoma

A central open-counter option when you would like a shared singing space instead of a closed room.

Prices & before you go
What it costs

Use the current branch price list and confirm the counter plan.

Good to know

Find the Kawaramachi open-counter listing and check opening, floor and seating with staff.

330 Shioyacho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto

Research checked 24 October 2026. Confirm current details with the venue.

Jankara open-counter directory ↗ · Search Maps ↗
Check with the venue ↗
Shared barSapporo · Susukino

immix

An international bar with Japanese and English menus and shared karaoke.

Prices & before you go
What it costs

Published all-guest plans: ¥3,000/1 hour or ¥4,000/2 hours; extension ¥1,000/hour. Beer option +¥500.

Good to know

20+ with physical ID. Smoking allowed; no large bags. Usually 20:00–04:00, closed Wednesdays.

5F, Dai-ni Keiwa Building, Minami 6-jo Nishi 3-6-24, Chuo-ku, Sapporo

Research checked 24 October 2026. Confirm current details with the venue.

Official venue website ↗ · Search Maps ↗
Check with the venue ↗
Open counterSapporo · Susukino

Jankara Susukino Kousa

An open counter in Susukino, with private-room options in the same karaoke chain.

Prices & before you go
What it costs

Check the branch tariff and whether the open counter has its own conditions.

Good to know

Ask about counter seating, smoking arrangements and your finish time before checking in.

4F, Keiai Building, Minami 4-jo Nishi 4-16, Chuo-ku, Sapporo

Research checked 24 October 2026. Confirm current details with the venue.

Jankara open-counter directory ↗ · Search Maps ↗
Check with the venue ↗
Shared barSendai · Kokubuncho

AYO International Bar

Thursday karaoke nights at an international bar with English help. Check the event calendar for your date.

Prices & before you go
What it costs

Standard 90-minute plan ¥3,500 (¥4,000 after 23:00); pay-as-you-go option ¥800/hour plus a drink from ¥700 each hour.

Good to know

Karaoke is event-dependent, not promised every night. Ask about tax and the final total; special offers have separate conditions.

5F, Dai-san Fujiwaraya Building, 1-6-10 Kokubuncho, Aoba-ku, Sendai

Research checked 24 October 2026. Confirm current details with the venue.

Official venue website ↗ · Search Maps ↗
Check with the venue ↗
Live accompanimentNagoya · Sakae

BAN×KARA ZONE-NY

Choose a familiar track and try it with a live band playing along.

Prices & before you go
What it costs

¥375/15 minutes from 20:00–22:00 or ¥625/15 minutes after 22:00, plus an order, 12% service and 10% tax.

Good to know

20+. The later rate applies to time spent after 22:00. Check the band and opening schedule.

B1F, Dai-san Meito Building, 4-4-1 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya

Research checked 24 October 2026. Confirm current details with the venue.

Official venue website ↗ · Search Maps ↗
Check with the venue ↗
Shared barNagoya · Sakae

UTA TO SAKE

A shared singing-and-drinking bar with LIVE DAM WAO, welcoming solo guests as well as groups.

Prices & before you go
What it costs

¥1,100/hour from 20:00–22:00 or ¥1,650/hour from 22:00–04:00, billed in 15-minute units. Tax included; drinks extra.

Good to know

Confirm the applicable time band and minimum order when you arrive.

2F, Dai-san Meito Building, 4-4-1 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya

Research checked 24 October 2026. Confirm current details with the venue.

Official venue website ↗ · Search Maps ↗
Check with the venue ↗
Open counterKobe · Sannomiya

Jankara Sannomiya Ikuta BEAT

An open-counter option close to Sannomiya, alongside the chain’s private rooms.

Prices & before you go
What it costs

Check the current branch tariff and counter plan.

Good to know

Reception is on 5F. Ask staff for the open counter and its availability.

4–5F, 2-12-10 Kitanagasadori, Chuo-ku, Kobe

Research checked 24 October 2026. Confirm current details with the venue.

