#Japan #Tokyo #Karaoke #Aomori #DAM

Aomori's Journey to Retain the Karaoke Crown

The anticipation is building as the second edition of the "Best Karaoke Prefecture" ranking approaches. This year's contest is especially exciting, with Aomori, the reigning champion, looking to secure its title once again against formidable challengers like Tokyo. The results will be based on meticulous data collected from the "DAM 2025 Annual Karaoke Ranking," which is set to be released this winter.

The data gathering will run from November 25, 2025, until January 31, 2026, and the ultimate winners will be announced on February 18, 2026. During this period, all karaoke enthusiasts across Japan can contribute to their prefecture's score by participating in a singing campaign, making it a lively year-end and New Year’s celebration.

The ranking compilation will consider performance data from 153 songs, which are part of the karaoke repertoire of the year. This will include scores from actual karaoke sessions conducted at venues equipped with DAM machines, ensuring a fair assessment of singing prowess. The topline scores will be averaged by the number of performances for each song per prefecture.

In the inaugural edition, Aomori stood out as the clear winner, with Yamagata and Iwate following closely behind, all hailing from the Tohoku region. Surprisingly, Tokyo, known for its urban glamor, finished fourth. This unique ranking captured the public's attention and sparked discussions about regional singing talents.

This year's campaign promises even more transparency and connectivity with the audience. The top three municipalities within the winning prefecture will also be revealed, shining a light on local karaoke hotspots. Furthermore, this initiative is not just about competition; it aims to foster a sense of community and shared enjoyment through music.

The initiative will also host a karaoke singing campaign, encouraging everyone to belt out their favorite tracks from the provided song list. Participants can win prizes, enhancing the excitement around the event. The details for this campaign are as follows:

Karaoke Singing Campaign Overview

• - Duration: November 25, 2025 - January 31, 2026
• - Locations: All participating DAM venues across Japan
• - Eligible Machines: LIVE DAM WAO!, LIVE DAM Ai series, LIVE DAM STADIUM series, including SmartDAM
• - Participation Method:

1. Access the SmartDAM machine and tap on the campaign banner.
2. Select two songs from the list provided and perform them.
3. Scan the QR code displayed on SmartDAM to access the submission form.

• - Prizes: 25 winners will receive a gift card worth 5,000 yen each.

In addition to the general singing campaign, a special award awaits the number-one ranked prefecture. A total of 1 million yen will be distributed among participants in the winning area's DAM establishments. The details for this exclusive campaign are:

“Best Karaoke Prefecture No. 1” Prize Campaign Overview

• - Duration: February 24, 2026 - March 31, 2026
• - Locations: Only in the winning prefecture's DAM venues
• - Eligible Machines: Same as above
• - Participation Method:

1. Tap the campaign banner on SmartDAM at participating venues.
2. Choose one song from January's Top 50 karaoke rankings to perform.
3. Follow the QR code instructions to enter.

• - Prizes: Participants stand a chance to win a share of 1 million yen, with 50 winners receiving a 20,000 yen gift card each.

Daiichi Kosho's commitment to promoting karaoke culture continues to excite fans nationwide. With both competitive spirits and community engagement at its core, this event promises another thrilling round of musical appreciation and participation in Japan's vibrant karaoke scene.