ticket board & LIVE QR PLUS Complete Guide: Japan's Concert Ticket Platform for STARTO & Major Artists

ticket board & LIVE QR PLUS Complete Guide: Japan's Concert Ticket Platform for STARTO & Major Artists

What is ticket board?

ticket board (チケットボード) is one of Japan's largest electronic ticket platforms, operated by ticket board Inc. It handles ticket sales, distribution, and digital entry for a massive range of concerts and events — most notably for STARTO Entertainment (formerly Johnny & Associates / Johnny's Entertainment) artists.

If you're attending concerts by Snow Man, SixTONES, King & Prince, Naniwa Danshi, Travis Japan, Hey! Say! JUMP, Kis-My-Ft2, or virtually any STARTO-affiliated group, you'll almost certainly encounter ticket board.

ticket board vs. LIVE QR PLUS — What's the Difference?

• ticket board = the platform/website where you register, apply for tickets, manage orders, and handle companion registration
• LIVE QR PLUS = the smartphone app you download to receive and display the QR code for venue entry

Think of it this way: ticket board is where you buy and manage, LIVE QR PLUS is what you show at the door. You need both.

Note: LIVE QR PLUS replaced the older "LIVE QR" app. If you still have the old app, delete it and download LIVE QR PLUS instead.

Who Uses ticket board?

• STARTO Entertainment artists: Snow Man, SixTONES, King & Prince, Naniwa Danshi, Travis Japan, Hey! Say! JUMP, Kis-My-Ft2, and more
• Major J-pop artists: Various artists who partner with ticket board for their tours
• Theater productions and musicals: Some stage productions use ticket board
• Fan club ticket sales: Many artist fan clubs distribute tickets through ticket board

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Creating Your ticket board Account

Step 1: Visit the Website

Go to the ticket board registration page. You'll need:

• A valid email address
• A phone number capable of receiving SMS (Japanese number recommended)
• Basic personal information

Step 2: Fill in Registration Details

1. Email address — this becomes your login ID
2. Password — choose a strong password
3. Full name (in the order: family name, given name)
4. Name in katakana — required for Japanese system compatibility
5. Date of birth — must match your ID; used for age verification at some events
6. Phone number — critical for SMS authentication and ticket delivery
7. Address — Japanese address preferred; some international addresses accepted

Step 3: Email Verification

• A confirmation email is sent to your registered address
• Click the verification link within the time limit
• Your account is now active

Step 4: SMS Authentication Setup

• ticket board sends an SMS code to your registered phone number
• Enter the code to complete phone verification
• This step is mandatory for receiving tickets via LIVE QR PLUS

Important Notes for Foreign Fans

• Japanese phone number strongly recommended: While some international numbers work for SMS verification, many events and fan club sales require a Japanese number
• Name in katakana: If you're a foreign fan, write your name phonetically in katakana. For example, "John Smith" → "ジョン スミス"
• Address: Some ticket applications require a Japanese address for delivery. If you don't have one, a hotel address may work for some events, but fan club memberships typically require a residential address

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Downloading LIVE QR PLUS

iOS (iPhone)

1. Open the App Store
2. Search for "LIVE QR PLUS"
3. Download and install the app

Android

1. Open Google Play Store
2. Search for "LIVE QR PLUS"
3. Download and install the app

Requirements:

• Smartphones only — tablets (iPad, Android tablets) are NOT supported
• iOS 15.0 or later / Android 9.0 or later
• Stable internet connection for QR code generation

Language: LIVE QR PLUS is Japanese only. There is no English language option. However, the interface is simple enough to navigate with basic understanding.

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Setting Up LIVE QR PLUS

Step 1: Open the App

Launch LIVE QR PLUS after installation. You'll see the login screen.

Step 2: Log In

You have two login methods:

Method A: Email Login

1. Enter the email address registered on ticket board
2. Enter your password
3. Tap ログイン (Login)

Method B: Phone Number Login

1. Select 電話番号でログイン (Login with phone number)
2. Enter your registered phone number
3. An SMS verification code is sent
4. Enter the code
5. You're logged in

Step 3: Permissions

• Allow notifications — essential for receiving ticket distribution alerts
• Allow camera access if prompted (needed for some features)

Step 4: Verify Your Setup

Once logged in, you should see your account name and any upcoming events. If no tickets have been distributed yet, the main screen will be empty — this is normal.

