First Karaoke, Now Afrec

The latest innovation in entertainment from Japan, it's like karaoke but with more people participating.

The machine -- called "afrec!" in an abbreviation of "after recording" -- shows a 30-second scene cut from well-known Japanese animation or "anime" programmes involving two characters.

Two participants read their parts at the bottom of the screen after hearing the performance by professional voice actors and actresses. Recordings are made automatically and played back instantly.

Everybody at the party can enjoy at once.

Afrec! and cocktails -- sounds like a party.