International Music Archives

Your favorite band just announced their Japan tour. The dates are confirmed, the tickets have gone on sale, and you’re ready to book, credit card in hand. That's until you open the site and realize -- you can't. What's happening? In short: You can solve this problem by getting a Japanese phone number through Mobal. Japan has one of the most exciting live music scenes in the world -- and one of the most labyrinthine ticketing systems. Most platforms are built for residents, and the barrier usually comes down to one thing: a Japanese phone number. Without it, you can’t create an account, receive the necessary SMS code, or enter the ticket lottery in the first place. So how does it all work, and how do you actually get tickets? Here’s what you need to know to successfully snag concert tickets in Japan. How Japanese concert tickets work First things first: for popular shows featuring big names, the first few rounds of ticket releases are usually lotteries, not direct sales. The idea is fairness: instead of everything selling out in seconds to the speedy clickers and chronically online, or going straight to whoever can pay the most on resale, fans apply to purchase a ticket during a set window. After the lottery closes, on a designated day, you get a notification letting you know whether you were selected or not. If you’re selected, you then get the chance to pay and claim your ticket. Miss the deadline, which is often just a few days, and your spot is promptly given away. There are usually several rounds in each lottery: Fan club presale: This round offers the best odds, but requires membership Platform lotteries: Open to registered users General sale: First-come, first-served, but often sells out in minutes Seat numbers are typically assigned later, sometimes just days before the event. Why you need a Japanese phone number Most major ticketing platforms require a Japanese mobile number (beginning with the digits 070, 080, or 090) to: Create an account Verify your identity via SMS or phone call Access lotteries and digital tickets Data-only SIMs, though useful, won’t cut it in this situation. You need a number that can receive an SMS. Without one, your options become much more limited. How to get a Japanese phone number Prepare to jump through many a hoop -- if you go the traditional route, anyway. Major carriers typically require a registered address in Japan and a local bank account, among other documentation, to issue a phone number. To skip the hassle and get to moshing (careful-- you might get kicked out for that), our top choice is Mobal. Order the SIM online, pick it up (they offer worldwide shipping), and then activate it by following the instructions. To troubleshoot any issues, you'll also have access to customer support in English. Your Japanese phone number will use the SoftBank network, which is one of Japan's three biggest. Beyond data, you can make and receive calls, and send and receive texts. There are no complex contracts, and it's possible to stop the service at any time, with no penalties. Another solid option is Sakura Mobile. Sakura Mobile offers domestic pick-up, plus perks like English-language support. Pro tip: Check out our guide to getting a Japanese phone number for more info. Major ticketing platforms for concerts in Japan Most concerts in Japan run through a handful of platforms: e+: The biggest platform, used for major concerts and events Lawson Ticket: Linked to Loppi machines in Lawson convenience stores countrywide Ticket Pia: Another major player with 7-Eleven pickup options Rakuten Ticket: Sometimes works with overseas cards, but still tricky All of these generally require a Japanese phone number for full access. Some may also require a Japanese credit card, though success with foreign cards varies. Ways to buy tickets as a visitor If you’re serious about seeing a specific artist, our top recommendation is to get a SIM with SMS capability. It opens up a world of options -- you'll be able to access the whole host of platforms and lotteries. There are, however, a few workarounds: 1. Official international sales Some events, especially huge festivals like Fuji Rock or Summer Sonic, offer dedicated overseas ticket sales. These don’t require a Japanese number and are the simplest route. The catch: availability is limited, and they often open later than domestic sales. 2. e+ international site The international version of e+ supports overseas cards and skips the phone number requirement. But keep in mind that the selection is limited mostly to events aimed at international audiences. So you may or may not be able to get tickets for the show you want to see. 3. Buy tickets in Japan If you’re already in the country, you can: Use convenience-store ticket machines Pay in cash Pick up tickets on the spot In our experience, this works best for smaller shows or anything that hasn’t sold out during the lottery phase. 4. Ask a friend or use a proxy If you've got a Japan-based contact you can possibly ask them to apply and pay on your behalf. Note, however, that there may be ID requirements -- so this might not be feasible, even if your friend is willing. There are also some proxy services that can help you out, but expect fees and some level of risk. We don't recommend them. Using convenience-store ticketing machines This is one of the most practical workarounds once you’re in Japan. You’ll find ticket machines in: Lawson: Loppi machines FamilyMart: FamiPort 7-Eleven: Multicopy machines The process is simple: Enter the event code (L-code, P-code, etc.) Select your tickets Print a slip Pay at the counter What to avoid It’s tempting to turn to resale sites, but we suggest you tread carefully. Japan has strict anti-scalping laws. Also, increasingly, many tickets have names printed on them, and there may be ID checks. If your name doesn’t match, you may be turned away, even with a valid ticket. Japan’s ticketing system can feel like a maze, but it’s not impossible to navigate. If you’ve got your heart set on a specific artist, getting a Japanese phone number early can save you a lot of hassle later.

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