Jankara open-counter directory ↗ · Search Maps ↗
Check with the venue ↗
Open counterHiroshima · Hondori

Karaoke Bal Hondori

A Jankara shared-counter option in the central shopping area.

Prices & before you go
What it costs

Check current counter pricing and food-order conditions, especially after midnight.

Good to know

Official listings give conflicting floors. Confirm the entrance and counter floor with the branch before travelling.

4-8 Hondori, Naka-ku, Hiroshima

Research checked 24 October 2026. Confirm current details with the venue.

Official Jankara counter page ↗
Check with the venue ↗
Live accompanimentFukuoka · Nakasu

NAKAS Live House Jamp

A live-music venue with a repertoire of more than 700 songs and lyric sheets. Choose from the band’s list.

Prices & before you go
What it costs

Published charge ¥3,500, plus drinks. Ask staff about any package and final bill.

Good to know

Normally Tuesday–Saturday, 20:00–02:00. This is live accompaniment from a repertoire, not any song from a touchscreen.

B1F, Daiichi Kiyotake Building, 4-1-13 Nakasu, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka

Research checked 24 October 2026. Confirm current details with the venue.

Official venue website ↗ · Search Maps ↗
Check with the venue ↗
Open counterFukuoka · Daimyo

Jankara Tenjin Daimyo Resort & Uta

An open-counter option for sharing songs in the Tenjin/Daimyo area.

Prices & before you go
What it costs

Check the branch’s current counter rate, time limits and drink conditions.

Good to know

Ask reception specifically for the open counter; private-room availability is separate.

4F, THE SHOPS DAIMYO, 1-12-56 Daimyo, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka

Research checked 24 October 2026. Confirm current details with the venue.

Jankara open-counter directory ↗ · Search Maps ↗
Check with the venue ↗
Shared barNaha · Kume

Nomiya

A small bar that welcomes solo visitors, with a per-song karaoke charge.

Prices & before you go
What it costs

¥1,000 cover including an appetiser; drinks from ¥800; ¥100 per song.

Good to know

Normally 17:00–midnight. Check Sunday and holiday opening before going.

4F, Orange Building, 1-1-21 Kume, Naha, Okinawa

Research checked 24 October 2026. Confirm current details with the venue.

Official venue website ↗ · Search Maps ↗
Check with the venue ↗
Shared barNaha · Kumoji

Island Bar Ohara

An island-style bar with karaoke and original cocktails.

Prices & before you go
What it costs

Drink plans advertised from ¥3,300; confirm duration and inclusions. Original cocktails around ¥1,500 are outside the plan.

Good to know

Usually from 15:00 with irregular holidays. Confirm the plan, karaoke charges and language help directly.

3-C, PLANET Building, 2-12-9 Kumoji, Naha, Okinawa

Research checked 24 October 2026. Confirm current details with the venue.

Official venue website ↗ · Search Maps ↗
Check with the venue ↗
Before you set off

These are independent leads, not Fumi bookings. Opening, prices, language help and the crowd can change. Check the venue’s own page, confirm the full charge and plan your way home. We receive no commission.

Prefer a private room? Find a branch near you.

Private karaoke rooms are a good place to practise, sing with your own group or simply enjoy an evening without an audience. They do not automatically provide a way to meet other customers.

Karaoke Kan ↗JOYSOUND shops ↗Jankara ↗OneKara solo booths ↗

Ask about a solo supplement, drink order, membership or ID, time extensions and the final bill. A particular song or machine is never guaranteed by the Fumi guide.

Fumi illustration: A bright private karaoke room with a city view
FUMI AFTER DARK 1 / 3

MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME · FUMI ILLUSTRATIONS

THE FIRST TEN MINUTES

You can ease into it.

First, ask how the evening works.

Is this a shared bar or your own room? Is there a cover, a drink minimum or a time charge? Confirm tax, service and extensions before sitting down. Say it or show it with our Japanese help cards.

Then, choose one song.

Look for song-title or artist search on the controller. An English interface may be available. Match the artist and version, check the queue, then ask staff if you are unsure. DAM and JOYSOUND screens differ; the host’s instructions come first.