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Face Photo Registration (顔写真登録)

Some events — particularly STARTO Entertainment concerts — require face photo registration before you can attend. This is an anti-scalping measure that allows staff to verify your identity at the venue.

When Is Face Photo Required?

• Check the event's ticket page on ticket board
• If it states 顔写真登録が必要 (face photo registration required), you must submit a photo before the deadline
• The deadline is typically several days before the event

How to Register Your Face Photo

1. Log in to ticket board on your smartphone browser (not the LIVE QR PLUS app)
2. Go to マイページ (My Page) → 顔写真登録 (Face Photo Registration)
3. Take or upload a clear photo of your face:
   • Front-facing, looking straight at the camera
   • No sunglasses, masks, or hats — face must be fully visible
   • Plain background preferred
   • Recent photo — should look like how you'll appear on concert day
4. Submit the photo
5. Wait for approval (usually within 1-3 days)

Face Photo Tips

• Take the photo in good lighting — avoid shadows on your face
• If you wear glasses at concerts, include them in the photo
• Don't over-edit — heavy filters or beauty mode may cause rejection
• If rejected, you can re-submit with a better photo before the deadline
• Both the ticket holder and companions may need to register face photos (check event rules)

At the Venue

Staff may compare your face with the registered photo during entry. In most cases this is a quick visual check, not a high-tech facial recognition scan. Just make sure you look reasonably similar to your submitted photo.

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How Ticket Distribution Works

Timeline

1. Ticket application/purchase — you apply or purchase through ticket board (or a fan club that uses ticket board)
2. Lottery results (if applicable) — results announced on ticket board
3. Payment — complete payment by the deadline
4. Ticket distribution — electronic tickets are sent to LIVE QR PLUS, usually 1-3 days before the event
5. Seat assignment — your seat number is revealed when the ticket is distributed (sometimes only on the day of the event)

Checking Your Tickets

1. Open LIVE QR PLUS
2. Your distributed tickets appear on the main screen
3. Tap a ticket to see details:
   • Event name and date
   • Venue
   • Seat information (if revealed)
   • Companion status

Important: Late Seat Reveals

For many STARTO concerts, your exact seat number is hidden until the day of the event or even until you arrive at the venue. This prevents seat-based scalping. Don't panic if you only see the ticket without specific seat info — this is by design.

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Companion Ticket System (同行者)

ticket board has a robust companion registration system. The main ticket holder must register companions in advance.

For the Main Ticket Holder

1. Log in to ticket board website
2. Go to your ticket details for the event
3. Select 同行者登録 (Companion Registration)
4. Enter your companion's information:
   • ticket board member ID (your companion must have their own ticket board account)
   • Or their email address registered on ticket board
   • Or their phone number registered on ticket board
5. Submit the registration before the deadline

For the Companion

1. You must have your own ticket board account — register if you haven't
2. Download LIVE QR PLUS on your smartphone
3. Log in with your own ticket board credentials
4. When the main ticket holder registers you as a companion, you'll receive a notification email
5. Your companion ticket will appear in your LIVE QR PLUS app when distributed
6. You enter the venue independently with your own QR code — you don't need to be with the main ticket holder at the gate

Companion Registration Rules

• Companions must be ticket board members — they need their own account
• Registration deadlines are strict — usually several days before the event
• Changes after registration may not be possible — confirm companion details carefully
• Each companion needs their own phone with LIVE QR PLUS installed
• For events requiring face photos, companions must also register their face photo

Common Companion Issues

• Companion doesn't have a ticket board account → they must create one first
• Wrong email/phone entered during registration → ticket goes to the wrong person or nowhere
• Companion changed their phone number after registration → they may not receive the ticket
• Trying to change companions after the deadline → usually not possible; contact event support

