Mentioned in the Karaoke History Timeline of the National Karaoke Operators Association Music Box Recognized as an IEEE Milestone

2025.02.19 10:00

一般社団法人全国カラオケ事業者協会

The karaoke device invented by Shigekazu Negishi, which is mentioned in the "Historical Chronology of Karaoke" (page 28) in 1967, a publication commemorating the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Association, has been recognized by the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers/U.S. public interest incorporated association) as an IEEE Milestone. The IEEE Milestone is the most prestigious award given by the IEEE to historic achievements in electrical, electronic, and information technology and related fields. We hope that the fact that karaoke originated in Japan will be recognized, both in name and in reality, and that this will give momentum to the "JAPAN=KARAOKE" campaign (https://www.japankaraoke.com/) that the association is developing for foreigners visiting Japan, and that the excellence of Japanese karaoke culture will spread throughout the world.

The IEEE Milestone nameplate dedication ceremony is scheduled to be held in Tokyo in June.

ミュージックボックス

Music Box

Award-winning titles and reasons

First Karaoke Machine,1967

In 1967, the world's first karaoke machine was created, giving birth to a popular pastime of singing along to pre-recorded accompaniment. As an entertainment, karaoke became popular worldwide. The device, created by Shigekazu Negishi of Nichiden Corporation, was initially called a music box (later a Sparco box) and included a mixer, microphone, 8-track tape player, and a coin box to charge the singer. The early equipment is located at Mr. Negishi's house, the site of the original company in Tokyo.

Comment from Hideki Sakuma, Chairman of the National Karaoke Operators Association of Japan

The IEEE Milestone for Mr. Shigekazu Negishi's karaoke machine is a testament to the karaoke that originated in Japan, as well as to the items listed in the "Karaoke History Chronology," a publication commemorating the 30th anniversary of the founding of the association, and is a matter that will further introduce Japanese karaoke culture to people around the world. We hope that many people will experience the true pleasure of karaoke, which can only be experienced in Japan, and which is different from other countries, at the stores that welcome the "JAPAN=KARAOKE" mark.

JAPAN=KARAOKE