The passing of Shigeichi Negishi at 100, attributed to natural causes following a fall on January 26, marks the end of an era. Negishi, the Japanese engineer behind the iconic karaoke machine, leaves behind a profound legacy in global entertainment.
In 1967, Negishi’s ingenuity at his Tokyo-based electronics company led to the creation of the “Sparko Box.” Inspired by his love for music, Negishi combined a microphone, speaker, and tape deck to pioneer the karaoke machine. Its immediate success within his company and with his family marked the beginning of a cultural phenomenon.
Despite the widespread presence of karaoke-like activities, Negishi’s invention added a unique twist, allowing singers to perform with backing tracks. While tempted to name it “karaoke,” he refrained after his distribution partner warned against its resemblance to the Japanese word for “coffin.”
Shigeichi Negishi’s legacy lives on in the hearts of millions worldwide, as his invention continues to bring people together through the joy of music.
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