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Concert Day: Entry Process

Before Leaving for the Venue

1. Open LIVE QR PLUS and confirm your ticket is displayed
2. Charge your phone to 100% and bring a portable battery
3. Check face photo status (if required) — make sure it's approved
4. Bring photo ID: Japanese nationals need a government-issued ID; foreign nationals need their passport
5. Ensure you have mobile data — venue WiFi is often unreliable

At the Venue

1. Join the entry queue at your designated gate (check your ticket for gate info)
2. When you reach the scanner:
   • Open LIVE QR PLUS
   • Tap your ticket to display the QR code
   • The QR code refreshes automatically — do NOT screenshot it
3. Hold your phone screen up to the QR scanner
4. Staff may ask to see your ID and compare your face with the registered photo
5. Once scanned and verified → you're in!

QR Code Entry Details

• The QR code is dynamic — it changes periodically and cannot be screenshotted or shared
• Your phone must be connected to the internet for the QR code to generate and refresh
• Screen brightness to maximum for better scanner readability
• If the scan fails, try:
  • Closing and reopening the app
  • Checking your internet connection
  • Cleaning your screen
  • Asking staff for assistance

Seat Assignment at Entry

For some events (especially STARTO concerts), your seat number may only be revealed after scanning your QR code at entry. After passing through the gate:

• Check your LIVE QR PLUS app for the seat number
• Or check the printed receipt/slip given by staff after scanning
• Follow venue signage to find your seat

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Troubleshooting

"My ticket isn't showing in LIVE QR PLUS"

1. Check distribution timing: Tickets are typically distributed 1-3 days before the event. Don't panic if it's earlier
2. Verify login: Make sure you're logged in with the correct ticket board account (the one used to purchase/receive the ticket)
3. Check email: Look for distribution notification emails from ticket board
4. Pull to refresh: Swipe down on the main screen to refresh
5. Reinstall the app: As a last resort, uninstall and reinstall LIVE QR PLUS, then log in again
6. Check companion status: If you're a companion, confirm that the main ticket holder registered you correctly

"QR code won't scan"

1. Maximize screen brightness: Turn it to 100%
2. Check internet connection: The QR code needs an active data connection
3. Clean your screen: Smudges interfere with scanning
4. Hold steady: Don't wave your phone — keep it stable
5. Restart the app: Force-close and reopen LIVE QR PLUS
6. Try the other login method: If you logged in via email, try phone number login (or vice versa)

"Face photo was rejected"

1. Retake with better lighting: Avoid shadows, use natural light
2. Remove accessories: No sunglasses, masks, or hats
3. Face the camera directly: Don't angle your face
4. Use minimal editing: No heavy filters
5. Submit before the deadline: Allow time for re-review

"I changed my phone"

• Same phone number, new device: Install LIVE QR PLUS on the new phone, log in with your ticket board credentials. Tickets should sync
• New phone number: Update your phone number on ticket board FIRST, then set up LIVE QR PLUS. If tickets were already distributed, contact ticket board support

"Login issues"

• Forgot password: Use the password reset function on the ticket board website
• SMS not arriving: Check your phone's SMS spam filter, try the email login method instead
• Account locked: Too many failed login attempts may lock your account. Wait 30 minutes or contact support

Emergency: Day-of-Event Support

Most venues have a support desk (サポートデスク) or help counter near the entrance:

• Opens 1-2 hours before the event
• Bring: passport/ID, booking confirmation email, payment proof
• Staff can look up your ticket and troubleshoot
• In rare cases, they may issue an alternative entry method

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ticket board vs. AnyPASS: Key Differences

Feature	ticket board / LIVE QR PLUS	AnyPASS
Developer	ticket board Inc.	avex digital Inc.
Primary artists	STARTO Entertainment (Snow Man, SixTONES, etc.)	avex artists (EXILE, BE:FIRST, etc.)
App name	LIVE QR PLUS	AnyPASS
Language	Japanese only	English available
Account required	Yes (ticket board membership)	Phone number only
Face photo	Required for some events	Not typically required
Companion system	Companions need ticket board accounts	Phone number-based
Seat reveal timing	Often hidden until entry day	Usually shown at distribution
Ticket transfer	Through official companion change (limited)	Generally not transferable

Which Apps Do You Need?

