Beginning in the 1950's there was Utagoe (Singing voice) movement against the atom bomb, discrimination and poor working conditions. At first they prefer singing working songs and Russian folk songs, later they made addition to music of wish to peace. With campaign as "Utagoe is a force of peace", or "Struggle with Utagoe", this movement had a strong hold on the public mind and Utagoe and Utagoe cafes were spread all over Japan during the 60's to the 70's.
Neon-lit street in Shinjyuku
The time goes by; with changing of populace conditions and consciousness most of these cafes were forced to close one after another without a few in Shinjyuku. Its so happy Ieji and Tomoshibi are barely remaining, and we can go there and sing a song at any time.
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