Kat’s Piece #12: A Karaoke Bar

Namie, a small coastal city in Fukushima prefecture, fell into decay after the 2011 nuclear disaster. Many residents never returned. For the fraction who did, there isn't much to do.

That's why Minza Lee opened Cosmos Karaoke — to bring the city back to life. This glittery, hopeful piece is a love letter to the little things.

"I know my contribution — a karaoke bar — is small," Lee said. "But it's important."

Kat sang a duet at the karaoke bar, but we don't have a photo. We do have this one of her at a robot cafe in Tokyo. Photo Credit: Claire Harbage/NPR