[For Beginners] I want to go to a concert! A 12-year Johnny's fan explains the path to "winning a ticket" and the mechanics of concert tickets in simple terms!

"That kid I saw on TV was a STARTO (formerly Johnny's) artist!"
"I want to go to a concert, even if it's just once."

Standing in the way of that pure wish is the complex ticket system unique to the STARTO (Johnny's) scene.

Let me give you the conclusion. Getting a ticket in this scene isn't just about "luck."You need a strategy of "understanding the system and casting your net correctly." is necessary.

In this article, I will thoroughly explain the "big picture of getting tickets" that beginners often get lost in, from the perspective of a 12-year veteran fan.

1. The 3 major routes to getting tickets: 99% of the battlefield is the "FC Advance"

First, please engrave this power balance into your brain.

Route Winning Probability "Perceived" Importance Features
1. FC Advance 99% ★★★★★ Almost all tickets are here.
2. General Sale 0.9% ★☆☆☆☆ A miracle if you get one.
3. Official Resale 0.1% ★☆☆☆☆ Only introduced for some performances.

The FC (Fan Club) is your "entry visa"

The answer to the question "Can I get a ticket without joining the FC?" is
"almost NO."

99% of tickets are allocated to FC members. While it is rarely possible to get them through general sales, they are almost always in the very last row of the stands or standing-room only. Skimping on the FC entrance fee + annual membership fee in this scene is like challenging the final boss without a weapon. If you are serious about going to the venue, please prioritize joining the FC, which is your "entry visa."

2. Types of wins: Dissecting initial, revival, and production release tickets

When you apply for the FC advance, there are actually three stages of chances.

• Initial win
  The win announced first. Seats range from the very front of the arena to the very last row of the stands; it is literally "luck."
  
  Basically, it is up to 2 tickets per performance per membership. You often don't need to have your companion decided at the time of application, but you should check for each performance whether a non-member companion is allowed or if it is limited to FC members only.
  

• Revival win
  Tickets that are re-allocated due to non-payment, etc. Recently, there has been a trend of more notifications for "annotated seats (seats where the overall production is hard to see)," but since good seats in the arena or near the main stage and member movement lines can also come up, don't lose hope just because it wasn't an initial win.
  

• Production release seats
  Opening up space that was found to be "sit-able" after equipment placement. A few days before the performance, notification emails are sent to those who lost in the lottery near the venue. You apply from there, and the win/loss is decided just before the performance.
  (*As an aside, in my observation, there have been cases where people with memberships in the Chugoku region received notifications for Osaka or Tokyo, so don't give up just because you live far away!)

3. The "reality" of general sales and resale

• General sale: Super platinum tickets of only a few seats. Most are in the very last row of the stands or standing-room only, but for those who just want to breathe the same air, it's not to be missed. I have managed to get them 3 times in the past, but they are basically sold out in an instant. I will introduce tips on how to get them in a future article.

• Official resale (ReLIFE ticket): A recently created system where people who suddenly can't go can transfer their tickets at face value. It is still limited to some performances, but it is expected to be a form of healthy trading. It is rare to get these as well, and getting a ticket requires a great deal of mental strength and patience.

4. Baptism! The trap of digital tickets (QR codes)

Even if you win, don't let your guard down until you enter. Once you have confirmed your win, hurry up and pay. If you don't pay within the deadline, you won't be provided with a seat.

After making the payment, you'll be nervous until the day of... Next, I will explain digital tickets.

1. The baptism of the "seat gacha"
   You won't know your seat until you scan your QR code at the entrance and a paper ticket is printed. For performances eligible for resale, they are so thorough that you won't even be notified of your seat type (stand or standing) until 6:00 PM the day before.

2. Entry denied due to an error!? The pitfall of the "consent check"
   If you win two tickets, you need to register your companion. Before the event, you must send the companion registration link from the winning page to your companion so they can register. On the day of the event, both the representative and the companion must complete the "consent check" in advance to display the QR code. If you try to open the QR code without doing this, an error will occur, and you will end up having to line up at the identity verification counter on the day. Check carefully so you don't break into a cold sweat right before the show starts!

Summary: Strategically, let's go all-in on "ruin"

Before you lament that you "can't get tickets," first understand where you are in this flow.

There is no hierarchy in the weight of love, but it is a fact that "those who control information control the venue." Go at your own pace, but strictly adhere to the deadlines (application deadlines). It is a world where, depending on the amount of information you have, some people can't go to a single performance while others can go to many.

Today, too, aim for the next venue, saving every single yen and giving your all.