Queue one song at a time. Ask before changing a shared microphone’s settings or cancelling anything.

Give the room your attention.

Listen, applaud and make room for the next singer. Ask before joining a chorus, taking a photo or filming. A familiar song is an invitation to enjoy the moment; it is not permission to take over someone’s turn.

A small hello goes a long way.

“That was lovely!” or “What kind of songs do you like?” gives you a natural opening. If the other person wants to chat, lovely. If not, smile and give them space. A soft drink and a listening seat are perfectly good ways to join the evening.

PART TWO / FIND YOUR VOICE

Let’s make that first song
feel a little easier.

Familiarity and a comfortable key matter more than a supposedly “easy” song. You are here to enjoy singing, not to sound like the original artist.

01

Keep it comfortable.

Relax your shoulders and jaw. Take an easy breath, then try a gentle hum in a comfortable part of your voice. Use the microphone; you do not need to shout.

02

Find your key.

Try the highest and lowest phrases first. Move the key up or down if the machine allows it. Lower is not always easier; pick the setting that feels comfortable.

03

Learn the entrances.

Speak a tricky line in rhythm, then add the tune. Notice the introduction and instrumental gaps. If you lose your place, listen and rejoin at the next familiar phrase.

04

Leave room for a rest.

Keep practice short, take water breaks and stop if singing feels sore or strained. A quieter day or a different song is fine.

A LITTLE PRACTICE, A LOT MORE CONFIDENCE

Your phone. A private room.
Then one song in the bar.

Choose up to four favourites below. Save your version and key notes on this device, then take your most comfortable choice into the evening.

Open my four songs →
Three small phone-practice sessions
  1. Get familiar. Listen, choose a version and try the chorus.
  2. Untangle one tricky part. Rehearse its rhythm and entrance.
  3. Try a complete run. Make a note of your key and where to breathe.

Ten or fifteen minutes can be enough. Take breaks sooner whenever you need them.

A relaxed one-hour room rehearsal

00–10 Set up the microphone, volume and your first song.

10–20 Try your opener and adjust the key.

20–25 Water and a rest.

25–40 Try two more favourites, with pauses.

40–45 Rest and choose your bar song.

45–55 One relaxed repeat, if you feel like it.

55–60 Note your settings and leave time to check out.

THE FUMI PRACTICE COLLECTION

Choose a song
you already love.

Eleven English favourites from DAM’s 2025 foreign-song top 50, plus one Japanese challenge. The chart suggests familiarity; it cannot predict any particular audience.

Practise here, at your own pace. Hear a sung performance first. “Practise here” opens an on-page YouTube player with replay and available speed controls. Other practice videos open on YouTube. For a different key, open KaraFun; its full controls may require a subscription. Videos can include adverts and recommendations.

Starting-point labels are Fumi’s editorial guidance, not vocal-range assessments. Availability and arrangements vary. See DAM’s annual chart ↗

YOUR LITTLE SET LIST

My four songs.

Keep a familiar opener, a singalong, a backup and perhaps a little adventure.

Saved in this browser only. No sign-in, upload or transfer to the Fumi app.

Use “Save” on any song card to start your list.

A FEW WORDS OPEN THE DOOR

Say a little.
Share a little more.

Read the meaning, try the “Say it” line or show the large Japanese card to staff. English sound spellings are approximate; keep the vowels light and fairly even.

Excuse me.

すみません。

Sumimasen.

Say it soo-mee-mah-sehn

This is my first time at this bar.

このお店は初めてです。

Kono omise wa hajimete desu.

Say it koh-noh oh-mee-seh wah hah-jee-meh-teh deh-soo

Can I come in on my own?

一人でも入れますか。

Hitori demo hairemasu ka?

Say it hee-toh-ree deh-moh hah-ee-reh-mah-soo kah

How much is it per hour?

一時間いくらですか。

Ichijikan ikura desu ka?

Say it ee-chee-jee-kahn ee-koo-rah deh-soo kah

Are there any extra charges?

