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[Source<\/a>]<\/p>\n Shigeichi Negishi, the visionary behind the first karaoke prototype, has died at the age of 100.<\/b><\/p>\n Key points:<\/strong><\/p>\n Negishi, a Tokyo-based entrepreneur, died on Jan.26 from natural causes, his family confirmed with the Wall Street Journal<\/a> last week.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n His 1967 invention, the \u201cSparko Box” machine, is widely recognized as a key catalyst for Japan’s karaoke craze. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Despite initial public skepticism, his creation became a cultural phenomenon in Japan and later spread globally.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n The details:<\/strong><\/p>\n Inspired by a radio singalong program, Negishi assembled the Sparko Box using a car stereo, a tape deck and a microphone. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n The Sparko Box quickly gained popularity in bars, restaurants and homes across Japan. Negishi sold thousands of the device but chose to leave the market in the 1970s.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n “Karaoke,” which means “empty orchestra,” paved the way for later innovations, shaping the modern karaoke machines we know today. Negishi’s daughter, Atsumi Takano, recalls her father’s pride in seeing karaoke become a global phenomenon. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Negishi never patented his invention, citing complexities in Japan’s patenting process at the time. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Musician Daisuke Inoue, who created the 8 Juke machine, is recognized for helping commercialize the karaoke, as per CNN<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Trending on NextShark: How South Korea’s grandmas are returning to school<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Download the NextShark App:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
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