Getting tickets to see Seventeen in Japan can feel like winning the lottery—because it literally is! This guide breaks down the Japanese ticketing system for concerts and fanmeetings, helping you increase your chances of seeing your favorite idols live.
The Lottery System
Forget first-come, first-served. In Japan, most concert tickets are distributed through lotteries. Seventeen typically uses Lawson Ticket, and there are multiple rounds:
Fanclub: Members of the official Seventeen Japan fanclub get first dibs.
CARAT Mobile: Subscribers to the CARAT mobile app have a separate lottery.
General Sales: If any tickets remain, they go on sale to the general public. (Note: General sales aren't always guaranteed.)
Pro Tip: General sales are notoriously competitive. Prepare for a digital battle royale! Having a Lawson Ticket account set up beforehand is crucial.
Creating a Lawson Ticket Account
Sign Up: Go to the Lawson Ticket website and provide your information. If you don't have a Japanese address, use the address where you're staying or borrow a friend's.
Confirm Email: Lawson will send you an email to confirm your account.
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Complete Registration: Enter your password and additional details. Important: Use your official name (as it appears on your passport) for both English and katakana fields. As of January 2024, foreign phone numbers may not work reliably, so using a Japanese number is recommended.
Applying for the Lottery
Find the Links: Check the official Seventeen Japan website and Twitter for lottery application links.
Follow the Guide: Lawson Ticket has an English guide to help you through the process.
Confirm Entry: You'll receive a confirmation email with the lottery results announcement date and time.
Checking the Results
Email Notification: Lawson Ticket will send you an email with the lottery results. The email subject will be "|ローチク|抽選結果のお知らせ".
My Page (If Possible): You can also try checking your results on the Lawson Ticket "My Page," but the website often crashes due to high traffic.
Picking Up Tickets
Payment: You can choose to pay by card or at a Lawson store using the Loppi machine.
Ticket Collection: Regardless of your payment method, you must physically collect your tickets at a Lawson store. Bring the phone number you used and the booking number provided in the email.
Pickup Period: The pickup period usually lasts until the day before the event.
Important Reminders
Name Accuracy: Ensure your name on the Lawson Ticket account matches your Carat ID and passport to avoid issues at the venue.
Payment Slip: If you pay at Lawson, keep the payment slip as proof of purchase.
Ticket Pickup: Don't forget to collect your tickets within the designated pickup period!
With careful planning and a bit of luck, you'll be singing along with Seventeen in no time! Remember to check the official Seventeen Japan website and Twitter for the latest concert and fanmeeting announcements. Good luck, Carats!