How to Buy Japanese Event Tickets from Overseas: e+ and Lawson Ticket

November 4, 2026 5 Min Read

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Last reviewed: October 29, 2026

Many VTuber live events, fan meetings and exhibitions in Japan sell tickets through general ticketing services rather than through the agency’s own store. Two of the most common are e+ (eplus) and Lawson Ticket (l-tike). This guide explains the usual steps for a buyer outside Japan and points out where the rules differ by service and by event. Ticketing terms change often, so treat the notes below as a checklist and confirm every detail on the official page of the event you want to attend.

Check the event’s sales page first

Before creating any account, read the sales page for the specific event. It normally states the sales period, the price, the number of tickets per person, whether the sale is a lottery or first-come, and how the ticket will be issued. Some events limit sales to residents of Japan, require a fan club membership, or allow only certain payment methods. If the page is in Japanese only, a browser translation tool is usually enough to find these items, but check the original wording for dates and deadlines, because machine translation can misread them.

Create an account

Both services let you register with an email address. Use an address you can read at all times during the sale, since confirmations, lottery results and payment notices are sent by email. e+ also publishes an English-language section for buyers outside Japan, and the Lawson Ticket reservation flow described on its English page asks for an email address and a phone number and lets you set a password to log in to My Page, where the application history and a QR code can be viewed. Enter your name exactly as it appears on the ID you will carry, because some events check identification at the door. Whether a particular Japanese phone-number field accepts an overseas number can differ by service, so check the form and the service’s FAQ.

Lottery and first-come sales

Lottery sales: You apply during a set period, and winners are notified afterward. Applying does not guarantee a ticket, and payment is normally requested only after you win. Pay attention to the payment deadline, since an unpaid winning entry is generally cancelled.
First-come sales: Tickets are sold in the order of purchase once the sale opens. Popular events can sell out within minutes, so log in beforehand and have your payment details ready.
Other formats: Some events use priority sales for fan club members or a separate general sale later. The event page lists each phase with its own dates.

Payment options can depend on the format. For example, the e+ payment and delivery guide states that Alipay and WeChat Pay are available only for first-come registration and cannot be used for lottery applications.

Paying from overseas

A credit card is the simplest option for overseas buyers. The e+ guide notes that cards supporting 3D Secure require you to enter the password registered with your card company, so set that up with your card issuer before the sale rather than during it. If you use a debit card, check the balance beforehand. Convenience store and over-the-counter payment methods require a visit to a store in Japan. For Lawson Ticket, the English page states that payment at a Lawson store must be made before the deadline or the reservation becomes invalid, while with a credit card you only need to collect the ticket before the deadline. A foreign card may be declined by an issuer as a suspicious overseas transaction, so consider notifying your bank in advance.

Ticket delivery and pickup

The delivery method is often the deciding factor for overseas buyers. The options described on the official pages include the following.

QR code e-ticket (e+): You display a smartphone screenshot or a paper printout at the venue. This is the most convenient choice if the event offers it. A system usage fee is charged separately.
Streaming tickets: For online events, e+ describes virtual tickets for its Streaming+ service, with the viewing URL provided through the confirmation email or the order status page. Streaming+ is handled with its own account.
Convenience store pickup: e+ lists pickup at 7-Eleven stores in Japan using a ticket number or the voucher on the My Order page. Lawson Ticket uses the Loppi terminal at Lawson stores: you show the QR code, receive a printed slip, and take it to the register within 30 minutes. Both options require you to be in Japan before the event.

If the only available method is store pickup, plan your arrival in Japan so that you can collect the ticket before the event day. Check the pickup deadline on the page, since some tickets are held only for a limited period.

Fees and maintenance windows

Handling fees, system usage fees and issuing fees are usually added to the ticket price, and the amounts vary by event, so look at the final confirmation screen before you pay. e+ also states that its service is unavailable during scheduled maintenance, which it lists as 2:00 AM to 8:00 AM Japan time on the first and third Thursday of each month. Avoid scheduling a purchase near those windows.

Before the event

Save the confirmation email and a screenshot of the QR code or ticket number.
Bring the ID that matches the name on the order if the event requires it.
Read the venue rules for photography, items allowed inside and light sticks. These are listed on the event page and are separate from the ticketing service.
Do not share ticket numbers or payment slip numbers with other people. e+ specifically warns against sharing the payment slip number.

Resale, transfers and refunds

Many Japanese events prohibit resale above face value, and some tickets are tied to the name of the buyer. If you cannot attend, check the official transfer or refund rules on the event page. Purchases from individuals on social media or auction sites carry the risk of invalid or duplicated tickets, and official ticket pages generally advise against them.

If the sales page is unclear

If the sales page is unclear about overseas buyers, contact the event organizer or the ticketing service through the contact form listed on the official page. Ask specifically whether overseas credit cards are accepted, whether e-ticket delivery is available and whether identification is checked at entry. Keep the answer for your own records.

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Reviewed by WVR Inoue on October 29, 2026. See our editorial standards.

Thumbnail: 【MV】サキミダレアッパレード♪ / さくらみこ by Miko Ch. さくらみこ on YouTube. Shown via YouTube; all rights belong to their owners.