I’m going to a bunch of lives in Tokyo next month, and it seems there are new rules that weren’t in place the last time I was there 19 years ago. Specifically you are designated a spot to stand and you’re supposed to stay in that one spot, do I have this right? Is this the case for all lives now, or only certain ones, and will it say on my ticket?
It won’t say on your ticket. It’s not really an official rule. More like bangya code. If you stand in the back you can always move. This is more for spots closer to the stage. But if someone leaves their spot you better not just take it. You will notice that people in smaller venues will stand in lines and leave enough space between each other. The bigger the venue the the closer people will stand. So if you are at Ikebukuro Edge try to keep the spot thing in mind. If you are at Spotify O-East people will probably shove and move around more. This is for all standing. Seated venues like Shibuya Line Club also exist. If there is a seat number on your ticket you should def only go to that seat.
At least that was the case in May/June of this year.
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The ticket numbering system is just about order of entry.
Some people choose to stay in the spot they get to first, some people move up as other fans clear out, and some negotiate spot trades for bands they really want to see.
When someone wants to designate that they’re occupying a spot, they drop their things on that space.
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I’m not very well experienced on this so take it with a grain of salt, but saizen (front row) is a whole business.
Basically the lower your number the more rights you have to saizen over other gyas. If it’s a taiban there is usually a fan in charge of handing out saizen spots for different bands who you have to speak to and show your number.[1] For smaller bands you can just negotiate with the fans around you and ask if the spot is open (goes for any spot in the venue tbh)
I have never had a problem just heading into saizen if it was basically empty anyways. I know some really small bands through YouTube, so sometimes I’ll head into saizen knowing only 3 songs just to be supportive and make the bandomen happy. Just be mindful that you are socially expected to do furi and watch the more active fans next to you.
[1] Usually before the first set at a taiban (during the door open time before the show starts) the first few A numbers will be standing with their backs to the stage in saizen on their phones or with a notebook/paper. Ask the person standing in the spot you want about your band, if it is open show your ticket number. If you have secured the spot, wait till the band before your band is done, move towards the spot and tell the person currently standing there “kawarimasu”. When your band is done, stay in the spot with your back towards the stage till the next person comes to you saying “kawarimasu”.
Footnotes ↩︎