A translation of the “How to Livehouse” video, which illustrates some rules and advice to follow when you go to a Japanese live (mainly those in livehouses).

1. Hand luggage
If you bring large luggage to a live concert, it tends to get in the way, so either don’t bring it or leave it in a coin locker near the station. There are coin lockers at some venues, but they are limited in number and size, so it is best not to expect much.

2. Clothes
Clothing is basically free.
It can get hot during the concert, so it is advisable to wear something comfortable and breathable.
Also, please do not wear dangerous clothing as there will be a lot of people around.
Dangerous clothing includes pinwheels, pointy shoes… and nudity.

3. Entrance
If you have a numbered ticket, the admission will be in numbered order.
On the day of the event, staff will form a line for you to enter the venue in an easy-to-understand manner.
If you are not sure where to line up, please ask a staff member.
If you hang around the venue, it could be a nuisance to the neighborhood, so please do not come more than 30 minutes before the event.

4. The sales of goods before the live
Staffer: “if you are looking for the goods sales, please line up here”
Staff will form a line for the good sales as well as for the entrance.
You will line up in the same order as you arrived, but please do not come more than 30 minutes before the start time as it may disturb the neighborhood.

5. Entrance
There will be a staff member to collect your ticket, so hand it to them and ask them to cut off the ticket stub.
At that time, pay for the drink fee (¥500) and receive your drink ticket.
If you leave your luggage in a locker, please bring the drink fee separately.
Paprika: “I left my money in the locker…”

6. The drink ticket
The drink ticket can be exchanged for one drink by handing it over at the drink counter in the venue.
This ticket can be used until the drink counter closes, so there is no need to rush to get a drink right after it opens.

7. From opening until the start
Comp: “So this is a livehouse~”
Paprika: “I’m excited”
You are free.
Don’t leave your luggage on the floor to take your place.
It is a good idea to use the restroom beforehand.
Paprika: “What should I do with this gift?”
Staffer: “Well, then hand it over here”
For food gifts, presents, and such, put them in the present box if there is one; otherwise, ask a staff member nearby.
They will answer you kindly.

8. During the live
You are free to enjoy it however you prefer. You can enter even if you are not on time for the opening or start time. There is no problem at all if you leave during the live.
You can enjoy the live in high spirits.
You can enjoy the live quietly.
In the case of a standing venue, the front is more likely to attract the most excited audience, while the back is more likely to attract those who want to enjoy the show in a more relaxed atmosphere.
Avoid violent and annoying acts that would cause trouble to others.
There are many different kinds of people in the venue, so please be considerate and enjoy the concert.

9. After the live
You are free. You can leave right away or enjoy the goods sales if there are any afterward.
Comp: “I want this one, please”
Ranko: “Thank you very much”
Staffer: “The lobby will be closed, so please leave.”
However, if the venue announces or the staff calls for you to leave, leave promptly.
You may be excited, but please be careful as you go home.

Some additional notes courtesy of Scott:
– Usually, if people try to gather around the front of the venue before the live, the staff tells them to go away. That’s until the staff starts the lines: they organize it by the ticket number and they start calling out the numbers like “people with numbers 20 and below please enter” then “people with numbers 30 and below please enter” and so forth.
– The drink ticket is obligatory and that’s how the venues make extra money.
– PEOPLE MOSH AT BUTAOTOME LIVES. Jokes aside, it happened that during Touhou ABC in Tokyo last year, there were 3 people trying to mosh pit during Gensou no Satellite. It happened again with 6-8 people during Furubokkoru tour in Nagoya. (I just wanted to end this post with a funny anecdote)