🇺🇸 Japanese Concert Etiquette: What to Know Inside Livehouses
Hello! This is Haineneko.🐈⬛
Last time, we talked about entry order.
This time, I’ll explain what happens from entering the venue until the end of the show.
1. First thing after entering: Drink ticket
At Japanese livehouses, you usually pay a separate drink fee (around 500–700 yen) at the entrance.
You’ll receive a drink ticket (a coin or token).
When to exchange your drink
You can exchange your drink before the show, during the encore break, or after the show.
However, some venues close the drink counter after the show, so it’s a good idea to check in advance.
It’s a good idea to have some cash with you.
2. Where to stand and basic manners
You can generally stand wherever you like, but understanding Japan’s sense of personal space will help you enjoy the show more smoothly.
A simple “excuse me” goes a long way
If you stand next to someone or in front of someone, a small nod or a quick word helps.
“Can I stand here?"
Tips for going solo
If you need to leave your spot before the show (for the restroom or to get your drink), it’s best to say something first.
“I’ll be back.”
“Can you keep my spot?”
People are usually kind and will help you. Don’t forget to say thank you when you return.
⚠️ Important: Do NOT save spots for friends who enter later.
This is one of the biggest no-go rules in Japan.
Returning to your spot
Even if you move during moshing or crowd movement, people often return to their original spot after the song ends.
(This is different from overseas, where you usually lose your spot.)
It can feel like you have your own invisible seat.
3. How to enjoy the show: Moves and participation
In Japanese V-kei scenes, many songs have specific fan movements called “furi.”
Enjoy the moves and “saki”
You can learn them from videos or copy the people around you.
These are like simple fan choreography or call & response.
Of course, you can also enjoy the show in your own way without doing them.
Fans may also call out their favorite member’s name or raise both hands to show support.
When the MC starts, it’s polite to stay quiet and listen.
Encore culture
During the encore, clapping and chants are often well coordinated.
Try to follow along with the crowd and enjoy the moment.
4. After the show: Merchandise and “cheki”
After the show, check out the merchandise area.
One of the most popular items in V-kei is “cheki.”
What is cheki?
It’s a one-of-a-kind instant photo taken before the show (usually 500–1000 yen each).
Sales methods vary. Sometimes it’s random, and sometimes you can choose the member.
If you don’t get your favorite, you can line up again or try trading with other fans. This is also part of the culture.
Cash is often preferred, so it’s good to have some on hand.
How was it?
Now you have an idea of what happens from entering the venue to after the show.
Small actions like speaking to others and respecting space help create the unique atmosphere of Japanese livehouses.
So far, we’ve focused on one-man shows.
Next time, we’ll look at multi-band events, which have their own rules and culture.
I hope your ENSEI becomes even more fun and memorable.
See you in the next article! 🤘✨
