10 Best Cities in the World to Open a Karaoke Bar or KTV Box [With Profit Calculator]

The birthplace of Karaoke. It is not just nightlife; it is a stress release mechanism for salarymen. The market is saturated with big chains (Big Echo), but there is a massive opening for “Concept Karaoke” (Anime themed, Cosplay, or High-End Audiophile). The “Hitokara” (Solo Karaoke) trend is exploding.

“Noraebang” (Singing Rooms) are everywhere. Koreans sing after dinner, after work, and after dates. The Coin Noraebang (pay per song) is popular with students, but the luxury private room is where the profit lies. Service must include tambourines and disco lights.

Karaoke (Videoke) is a national sport. Every home has a machine, but people still go out for better sound systems. The market here rewards “High Fidelity” sound. Unlike Japan, open-mic bars are very popular because Filipinos are generally excellent singers and enjoy performing.

Koreatown (32nd St) is the hub, but the model is expanding to Brooklyn. NYC corporate culture drives massive revenue for “Team Building” karaoke nights. Rent is high, so you need high turnover on Friday/Saturday nights.

The “Lucky Voice” brand proved the private room model works in the UK. British people are shy singers until they are drunk, so the private pod is essential. The market is driven by Bachelorette parties (Hen Dos) and office parties.

Karaoke here is “Karaoke Om” – often associated with business deals and luxury entertainment. The decor is over-the-top (gold, marble, velvet). It is a high-margin business where men come to drink whiskey and sign contracts.

Home to the largest Japanese population outside Japan. The Liberdade district is famous for traditional karaoke bars (Izakaya style). However, modern “Box” karaoke is spreading to trendy neighborhoods like Pinheiros.

LA’s Koreatown is world-famous. But there is also a market for “Hipster Karaoke” in Silver Lake. Because everyone in LA wants to be a star, they take karaoke very seriously. Talent scouts have been known to visit bars here.

Famous for the outdoor “Bearpit Karaoke” in Mauerpark. The Berlin crowd loves raw, energetic performance. The “Monster Ronson’s” model (Drag shows + Karaoke cabins) proves that alternative, inclusive spaces thrive here.

Karaoke is everywhere, from dodgy dive bars to high-end malls. Thais love to sing. The opportunity is in the “Clean & Cool” segment—mid-range pricing with great air conditioning and modern English songs, targeting young professionals.