If you’ve been wanting to join a K-pop concert lottery in Japan, you’ll probably come across Lawson Ticket, also known as L-Tike (エルチケ). It’s one of Japan’s biggest ticketing platforms and is commonly used for concerts, musicals, and fan meetings — including major K-pop tours like SEVENTEEN, BTS, and Stray Kids.
Unlike most ticketing systems, Japan doesn’t do first-come, first-serve sales for big shows. Instead, everything runs through a lottery system (抽選 or chusen), where you apply for the chance to purchase tickets.
This guide will walk you through how to join a Japan concert lottery using Lawson Ticket, based on my own experience applying for SEVENTEEN and Runseokjin tour.
What Is Lawson Ticket (L-Tike)?
Lawson Ticket is Japan’s official ticketing service operated by the convenience store chain Lawson and its partner, Ministop.
Most Japan-exclusive concert lotteries — especially for K-pop acts — are held here.
When you apply, you’re not instantly buying a ticket. You’re entering a draw to win the right to purchase one if selected. The process is randomized, and winners are notified later via email.
Things to Know Before You Apply
- You need a Lawson Ticket account, which requires a Japanese address and phone number.
- For Kpop concerts, you need a Japanese Fan Club membership. Sometimes Global Membership are welcome to join, but not always.
- You can apply for up to two tickets per show.
- Seats are assigned randomly within your chosen tier (Premium or Reserved).
- Payment is typically by credit card, which you’ll provide during the application.
- In some cases, you may also choose to pay and pick up your tickets at convenience stores (Lawson or Ministop).
- Winners are automatically charged once results are announced.
💡 Tip: Read the details on your concert’s Japan website carefully. Some lotteries accept only Lawson konbini (convenience store) payments, while others give both credit card and konbini options.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Concert Lottery via Lawson Ticket
1. Go to Your Artist’s Official Japan Website
Concert lottery links are usually posted in the “News” or “Ticket” sections of your artist’s official Japan site. For example, SEVENTEEN posts their ticket information here:
👉 https://www.seventeen-17.jp/posts/information
Each concert date or ticket type (Premium / Reserved) has its own dedicated application page.
2. Log In or Register for a Lawson Ticket Account
Click “ログイン” (Login) or “新規会員登録” (New Registration) to create your account.
You’ll need:
- A Japanese address (in kanji/kana, not Roman letters)
- A Japanese phone number
- A valid email address
💡 Pro tip: The Lawson Ticket site runs best in Japanese and on Google Chrome. Avoid using automatic page translation—it can cause input errors. Some foreigners uses proxy Japanese address and number to enter the lottery if Global membership are not allowed to join.
3. Select Your Concert and Number of Tickets
Choose the date and seat type you’re applying for. If you plan to attend multiple days, you’ll need to submit separate applications for each.
You need to select how many seats you’re applying for (max of 2) and will be asked to put the following details at first.
Then click “お申込みはこちら” (Sign Up Here) to open the application form. If you’re applying for multiple dates, repeat this step for each one separately.
After clicking “次へ” (Next), there will be an authentication page, you just need to match the word that they are asking for to the photos presented.
4. Enter Payment Details
This is one of the most important steps. Most concert lotteries require you to input your credit card information during the application. If you win, your card will be automatically charged once results are released — there’s no need for a separate payment step.
In some cases, you can choose “コンビニ支払い (konbini shiharai)” to pay in-person at Lawson. When this option is available, you’ll receive payment instructions in your winning email. But sometimes this is the only available option. If that’s the case, you will need to either fly to Japan asap to pay it there because there’s a deadline for payment or asked someone you know or hire a proxy to do it for you.
**I only have a photo of the konbini payment option.
5. Fill Out the Application Form
You’ll be asked to enter the following details:
- Name in Japanese
- (Katakana/Furigana, your name translated in Japanese. You can use this website)
- First row: left is Surname, right is first name
- Second row: just repeat your name.
- (Katakana/Furigana, your name translated in Japanese. You can use this website)
- Birthday: Year → Month → Day
- Gender
- Address: Full address in Japanese characters (not romanized) with Postal Code and Prefecture (e.g., 神奈川県 / Kanagawa)
Click the red button to proceed to the next page.
5. Complete the Authentication Step
You’ll see a CAPTCHA or word-matching test. Just follow the instructions and click “Next.”
7. Create a 4-Character Password
You’ll be prompted to make a short alphanumeric password (for example, “A7B2”).
This password will be used to check your lottery results and application history. Don’t lose it.
8. Review Ticket Prices and Service Fees
Before you submit, double-check your total. There’s usually an additional ¥1,100 service fee added per ticket for system and handling charges.
9. Confirm and Submit
Verify that all your details are correct — especially your name, membership number (if applicable), and chosen concert date. Tick the agreement boxes and click the final red button to submit.
A confirmation page will appear showing:
- The concert details you applied for
- Your login or membership number
- The 4-character password you created
You’ll also receive a confirmation email once your entry is complete.
How to Check Your Lawson Lottery Result
You can check the status of your application anytime through your Lawson Ticket “My Page.”
Log in using your credentials and the password you created.
If you win, your credit card will automatically be charged, and you’ll receive details about ticket pickup or digital ticket activation.
Common Lawson Ticket Error Messages (and What They Mean)
Even seasoned fans get these! Here’s what those confusing Japanese pop-ups actually mean:
| Error Message | Meaning / Fix |
|---|---|
| 氏名を全角カナで入力してください | “Please enter your name in full-width Katakana.” → Your name must be in Japanese characters, not English. Use a Katakana converter online. |
| 郵便番号が正しくありません | “Invalid postal code.” → Double-check that your postal code matches the prefecture you entered. |
| 入力内容をご確認ください | “Please check your input.” → You might have left a required field empty or typed characters in the wrong format. |
| クレジットカード情報に誤りがあります | “Credit card information is incorrect.” → Check that your card supports international payments and matches your name exactly. |
| このメールアドレスは既に登録されています | “This email address is already registered.” → You already have an account. Try logging in or resetting your password. |
| システムエラーが発生しました | “A system error has occurred.” → Usually a timeout or browser issue. Refresh, clear cache, or try again later. Too many people in the site. |
| 申込期間外です | “Application period has ended.” → The lottery has already closed — check the event site for new rounds. |
💡 Quick fix tip: If you keep seeing errors, switch your browser to Japanese (no translation) and retype your info manually in native characters. Or try entering later because the site has too many people at the same time.
Tips for Non-Japanese Fans
- Use a proxy address and mobile number through services like Tenso or FromJapan to create your Lawson account.
- Make sure your credit card can process international transactions (Visa or Mastercard works best).
- Keep a copy of your confirmation email and screenshots of every page.
- Always double-check the application period—lotteries usually last only a few days.
Final Thoughts
The Lawson Ticket system might look intimidating at first, especially with all the Japanese forms and steps, but once you understand the process, it’s incredibly efficient.
Just remember:
✅ Double-check your details.
✅ Don’t miss the application period
✅ And make sure your card is ready for automatic payment if you win
Soon enough, you’ll be holding that Lawson Ticket confirmation and one step closer to your favorite idol’s concert in Japan. On my next guide, I will tell you step by step how to claim your physical ticket in lawson.