追加料金はありますか。

Tsuika ryōkin wa arimasu ka?

Say it tsoo-ee-kah ryoh—-keen wah ah-ree-mah-soo kah

Does that include tax?

税込みですか。

Zeikomi desu ka?

Say it zeh-ee-koh-mee deh-soo kah

How do I add a song?

曲はどうやって入れますか。

Kyoku wa dō yatte iremasu ka?

Say it kyoh-koo wah doh— yaht-teh ee-reh-mah-soo kah

Could you help me find this song?

この曲を探すのを手伝ってもらえますか。

Kono kyoku o sagasu no o tetsudatte moraemasu ka?

Say it koh-noh kyoh-koo oh sah-gah-soo noh oh teh-tsoo-daht-teh moh-rah-eh-mah-soo kah

Could you lower the key a little?

キーを少し下げてもらえますか。

Kī o sukoshi sagete moraemasu ka?

Say it kee— oh soo-koh-shee sah-geh-teh moh-rah-eh-mah-soo kah

Could you raise the key a little?

キーを少し上げてもらえますか。

Kī o sukoshi agete moraemasu ka?

Say it kee— oh soo-koh-shee ah-geh-teh moh-rah-eh-mah-soo kah

Could you lower the microphone volume?

マイクの音量を下げてもらえますか。

Maiku no onryō o sagete moraemasu ka?

Say it mah-ee-koo noh ohn-ryoh— oh sah-geh-teh moh-rah-eh-mah-soo kah

Could you cancel my song?

私の曲を取り消してもらえますか。

Watashi no kyoku o torikeshite moraemasu ka?

Say it wah-tah-shee noh kyoh-koo oh toh-ree-keh-shee-teh moh-rah-eh-mah-soo kah

That was lovely!

すてきでした！

Suteki deshita!

Say it soo-teh-kee deh-shee-tah

That’s a lovely song.

いい曲ですね。

Ii kyoku desu ne.

Say it ee— kyoh-koo deh-soo neh

What kind of songs do you like?

どんな歌が好きですか。

Donna uta ga suki desu ka?

Say it dohn-nah oo-tah gah soo-kee deh-soo kah

Would you like to sing together?

よかったら、一緒に歌いませんか。

Yokattara, issho ni utaimasen ka?

Say it yoh-kaht-tah-rah eesh-shoh nee oo-tah-ee-mah-sehn kah

May I sing along with you?

一緒に歌ってもいいですか。

Issho ni utatte mo ii desu ka?

Say it eesh-shoh nee oo-taht-teh moh ee— deh-soo kah

It was fun singing with you.

一緒に歌えて、楽しかったです。

Issho ni utaete, tanoshikatta desu.

Say it eesh-shoh nee oo-tah-eh-teh tah-noh-shee-kaht-tah deh-soo

Slowly, please.

ゆっくりお願いします。

Yukkuri onegai shimasu.

Say it yook-koo-ree oh-neh-gah-ee shee-mah-soo

Water, please.

お水をください。

Omizu o kudasai.

Say it oh-mee-zoo oh koo-dah-sah-ee

No, thank you.

いいえ、結構です。

Iie, kekkō desu.

Say it ee—-eh kehk-koh— deh-soo

The bill, please.

お会計をお願いします。

Okaikei o onegai shimasu.

Say it oh-kah-ee-keh-ee oh oh-neh-gah-ee shee-mah-soo

Thank you very much.

ありがとうございます。

Arigatō gozaimasu.

Say it ah-ree-gah-toh— goh-zah-ee-mah-soo

Tap “Hear it” to listen to the Japanese. Some phrases use a recording; others use your browser’s Japanese voice, so pronunciation can vary.

How to read “Say it”

ah as in father · ee as in see, but shorter · oo with relaxed lips · eh as in bed · oh without an English “w” at the end.

A dash (—) means hold the vowel. Hyphens divide sounds without requiring a pause. Doubled consonants mark a brief hold before the next sound; the Japanese r is a light tongue tap. “Say it” is a practical aid, not an exact phonetic transcription.

