As the winds of Typhoon Kong-rey howled through the streets of Taipei on Thursday afternoon, a different kind of storm was brewing inside the city’s karaoke venues. In a unique display of resilience and passion, Taiwanese city dwellers transformed a day of calamity into an opportunity to indulge in their favorite pastime: singing their hearts out.
A Typhoon Day Tradition
When county governments nationwide announced a “typhoon day” late on Wednesday night, closing schools and most businesses, many residents saw it as more than just a chance to shelter at home. For the urban population without other commitments, a typhoon day has come to mean one thing: KTV, as karaoke is known in Taiwan.
According to a close source, karaoke joints, unlike most hospitality venues, remain open during typhoons and often book out within minutes of a typhoon day announcement. It’s a testament to the deep-rooted love for singing that permeates Taiwanese culture.
Weathering the Storm with Song
At the Zhongxiao Dunhua branch of Partyworld, one of Taiwan’s most popular karaoke chains, the scene on Thursday was one of controlled chaos. Staff rushed to keep up with endless orders for food and drinks as dozens of fully booked rooms pulsed with the sounds of enthusiastic crooning.
People are more relaxed, and they order much more food and alcohol because they’re supposed to be at work, but they aren’t today.
– A-han, a waiter at Partyworld
For many, like Jean, a lawyer who rarely gets days off, the unexpected break provided a chance to let loose with friends. “Last night, maybe about 9pm, we decided to have KTV time today, because we just heard about the typhoon day off,” she shared. “You have to spend quite a long time to find an available KTV room today.”
A Nation’s Passion for Singing
Taiwan’s love affair with karaoke is no secret. The island’s cities boast hundreds, if not thousands, of KTV options, ranging from multi-room venues like Partyworld to two-person booths in metro stations and even karaoke taxis. In 2023, a survey by Statista revealed that more than half of Taiwanese respondents had visited a KTV in the past year, highlighting the activity’s enduring popularity.
This passion for singing is deeply ingrained in Taiwanese culture, with karaoke serving as a favorite pastime for people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether celebrating a special occasion, bonding with colleagues after work, or simply looking to unwind, Taiwanese people often turn to the microphone to express themselves.
The Flip Side of Typhoon Days
While the karaoke tradition offers a unique way to weather the storm, some experts have raised concerns about the potential dangers of typhoon day complacency. When typhoon days are declared, people are supposed to stay home for their safety, but recent “typhoon days” in Taiwan’s north have sometimes brought only mild weather, leading to accusations that local officials are chasing popularity.
There is concern that people in Taiwan may become complacent about the threat posed by typhoons.
– A meteorologist who wished to remain anonymous
As groups like Jean and her friends discovered upon leaving Partyworld on Thursday evening, Typhoon Kong-rey was the real deal. Fierce winds blew debris dangerously along footpaths, serving as a stark reminder of the storm’s power.
A Reflection of Resilience
Despite the potential risks, the typhoon karaoke tradition endures as a reflection of the Taiwanese spirit. In the face of adversity, people find solace and joy in the simple act of singing together, creating a sense of community and resilience that helps them weather even the fiercest storms.
As Typhoon Kong-rey battered the island, leaving destruction in its wake, the sounds of laughter and music emanating from karaoke rooms across the country served as a poignant reminder of the indomitable human spirit. In Taiwan, where singing is a way of life, even the fury of nature cannot silence the music in people’s hearts.
