What is torioki and how do you reserve a ticket with a band?

Why use torioki?

Some ticket sites are hard to use from abroad. For example, the regular e+ site asks for a Japanese mobile number when you register. Ticket PIA's regular membership is for Japanese phone numbers only. Torioki needs only a message and cash at the door. For which ticket sites work without a Japanese number, see Japanese ticket sites for foreigners.

JGIG's guide describes torioki as a will-call reservation: the ticket waits for you at the door under your name.

What do you need before you ask?

• A show that takes torioki. Look for 取り置き or a contact on the official event page. If there is no contact, choose an advance or door ticket instead.
• A way to send a message. Email, or a social media account that can send DMs.
• The name you will give at the door. Staff check your name at the entrance, so use the same spelling in your message.
• Cash on the night. Torioki is paid in cash at the door.

What changes from show to show?

• The price. Which price applies to torioki depends on the show. Read the price line on the official page.
• Entry order. Ticket numbers, reservation times or fan club lotteries can decide who goes first. Check the event post for where torioki fits.
• The deadline and cancelling. Each show sets its own rules. Check the event post, and wait for a reply that confirms your reservation.
• The details of the night. Promoters sometimes change times, prices or lineups at short notice. Check the official page before you go.

How do you send a torioki request?

1. Open the JGIG show page and follow the link to the official event page.
2. Find 取り置き or the organizer's contact: an email address or a social media account.
3. Write a short message with the show date, the venue, your name and the number of tickets.
4. Keep your message short: the show date, your name and the number of tickets.
5. Send it early, so there is time for a reply. Save the reply as a screenshot.
6. On the night, give your reservation name at the entrance. Pay the ticket and the drink fee in cash, and take your drink ticket.

If your plans change, tell the organizer in the same message thread.

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

• Going alone: Reserve one ticket under your own name. At the door, you only need to give that name.
• No Japanese: Write a short message in simple English, and add the Japanese sentence from the phrasebook. At the door, show your reply screenshot if you can't say your name clearly.
• No cash: Torioki is paid in cash at the door, so it doesn't suit a cash-free trip. An advance ticket bought online leaves only the drink fee. See How to buy live house tickets in Japan.
• Door ticket: If you get no reply in time, a door ticket may still be possible on the night if there is space. See Can you buy tickets at the door (当日券) in Japan?.

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