Gigs in Japan - A Promotional Expense

I set up this new thread because some of you had similar questions about doing gigs in Japan. So instead of replying to each one, I will summarize it here.

First of all, doing live shows (gigs) in Japan is a promotional expense NOT a revenue-generating activity. For several years I played the live house scene in Japan and even if you pack the live house you usually lose money after you tally up all the costs. You usually have to audition for the live house owner or pay to rent the place. Then you have to sell a set number of tickets. The live house does not pay you but you may get some money if you sell more than the quota of tickets. If you don't live in Japan, then your costs are much higher.

If you or your record label have the budget ready (such as your airfare, hotel, food, personal expenses, local travel, translator/guide, etc.) then you can just contact live houses or similar Japanese bands. They will likely allow you to play without having to pay (or sell your quota of tickets). They will likely look at your website (hopefully a Japanese version) or ask you to send a CD or video instead of asking you to fly all the way to Japan to audition. But they will not pay for any of your expenses (unless you are already famous).

Don't expect to get paid or make a profit. Unlike other countries, you have to "pay to play" or "audition to play" in Japan. In other countries there are "booking agents" who are trying to make commissions from the revenue you earn from doing gigs. But in Japan, since venues do not pay you, there is no revenue, and hence, no booking agents. There are some "booking agents" if you are an entertainer who wants to work in a night club/cabaret/attraction/theme park type place but don't expect to find the kind of booking agents there are in the West for serious recording bands/artists.

There are of course concert or event producers which may "book" and pay foreign artists for the events they produce but they usually work with famous artists and their record labels. Usually an artist they are sure to make money from.

There are companies that specialize in planning and managing live tours/gigs for foreign artists. But you must pay them for their services as well as all the expenses. If you can't speak Japanese then you probably have to use one of these companies. I think you can get a list of these companies at www.jics.com .

It's also a good idea to set up a Japanese web page so live house managers and Japanese bands/fans can learn more about you in their own language.

My friends and I did just that at www.topmusic.jp and now we get CD sales and promotion in Japan.

this is very helpful and true information. however it all depends on the "size" of the band. I have toured Japan three times and only third time we got paid for 4 out of 5 shows. not much, but better than nothing. the band was 'small' and we played really small venues from 40 to 100 people capacity.

Predrag,

Not to be contrarian, but since your comments may be misleading to someone who thinks that 40-100 is a 'really small' venue here, I'll clarify that this is the norm. That would actually be a regular-sized livehouse. Also, a solo or duo act would be considered a 'small' band (think The Ruins).

Regarding payment - consider yourself lucky. If your band was paid more than 5000 yen (USD 50), this has everything to do with having dealt with a nice promoter who may have reached into his pocket to help you out. Airfare will it not make.

That being said, if you choose to keep coming back, you'll obviously meet more people who can make your stay cheap and fun.

Cheers and good luck to all!

you are right, I forgot to mention I'm from Perth, Australia, and venues here are all bigger than most venues I've been in Japan (but there's certainly not as many here).
Last tour payment ranged from 2,000 to 10,000 Yen, depending on the attendance. however, that definitely doesn't even come close to cover any expenses - luckily twice we got a grant to tour Japan and other times I go there anyway and play some shows.

First of all, doing live shows (gigs) in Japan is a promotional expense NOT a revenue-generating activity.

good post

I spoke with some Bands and the told me it`s up on the merchandise,
if there is nice stuff the chance is good to come out with at least a little plus!