Shigeichi Negishi Dies at 100: Remembering the Inventor of Karaoke Machine

Shigeichi Negishi, the creator of the modern karaoke machine, has passed away at the age of 100. Negishi's daughter, Atsumi Takano, confirmed that the Japanese businessman died on January 26 following a fall.

The Wall Street Journal was among the first to announce the death of the inventor of karaoke on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), as per the family's request. Matt Alt, a reporter for the publication, who interviewed Negishi in 2018, paid tribute to him as a legend in the field, highlighting his invention's impact on the entertainment industry.

Shigeichi Negishi, a seasoned salesman who founded Nichiden Kogyo, introduced the first version of the karaoke machine in the 1960s at the age of 40. The idea for the "Sparko Box" originated from a lighthearted remark one of Negishi's employees made about his singing voice.

Though unknown to most, Shigeichi Negishi's impact on contemporary entertainment, especially in Japan, is everlasting. Negishi's rise from wartime adversity to business success, sometimes eclipsed by celebrities, shows tenacity and innovation.

Negishi's childhood was challenging and determined due to his birth after Tokyo's Great Kanto earthquake. Early business and salesmanship established the basis for his greatest legacy.

The Birth of the Sparko Box

Entrepreneur Shigeichi Negishi, known for his love of singing, found inspiration one day in 1967 while at the offices of Nichiden Kogyo, his electronics assembly firm located in the suburbs of Tokyo. Negishi, who regularly started his mornings with a sing-along radio show titled "Pop Songs without Lyrics," often used singing as a way to unwind and energize himself for the day ahead, according to Kotaku.

In a casual workplace singing session, Negishi joked with his chief engineer about connecting a microphone to one of the company's 8-track tape recorders to hear his voice over instrumental tunes. He was surprised when the engineer agreed quickly.

Three days later, Negishi received the engineer's wiring of a microphone amplifier and mixing circuit to an unused 8-track deck. Negishi performed an instrumental version of "Mujō No Yume" ("The Heartless Dream"), a beloved 1930s tune, to test the setup.

Negishi created the Sparko Box prototype. He had no idea that this simple innovation would change leisure activities in Japan and the globe.

Commercial Triumphs and Challenges

Negishi dubbed the device the Sparko Box because his distributor rejected "karaoke" for it sounded too close to "kanoke," the Japanese word for coffin. Nevertheless, Negishi sold 8,000 Sparko Boxes to pubs, restaurants, and hotels nationwide without patenting them. His sales of the karaoke machine ended in 1975.

Despite peer criticism, Negishi commercialized the Sparko Box due to his entrepreneurial zeal. Using a device that brought music to life, he introduced karaoke to the public. Negishi diligently presented the Sparko Box at bars and hotels, overcoming conventional musicians' opposition.

There is only one functioning Sparko Box left in the world, and it's in the Negishi family's possession, according to CBC.

(Photo : YOSHIKAZU TSUNO/AFP via Getty Images)

A female patient of a Tokyo psychiatry clinic sings a song using a karaoke machine during karaoke therapy in Tokyo 05 December 2003. Karaoke has an unsung role as herapy for psychiatric patients.

Honoring Negishi's Legacy

While Negishi's karaoke venture eventually faded into obscurity, his legacy lives on in the hearts of millions who have embraced the joy of singing. Despite never seeking patents or recognition, Negishi's impact on popular culture is undeniable. As karaoke transcended borders and became a global phenomenon, Negishi's vision of bringing people together through music endured.

Rolling Stone's Rob Sheffield urged karaoke afficionados to pay tribute to the inventor of karaoke by taking "a moment to sing a chorus extra loud."

"He gave the world a whole new way to sing. For all of us who live for karaoke, and those moments of pitchy transcendence we find thanks to his invention, this great man is the Mr. Roboto we all owe the most domo of arigatos."