How to buy 2-shot tickets for visual kei lives in Japan PLUS explaining Hitchcock's process. :)
DISCLAIMER:
Please keep in mind that this information is based on personal experiences. Each band might have a slightly different system, but the buying process at the merch table is generally the same. This will give you a general idea of what to expect at a live. Not every band does satsueikai.
I will discuss satsueikai that are done at lives only and not discuss the in-store process in this post.
*You’ll need CASH to pay for these events. Get them yennies ready.*
撮影会 aka “satsueikai” are photo sessions! These photo sessions happen after the live performance, and you have to buy a separate ticket from the band’s merch table in order to participate. Larger bands like the GazettE do not offer these photo sessions. These are for minor/do-minor bands like Hitchcock, Jigsaw, Shingeki no Awake, Garakuta, Mathilda, Zombie etc.
Not every band offers satsueikai so be careful and check in advance.
The most common type of photo sessions are 2-shots. This refers to photos where it is just you PLUS one member of your choice.
2-shot = you + 1 band member
5-shot = you + 4 band members
6-shot = you + 5 band members
Some bands will only offer 2-shots, while others have the options of 2-shot and 5-shot.
Occasionally, when there are two bands performing together (two-man), both bands will hold a special group photo session (you + all members from both bands). They will announce it on their SNS if that is the case.
Bands will either offer photos by polaroid (cheki) or personal cell-phones. It depends on the band or which price you pay for (more on that later).
Please check your favorite band’s official website and Twitter for satsueikai information.
When buying a satsueikai ticket from the merch table, you’ll want to say the member’s name and how many tickets you want to buy.
“(band member name-san) no satsueikai ni-mai wo kudasai / onegaishimasu”
(two photo sessions with __-san, please.)
If the band offers a 5-shot and you’d like to do that instead then you can say something like,
Let’s use Jigsaw as our first example, followed by Hitchcock. Jigsaw always posts on their Twitter if a live will have satsueikai or not, because they don’t always do it. They’re also the type of band who only offers cell-phone photos, minus the super rare cheki occasions.
Jigsaw offers EITHER a 2-shot or a 5-shot for 3000yen. You must choose one.
Their other option is a 2-shot AND 30 second video together for 5000yen.
You cannot do a 5-shot with a video.
In this situation, use the same phrase I mentioned above to buy a ticket. Sadly, Jigsaw doesn’t have photos on their goods table to just point at (lol). When buying their satsueikai tickets, it will be numbered. Listen closely to staff when they call out member names and ticket numbers so you know when it’s your turn. When your number is called out, return the ticket and hand over your phone to take a picture.
Next is Hitchcock! Their system is different.
Hitchcock only offers 2-shots unless there’s a special event they announce on Twitter.
The nice thing about Hitchcock is that they have photos of all their merch options on the table, so if you struggle with Japanese, it’s easy! And they offer satsueikai at every live! Depending on the event, they may change locations of where the satsueikai is held (which they’ll post the address on Twitter). Other than that, it usually happens at the same venue they play at.
The photo above is their satsueikai system. You can refer to the tickets by color. For Hitchcock, you do NOT state the member’s names, only the type of ticket you want. And they will stamp the tickets with an expiration date meaning you don’t have to use it that same night.
The grey 1000yen ticket is a cell-phone photo ONLY. You have a short time to speak with the member and you cannot request a pose. When it’s photo time, staff will take the ticket from you along with your phone so have the camera open and ready.
The blue 3000yen ticket is a cheki (polaroid) photo! You’re allowed to request a pose and you have a slightly longer time to speak with the member of your choice. But this cheki will not be signed.
The red 4000yen ticket is a cheki (polaroid) photo! You’re allowed the same as the blue ticket except it also includes a written date, autograph, and personalized message from the member.
Using the same phrase I taught previously, you can replace “name” with the specific colored ticket.
“aka no san-mai wo kudasai / onegaishimasu.” (3 red tickets please.)
You’re probably wondering how to do Hitchcock satsueikai when you don’t have to choose a member from the beginning. It’s easy: just join the line for the member you want a photo with! So if you’re struggling to decide, you have a bit of time.
Staff will prepare these tall folding walls/curtains for each member and then they’ll attach a photo of the member on the outside. You line up according to which member you want. The fans in line will also be holding a laminated photo sign for that member and each time a new person joins the line, the fan before them will pass the sign to the newly-joined person. The person holding the sign signals the end of the line.
I hope this information helps everyone! Please let me know if you have any questions or need further explanations.
Thank you!
reida