Namco Bandai has unveiled the prototype of its new cartoon karaoke technology, called the Afrec, at the Tokyo International Anime Fair 2008, with further plans to launch the machine in Japanese karaoke parlours later this year.

The machine, which stands for “after recording” shows a 30-second scene cut from well known Japanese animation programmes involving two characters. Participants can then impersonate the characters and hear play backs of their recordings.

Shohei Nakanowatari, a consumer software official with the firm, said: “You are unbuttoned at karaoke places where you drink with friends. The freer you are from your usual persona, the more fun you can have. You can also easily change your sex.

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