More Japanese for your trip →

ONE JAPANESE SONG TO TRY ON YOUR HOLIDAY

A little Sukiyaki.

You do not need fluent Japanese to begin. Start with the title, get comfortable with its sounds, then add the melody.

KYU SAKAMOTO · 坂本九

上を向いて歩こう

Ue o muite arukō

SAY IToo-eh oh moo-ee-teh
ah-roo-koh—

“Let’s walk looking up.”

A famous song. A lovely way to connect.

Kyu Sakamoto’s Japanese recording became an international hit, reaching number one in the United States in 1963.

That’s why we’ve included it here: having a go at a song in Japanese is a warm way to show your appreciation for the language and culture. People may really appreciate the effort, and a shared song can open the door to a conversation.

It’s a little adventure, not a test. Start with a few lines, practise at your own pace and give it a try when you feel ready.

A warm melody. A bittersweet heart.

The title feels like someone gently encouraging himself to keep going. The song is about loneliness, memories and carrying on through sadness. Sing it with warmth and sincerity.

“Sukiyaki” is its overseas title, not a translation. Although sukiyaki is a Japanese dish, this song is not about food.

Read the Japanese lyrics ↗Find it on JOYSOUND ↗

Search 上を向いて歩こう / 坂本九. Standard selection 4054; guide-vocal selection 343318. Machine availability varies. The linked lyric pages use Japanese text.

01 / KEEP BOTH SOUNDS

Ue o

oo-eh oh

Keep “oo” and “eh” distinct. Don’t squeeze them into “way.”

02 / JOIN THEM SMOOTHLY

muite

moo-ee-teh

Practise three clear sounds, then join them without heavy stress.

03 / HOLD THE LAST VOWEL

arukō

ah-roo-koh—

Keep the beginning light. The final “oh” is one continuous long vowel.

Listen → say it slowly → repeat → add the melody

Listen to the Japanese original or a licensed guide-vocal version. Say the three pieces slowly, join them, then try the title two or three times. Follow your chosen recording when you add the melody.

u · e · o | mu · i · te | a · ru · ko · o

These are ten small speech-timing units. The final two belong to one continuous long vowel. They help speaking practice; they are not a musical score. Sung vowels may stretch over several beats.

Use relaxed lips for “oo,” a steady “oh” and a light tongue tap for r. Start with a little. This is a holiday activity, not an examination.

Open the full practice words below →

TAKE IT A LINE AT A TIME

Follow the words.

Japanese, standard romaji, a practical “Say it” line and the English meaning. Read at your own pace; the words below are not timed to a recording.

Hear Kyu Sakamoto sing ↗
Open the full Sukiyaki practice lyrics

Words: Rokusuke Ei · Music: Hachidai Nakamura · Sung by Kyu Sakamoto. English is a meaning guide; use the Japanese for singing. “Say it” approximates the sounds for English speakers.

