This is what Japanese venue are like:
■ Reserved and same-day tickets
Venue in Japan offer two types of tickets: reserved and same-day.
The difference is that tickets sold on the day are more expensive, usually 500 yen extra. It's better to make a reservation if you can. Rarely there are events where pre-order sales and same-day sales are the same price.
■ Reservation
In Japan, except for famous bands, reservations can be made by contacting the venue (by phone, email, or social media) or by contacting one of the performing bands. In the case of famous bands, tickets are purchased through ticket reservation sites.
■ Entrance
If you have a reservation, tell the receptionist that you have a reservation when you enter. If you made a reservation at a venue, tell the receptionist, "I made a reservation at the venue."
(japanese:raibuhausu ni yoyaku shimashita)
The band pays a fixed amount to the venue to perform, if the number of reservations for the band is large, so you should say which band you have come to see when you enter the venue.
Also, you will be charged for drinks when you enter - this is separate from the ticket price. This is because venue in Japan are restaurants, so it is essential to order food and drink. It's a law, so it's strange. I also can't help but think that the drink prices are set too high (usually about 600 yen). I think they could be a little cheaper.
■ Performance duration
About 3 to 6 Japanese indie bands perform at one event. Each band usually plays for 30 to 40 minutes.
This is based on the Japanese venue custom of paying a fixed amount of money to the venue that I mentioned earlier.
■ Playing
Japanese people are generally shy, so they fold their arms behind their backs and look sullen, but there's no need to worry about that. If you are having fun, you can cheer and be loud, and if you aren't then you don't need to force yourself to have fun!
■ After Playing
Most bands sell CDs/tapes and other merch. If the band is good, people will happily buy their music and merch as that will fund the band's activities. CDs are still the mainstream here, and sales of records and tapes are low. We also sell downloads.
■Others
If you buy extra drinks, it will increase the venue's drink sales, and the venue will be pleased.
In Japan, we learn English for 6 years from junior high school to high school, but most Japanese people can't speak or understand English. I'm sorry. It is better to use words or simple sentences when talking to them.
good!
nice!
Your intentions can be conveyed with simple words and gestures like these.
I like your music!
Where are you from?
There are bands that transcend language when you just drink alcohol, so please try to experience various things.
Let's have a fun Japanese venue experience!