How a live house night works: taiban, set times, end times

Why doesn't the start time tell you enough?

On a multi-band night, the start time only marks the first act. The act you came for may play much later. The night ends after the last act, so the end time depends on the bill. Two times matter for planning: when your act plays, and when the night ends. Both come from the organizer, not from the start time.

What can you find out before the night?

• Who is playing. The official event page lists the acts on the bill (出演). JGIG show pages also list them when the event gives them.
• Doors and start. JGIG show pages give Doors and Start when the event lists them.
• Set times. Some organizers post a timetable (タイムテーブル) before the show. If you can't find one, check the event post on the day.
• The end time. If the official page gives one, use it to plan your train home.

What can change on the night?

• Lineups and times. Promoters sometimes change doors, times or lineups at short notice. Check the official page and the acts' posts on the day.
• Arriving after the start. Whether you can go in after the start depends on the show. If you plan to arrive late, check the event post first.
• Stepping out between acts. Re-entry rules vary by venue and event. Ask at the door before you leave, and look for a stamp or wristband. See Lockers, bags and re-entry at Japanese live houses.
• Special nights. Last New Year's Eve, some shows ran until early morning. See New Year's Eve countdown gigs in Tokyo and Osaka.

How do you plan a multi-band night?

1. On the JGIG show page, note Doors, Start and the nearest station.
2. Open the official event page. Look for 出演, a timetable and an end time.
3. Decide when to arrive. With a numbered ticket, plan for doors. See Doors or start: what time should you arrive?.
4. Check the last train from the nearest station before you go. See Last trains after a gig in Tokyo.
5. If you may step out between acts, ask about re-entry at the entrance.
6. Keep some yen for merch. Merch tables often open between sets or after the show.

What if you are alone, have no Japanese or cash, or buy at the door?

• Going alone: Stand near the side or the bar. It is easier to step out between acts or ask a quick question there.
• No Japanese: To ask about times or the last train, show a phrase from the directions phrasebook. JGIG's solo guide suggests this for timing questions.
• No cash: Have yen ready for merch, or ask the merch table if they take cards.
• Door ticket: Door tickets are often settled before doors, even if your act plays late. Arrive before doors, then wait inside for your act.

What to do next

What to do next