“Going to a concert in Japan?”
One word: lottery! lottery! lottery!
Coming from Malaysia, where big concert tours almost always skip us, Japan is actually a great place to watch concerts.
Unlike Malaysia, where tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, Japan mainly uses a lottery system (抽選 / chūsen) for ticket sales.
And it’s not just concerts — even famous fireworks festivals use a lottery system too!
Once, my friends and I (6 people total) tried for two years to get tickets to the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival, but none of us got lucky 😭
Common Ticket Platforms
- AnyPASS
- e+ (イープラス)
- Ticket Pia (チケットぴあ)
- Lawson Ticket (ローチケ)
- チケジャム (Ticket Jam) – second-hand platform
- チケット流通センター (Ticket Ryutsu Center) – second-hand platform
The Ticketing Flow in Japan
- Fan Club Pre-Lottery (FC先行): Only for official fan club members.
- Organizer/Media/Credit Card Pre-Lottery: Requires special access (e.g., specific cards or memberships).
- Public Pre-Lottery (先行抽選): Open to all registered users.
- General Sale (一般販売): Usually first-come-first-served for any remaining tickets.
- Official Resale (公式リセール): Open closer to the concert date, allowing safe and legal resales.
Most events follow the pattern: multiple lottery rounds → leftover tickets → general sale.
How the Lottery Works
- Application period: Choose your desired show, number of tickets, and seat type.
👉 It’s not first-come-first-served! Applying early doesn’t improve your chances. - Result announcement: You’ll get an email if you win; if not, wait for the next round or try another platform.
- Payment & ticket collection: Pay within the deadline if you win.
Tickets can be collected via an app or at a convenience store.
Usually, you pay after winning, but sometimes you pay first and get refunded if you lose.
Ticket Sharing (“Parent–Child” System)
Many platforms use a “parent–child ticket” system:
The person who wins the ticket (the “parent”) must assign sub-tickets (“child tickets”) to their companions.
Even those with sub-tickets need to open them via the official app.
Seat Information
Winning doesn’t mean you’ll immediately know your seat.
Seats are usually revealed 1–2 days before the show.
If you’re lucky, you’ll sit in the front arena — if not, well… “mountain view” 😅 (the ticket price is the same).
Out of all the shows I’ve been to, I only got arena seats once — the rest were all upper tiers!
For Overseas or Western Artists
For artists outside Japan and Korea (like JJ Lin, Jay Chou, or Western singers), there’s usually no fan club lottery — it’s pure first-come-first-served.
Big groups like BLACKPINK use a mix of both systems, and ticket prices vary by section (the closer you are, the more expensive).
Real Name & Entry Checks
Many concerts in Japan are tied to your real name.
You might need to show photo ID (passport, My Number card, or residence card) at the gate.
In stricter cases, both the applicant and their companions must match the registered information.
Entry System
- Live houses / standing areas: Entry is based on numbered tickets — no need to line up early.
- Arenas & large halls: Usually assigned seating or by zone, with clear staff guidance.
Resale & Legal Rules
Platforms like e+ and Pia provide official resale options before the event.
High-priced scalping is illegal and can get you banned from entry.
Second-hand platforms are common, but you’ll still need to link your ticket to the official app or exchange it for a physical one.
👉 So, don’t buy resale tickets before you’ve successfully registered your official app account.
On-Site Rules
- Photos & cheering: Recording and photography are usually banned; lightsticks and banners must follow size and brightness limits.
- Punctuality: Japan is strict about time — concerts start exactly on schedule. Some even block entry for the first 15 minutes after the show begins.
- Merch: Most artists sell merchandise online before the event, so crowds are smaller on the day. There are rarely “day-only” items.
Quick Checklist
✔ Apply during the lottery period — no need to rush.
✔ Pay on time if you win.
✔ Get familiar with e-ticket apps and prepare your ID.
✔ For standing areas, remember your entry number.
✔ If you missed out, check official resale or second-hand platforms (but always link to the official app!).
✔ On weekends, browse ticket platforms — you might find a fun concert to join last minute!
By the way, I’ll be going to a concert in January 2026! 🎶
Not sure if it’ll be their last one… 😢
Still waiting for my chance to see TWICE, CHANMINA, and HANA live. One day! 💫
If you’re just visiting Japan, though, I don’t really recommend trying to attend a concert.
Most platforms require real-name verification, and it can be tough for short-term visitors.
You can try registering first — if you pass, great! If not, it’s better not to risk it.