TOKYO, Dec 17 (News On Japan) - Popular idol group Snow Man is currently grappling with the issue of concert tickets being resold at exorbitant prices. The group's management, Starto Entertainment, has initiated requests for disclosure of seller information from ticket resale websites, with some platforms beginning to comply.
On December 15th, a large crowd gathered outside Tokyo Dome, where Snow Man is holding a series of concerts as part of a national tour across five major domes. The tour, which is expected to draw 615,000 attendees, has turned the group’s concert tickets into coveted items. Even fan club members report difficulties securing tickets.
A 20-year-old fan of four years lamented, “I never win the lottery.” A 15-year-old fan shared a similar experience, saying, “I applied for tickets in Sapporo and Tokyo but couldn’t get any.” One fan in their 20s, attending their first concert, said, “It took me three years in the fan club to finally get one. I’m so happy.”
Meanwhile, the high resale prices are causing frustration among fans. Tickets for the December 15th Tokyo Dome concert, originally priced at 9,700 yen, were listed for 140,000 to 150,000 yen on major resale platforms. Tickets for the December 27th Osaka concert are even priced at over 200,000 yen.
A 20-year-old fan expressed dismay: “It’s unfair that people who want to attend can’t go while resellers profit.” Yet, some fans appear resigned, with a teenage fan saying, “For Snow Man tickets, 150,000 yen might even be considered cheap. Some might pay up to 500,000 yen.”
Starto Entertainment addressed the issue on its website on December 9th, announcing plans to pursue legal action against unauthorized resellers. They have filed disclosure requests with resale platforms to identify sellers engaging in improper practices.
One platform has complied with the request, while another has refused. As a result, Starto Entertainment plans to file a petition with the Tokyo District Court for a disclosure order this month.
Legal expert Kunio Kasai emphasized the importance of fans avoiding resale tickets to ensure safe and fair fan practices. He noted that disclosure requests can help identify anonymous sellers, enabling criminal investigations to proceed.
In response to the resale issue, suggestions have been raised for stricter fan club registration policies, official resale platforms, and more rigorous identity verification at concert venues. These measures are viewed as potential solutions to prevent ticket scalping and ensure fair access for fans.
Source: TBS
