Question 8.
How should I behave at the show?

Is concert etiquette different in Japan? Yes and no. There are probably a certain number of etiquette protocols that are unique to Japan, or unique to various music scenes withing Japan, but rather than worrying overmuch about the minutiae of perceived rules of etiquette, just use common sense and obey the Golden Rule. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, and when in doubt, err on the side of politeness. Wait politely in line without pushing or shoving people, and don’t push or shove people when you’re in the venue, either. If another fan pushes or shoves you or is rude to you in some other way, do not respond in kind, but attempt to defuse the situation by ignoring or moving away from them. Even if you do not consider yourself to be at fault, getting in a fight will likely get you kicked out of the venue.

Is it okay to crowd surf? Crowd surfing is generally banned at Japanese shows, and even when it’s not banned, it’s incredibly dangerous, not only for the crowd surfer but for everyone in the crowd. Speaking as someone who has been kicked in the face by crowd surfers at multiple shows, I’m begging you, don’t do it. You could break someone’s nose, you could put out someone’s eye, or worst of all, you could seriously injure someone’s neck. Crowd surfing is bad news! Think that the fact that I'm saying that just means I'm too old? Maybe it does...or maybe it just means I've been to more shows that you have and have had my fill of getting kicked in the face.

What if I want to mosh? Japanese people will mosh at some shows, but often they will not mosh. Take your cues from the people around you. Unless there is an active mosh pit, do not mosh.

If some fangirl annoys me, can I beat the shit out of her?—No. You may feel tempted, but please don't.

If I get bored, can I suck face with my honey bun till someone cool comes onstage?—Generally, Japanese people don't make out in public. Public displays of affection are considered rude. Japan has a very hands-off culture in general... people don't often kiss or hug in public either, and many of them don't even shake hands (bowing is more common), and if your honey bun is Japanese, he or she will probably feel embarrassed about making out in public. Then again, Japanese people also tend to ignore rudeness if they can possibly manage it, so while it's unlikely that anyone will scold you for sucking face with your honey bun at a concert, privately, they'll think you're a clueless gaijin tool.

What if I want to go to the show totally wasted?—Japanese people have a very loose attitude toward alcohol consumption and drinking at shows is perfectly acceptable, but if you're going to drink, please be responsible about it. Japanese people may sometimes get very drunk at shows, but what they don't do is act like rowdy idiots. Stumbling around bumping into people, spilling beer on the floor, screaming inappropriate things at the band, bursting into tears at the venue staff because they won't let you backstage, throwing up on someone's shoes, etc. will get you branded as an asshole pretty quickly. I've seen all of these things happen, and I'm telling you - don't be that girl.

What if I want to go to the show totally high?—Drugs are very illegal in Japan and getting caught with drugs could get you in very serious trouble (i.e. deported). Don't do it unless you're confident you can disguise your highness from the rest of the world.

Can I film the band with my iPeen?—Do not attempt to take photographs or video with a camera, smartphone or other device. Recording devices are banned at almost all Japanese concerts and venue staff are very serious about this. If they see you recording or photographing, they absolutely will kick you out. Occasionally recording and photography may be permitted at outdoor festivals, very small venues or nightclubs, but before photographing just because someone else is doing it, make sure that the other person photographing isn't a staff photographer. When in doubt, don't photograph. Also, why did you come to the show if all you want to do is photograph it on your phone? Be present. Experience the event you paid good money to experience. The memories will last you better than any shitty grainy phone video.

Is it okay if I scream my head off the entire time?—Scream and cheer all you want in between songs, but try not to scream too much while the band are performing, especially not during quiet songs… it makes it impossible for you to hear the music and it also ruins the experience for everyone around you.

What if I want to grope the band members' firm, satin-encased buttocks?—If you’re in the front row and a band member comes up to the edge of the stage and is acting like he/she wants to be touched by fans, go for it—but be polite and use common sense. Clothes, accessories, and instruments are expensive and contrary to popular belief, rock musicians often don't have a lot of money. Do not attempt to rip the band members’ costumes, steal the band members’ jewelry, sabotage the band members’ instruments, break the band members’ fingers, pull the band members’ hair, touch parts of the band members’ bodies you’re pretty sure they don’t want you to touch, or scratch the band members’ hands to “get their DNA” (yes, this one happened for real, too... seriously, don't be that girl.) Also, it kind of goes without saying, but don’t clobber the fan next to you just because he/she is touching your favorite band member.

If I can't get my hands on the band members, how can I get my hands on the crap the band members throw into the audience?—If the band members throw guitar picks, towels, water bottles, bananas or what have you into the audience, by all means, attempt to catch them, but please try to avoid beating the shit out of people. If you catch something and then another fan steals it from you… well, in general I advocate being a better person and not beating the crap out of them, but, it’s your call. Sometimes bitches had it coming.

<< What to wear to a concert / After the show >>

Back to Index

<<Back to Visiting Japan: Helpful Guides<<