LINE 01

上を向いて歩こう

Ue o muite arukō

Say it oo-eh oh moo-ee-teh ah-roo-koh—

I look up while I walk

LINE 02

涙が零れないように

Namida ga koborenai yō ni

Say it nah-mee-dah gah koh-boh-reh-nah-ee yoh— nee

So the tears won’t fall

LINE 03

思い出す春の日

Omoidasu haru no hi

Say it oh-moh-ee-dah-soo hah-roo noh hee

Remembering those spring days

LINE 04

一人ぼっちの夜

Hitoribocchi no yoru

Say it hee-toh-ree boht-chee noh yoh-roo

But tonight I’m all alone

LINE 05

上を向いて歩こう

Ue o muite arukō

Say it oo-eh oh moo-ee-teh ah-roo-koh—

I look up while I walk

LINE 06

滲んだ星を数えて

Nijinda hoshi o kazoete

Say it nee-jeen-dah hoh-shee oh kah-zoh-eh-teh

Counting the stars with teary eyes

LINE 07

思い出す夏の日

Omoidasu natsu no hi

Say it oh-moh-ee-dah-soo nah-tsoo noh hee

Remembering those summer days

LINE 08

一人ぼっちの夜

Hitoribocchi no yoru

Say it hee-toh-ree boht-chee noh yoh-roo

But tonight I’m all alone

LINE 09

幸せは雲の上に

Shiawase wa kumo no ue ni

Say it shee-ah-wah-seh wah koo-moh noh oo-eh nee

Happiness lies beyond the clouds

LINE 10

幸せは空の上に

Shiawase wa sora no ue ni

Say it shee-ah-wah-seh wah soh-rah noh oo-eh nee

Happiness lies above the sky

LINE 11

上を向いて歩こう

Ue o muite arukō

Say it oo-eh oh moo-ee-teh ah-roo-koh—

I look up while I walk

LINE 12

涙が零れないように

Namida ga koborenai yō ni

Say it nah-mee-dah gah koh-boh-reh-nah-ee yoh— nee

So the tears won’t fall

LINE 13

泣きながら歩く

Nakinagara aruku

Say it nah-kee-nah-gah-rah ah-roo-koo

I cry while I walk

LINE 14

一人ぼっちの夜

Hitoribocchi no yoru

Say it hee-toh-ree boht-chee noh yoh-roo

For I am alone tonight

LINE 15

思い出す秋の日

Omoidasu aki no hi

Say it oh-moh-ee-dah-soo ah-kee noh hee

Remembering those autumn days

LINE 16

一人ぼっちの夜

Hitoribocchi no yoru

Say it hee-toh-ree boht-chee noh yoh-roo

But tonight I’m all alone

LINE 17

悲しみは星の影に

Kanashimi wa hoshi no kage ni

Say it kah-nah-shee-mee wah hoh-shee noh kah-geh nee

Sadness hides in the shadow of the stars

LINE 18

悲しみは月の影に

Kanashimi wa tsuki no kage ni

Say it kah-nah-shee-mee wah tsoo-kee noh kah-geh nee

Sadness hides in the shadow of the moon

LINE 19

上を向いて歩こう

Ue o muite arukō

Say it oo-eh oh moo-ee-teh ah-roo-koh—

I look up while I walk

LINE 20

涙が零れないように

Namida ga koborenai yō ni

Say it nah-mee-dah gah koh-boh-reh-nah-ee yoh— nee

So the tears won’t fall

LINE 21

泣きながら歩く

Nakinagara aruku

Say it nah-kee-nah-gah-rah ah-roo-koo

My heart is filled with sorrow

LINE 22

一人ぼっちの夜

Hitoribocchi no yoru

Say it hee-toh-ree boht-chee noh yoh-roo

For tonight I am alone

LINE 23

一人ぼっちの夜

Hitoribocchi no yoru

Say it hee-toh-ree boht-chee noh yoh-roo

For tonight I am alone

LEAVE ROOM FOR A LOVELY NIGHT

The song is
only the beginning.

You might leave with a favourite tune, a funny story or the name of someone you sang with. You might simply leave glad you gave it a go.

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About this guide, sources & artwork

Venue research checked 24 October 2026. Each venue card links to its own source. Unconfirmed venue leads are not presented as recommendations. Fumi provides independent information and receives no commission; contact venues and providers directly.

Our practice collection uses publisher-hosted players and provider links. The Sukiyaki practice text was supplied and authorised for use by the site owner. Music recordings remain with their providers. Some publishers disable embedding; those songs link directly to their practice video. The free written guide works without signing up to a music service. Third-party players have their own terms and privacy policies.

DAM song ranking ↗ · JOYSOUND key guidance ↗ · JOYSOUND manners ↗ · NIDCD voice care ↗

Kyu Sakamoto official profile and song history ↗ · Tokyo University of Foreign Studies: long vowels ↗ · Uta-Net song page ↗

Original Fumi illustrations from KaraokeJapan ↗ are imaginative scenes, not photographs of listed venues. Japan outline: Natural Earth, 1:50m, public domain; city centres are approximate. Naha is shown separately for clarity.

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