Karaoke is one of the most commonly known cultural aspect in Japan.
Major karaoke franchise store “Manekineko” has made its store in Yotsuyasanchome a halal corresponding store.
All 20 food menus at this store are prepared by using only halal certified ingredients and do not use any kind of pork/alcohol/etc. based ingredients. The menu includes staple foods such as ramen, French fries, stir-fried noodles, fried chicken, edamame, etc. and are arranged to have the same taste as the regular Japanese food. 9 types of drinks are being offered in corresponding to halal. Although halal ingredients are more expensive than the usual ingredients, the price is set within the price range comparable to the rest of the stores ran by the franchise.
Although alcohol is still being served for the regular customers, the store makes sure to provide a separate storing and washing space for halal items (glass, plates, etc.). There are total of 14 rooms (13 rooms for 3 persons, 1 room for 10 persons). 7 meter square worship space is also provided in the facility. The worship space is facing Mecca, and there are enough space for 4 people to be able to lay worship mattress and perform worship at the same time.
For the future outlook, the company is planning to expand services such as providing post-fasting (Ramadan) party plan and “Muslim student discount” for exchange students from Muslim countries that are on an upward trend in recent years.
For the feature plan, the company is planning to increase the number of stores with halal menu by assessing the domestic halal market trend and halal customer usage status. The company is also planning to incorporate the know-how gained at this new halal corresponding store for their expansion in Southeast Asia.
”Our company makes sure to provide a kind of environment where Muslim customers can safely enjoy the long hours of karaoke session” says the company’s publicist, Takayuki Ezawa. He also commented “we would also like to see non-Muslim customers enjoy the store as well!”
Since it’s no secret that Muslim people have always wished for karaoke stores with halal correspondence, some of the Muslim karaoke enthusiasts have told him that they would like to deepen their friendship with Japanese by learning anime-songs and Japanese traditional songs.
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Address:
Address 2F, 3-1, Samoncho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Open:
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.(following morning)
Charge:
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. JPY150 per 30 minute
6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. JPY300 per 30 minute (*JPY350 for Saturday, Sunday, holidays)
Per hour rate charge
Membership only, initial membership fee of 200 yen upon joining.