The app you need depends entirely on the artist and event promoter, not your personal preference:

• Going to a Snow Man concert → ticket board + LIVE QR PLUS
• Going to a BE:FIRST concert → AnyPASS
• Going to multiple concerts by different artists → you may need both apps plus others

AnyPASS complete guide →

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Tips for Foreign Fans Using ticket board

1. Get a Japanese Phone Number Early

Many fan club ticket sales and ticket board registrations work best with a Japanese phone number. Options:

• Prepaid SIM with SMS capability (IIJmio, Sakura Mobile, Mobal)
• eSIM with a Japanese number (check if SMS is supported)
• Long-term SIM if you visit Japan frequently

2. Set Up Your Account Well Before the Event

Don't wait until the week of the concert. Registration, face photo approval, and companion setup all take time. Aim to have everything ready at least 2 weeks before.

3. Use a Japanese Address if Possible

Some ticket applications and fan club memberships require a Japanese address. If you have a friend or hotel in Japan, use that address (with permission). Note: fan club merchandise and physical items may be shipped to this address.

4. Learn Key Japanese Terms

Since the app and website are Japanese-only, knowing these terms helps:

Japanese	Reading	Meaning
ログイン	roguin	Login
チケット	chiketto	Ticket
同行者	doukousha	Companion
顔写真登録	kao shashin touroku	Face photo registration
座席	zaseki	Seat
入場	nyuujou	Entry
マイページ	mai peeji	My Page
申し込み	moushikomi	Application
当選	tousen	Won (lottery)
落選	rakusen	Lost (lottery)

5. Bring Your Passport

Foreign fans should always carry their passport to Japanese concerts. It's the only universally accepted ID for non-residents, and staff may need to check it against your ticket name.

6. Arrive Early for Your First Time

If it's your first time using LIVE QR PLUS at a venue, arrive at least 90 minutes before doors open. This gives you time to:

• Find the correct entrance gate
• Troubleshoot any app issues
• Visit the merchandise booth (goods sales often start hours before entry)

7. Portable Battery is Non-Negotiable

Dead ph ticket = no entry. Bring a 10,000mAh+ portable battery and a charging cable. Many fans bring two batteries for all-day events.

8. Don't Share Screenshots

Never share screenshots of your LIVE QR PLUS screen on social media. While the QR code itself can't be copied (it's dynamic), sharing ticket details may violate event terms and could lead to ticket cancellation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use LIVE QR PLUS on an iPad or tablet?
A: No. LIVE QR PLUS is designed exclusively for smartphones. Tablets are not supported and the app may not function correctly even if installed.

Q: Does LIVE QR PLUS work without internet?
A: No. An active internet connection (mobile data or WiFi) is required to generate and refresh the QR code. Make sure you have data coverage at the venue.

Q: Can I log into LIVE QR PLUS on two phones?
A: You can only be logged in on one device at a time. Logging in on a new device will log you out of the old one. Your tickets will appear on whichever device you're currently logged into.

Q: What if my companion can't attend and I want to change them?
A: Companion changes may be possible before the deadline, depending on the event. Log in to ticket board, go to your ticket details, and check if 同行者変更 (companion change) is available. After the deadline, changes are typically not possible.

Q: I won the lottery but my friend lost — can I add them as a companion?
A: Yes, in most cases. After your ticket is confirmed and payment is complete, you can register your friend as a companion (they must have a ticket board account). Check the specific event's companion registration period.

Q: What's the difference between LIVE QR and LIVE QR PLUS?
A: LIVE QR PLUS is the newer replacement for LIVE QR. The old LIVE QR app is no longer supported. If you have the old app, delete it and download LIVE QR PLUS.

Q: I'm buying tickets on TIXVOY — do I need ticket board?
A: If the original ticket was issued through ticket board, the transfer process depends on the event's rules. Some events allow companion registration changes, while others have strict no-transfer policies. TIXVOY's support team can advise you on the specific process for each event and help ensure a smooth entry experience.

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Recommended Reading

• Complete Guide for Foreign Ticket Buyers
• e+ (eplus) Complete Guide
• Japan Ticket Platforms Comparison