Want To See A K-Pop Concert In Japan? Here’s How The Ticket Lottery Works

If you’re planning to watch a K-Pop concert in Japan, you’ve probably heard that Japan does things a little differently when it comes to tickets.

Unlike in the U.S. or Korea, where tickets go live and sell out in seconds, Japan mostly uses a lottery system. You can buy a concert ticket based on luck and not speed. It can be confusing and stressful if it’s your first time navigating the process.

But once you understand how it works, it’s not as complicated as it sounds. In this guide, how the Japanese concert ticket lottery system works, why it exists, and some real tips to improve your chances, especially if you’re trying to see your favorite K-Pop group in Japan.

Why Japan Uses a Lottery System for Concert Tickets?

Long before the K-Pop boom, Japan was already a major stop for huge artists like Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Mariah Carey, and more. Combine that with massive venues like Tokyo Dome and Nissan Stadium, plus anime concerts and idol events, and Japan got a crazy amount of demand.

To manage the demand, Japan’s solution is lottery-based ticket system. Why?

-Reduce the panic of instant sell-outs

-Prevent ticket scalping and bot

-Give everyone a fairer shot

Scalping, particularly at K-Pop concerts, has become a significant issue, with tickets often marked up five times their original price. Japan’s system makes it harder for that to happen because unsold tickets usually get refunded and reissued. It’s not perfect, but it’s much better than fighting with bots.

How the Japanese Ticket Lottery System Works (Step-by-Step)

@cassiedakota

Replying to @🎵🍒🎧 how i buy kpop concert tickets in japan ✨ i hope this helps! if i missed anything feel free to lmk 🫶🏻 #kpop #japan #concerttickets #kpopconcert

♬ original sound - cassie 𐙚

I'll explain the application process by breaking it down in simple steps.

1. Pick Your Fanclub or Platform

Most lotteries are run through official fan clubs and ticketing sites.

-Official fan clubs like SEVENTEEN Japan Official FC, BTS Japan Official FC and G-Dragon FANPLUSONE Japan

-Ticketing sites like ePlus, Ticket Pia, and Lawson Ticket (L-tike)

Sometimes you'll see "fan club pre-sale," “promoter pre-order,” or “general lottery"—all” of them work the same way, but some give priority to fan club members. Also, global membership for most K-Pop groups is different from Japan membership.  It means that you need a Japan-specific membership, even if you already have a global fanclub membership.

2. Apply During the Entry Period

You can only apply during a specific window which is usually 3–7 days. Here’s what you might be asked to provide:

-Show date preferences.

-Seat type (if applicable)

-Credit card info or prepayment approval

Some shows even have multiple lotteries: one for assigned seats, one for standing, etc. You can try entering all of them if you are eligible.

3. Check the Lottery Results

You’ll get notified via:

-Email

-Your ticketing account

If you win, the system will either

-Automatically charge your credit card.

-Or give you a payment deadline (if you choose Conbini or Japanese Convenience Store/Bank Transfer).

4. Pay and Get Your Ticket

Depending on how you applied, you'll need one of these:

-A Japanese-issued credit card

-A Japanese friend to make the payment at a convenience store

-A Japanese bank account

Then, tickets are delivered through:

-E-ticket/QR code via app or email

-Conbini pickup (you print it at Lawson or FamilyMart)

-Mail delivery to a Japanese address (your hotel may help, or you can use a forwarding service)

Heads-up! Some apps require a Japanese mobile number to register or receive SMS, so keep your number active if you’re using one.