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Services
At Cicada Live, we connect international and local bands with Japan’s dynamic live music circuit. From tour bookings to promotions and logistics, our services ensure a seamless, high-impact experience, backed by real industry know-how and long-standing local connections.
1. Tour Bookings & Routing
Venue Scouting & Contracts
We tap into our nationwide network to identify the perfect venues for your genre, then handle negotiations, scheduling, and contracts. Our hands-on experience in Japanese live houses means we know exactly which spots resonate best with different audiences.
City-to-City Routing & International Flights
We map out itineraries that keep travel costs down and crowd turnout high. This extends to booking international flights, ensuring a smooth transition from your home country to the heart of Japan’s music scene.
Local Know-How
Having spent nearly a decade involved in Japan’s music and events culture, we’re able to navigate everything from local festival schedules to hidden underground venues. This insider perspective gives you an edge in attracting the right audiences.
2. Local Support Bands
Handpicked Matches
Our on-the-ground presence means we’re always discovering new talent in the Japanese scene. We’ll team you up with support acts that complement your style and appeal to your core listeners, while still offering something fresh.
Stronger Fan Engagement
Bringing in local openers boosts ticket sales, energises the crowd, and provides a direct line to local superfans. The synergy of foreign headliners and local support often creates a unique atmosphere that drives word-of-mouth buzz.
Community Building
We’ve cultivated strong ties with Japanese bands, promoters, and fans over the years. By introducing your band to their networks, we give you a warm welcome and a springboard for future tours.
3. Logistics & Cultural Guidance
Travel & Accommodation
We handle flights, accommodation, and local transport, saving you from juggling time zones or language barriers. We’ve worked with everything from boutique hostels to upscale hotels, ensuring comfort and budget alignment.
On-Site Tour Management & Stage Management
Our dedicated staff oversee each show day, coordinating set times, stage changes, and venue communications. We make sure everyone—from the sound engineer to the merch seller—is on the same page.
Cultural Protocols
Japan has its own nuances—venue curfews, etiquette, and strict punctuality. Our bilingual team provides guidance on all those details, sparing you any missteps that might cause delays or misunderstandings.
4. Promotion & Marketing
Targeted Campaigns
We craft publicity plans for your ideal audiences—whether on social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram, traditional on-the-ground campaigns within niche Japanese music communities, or through paid ad campaigns on Google.
Branding & Creative Design
Our in-house marketing prowess covers everything from vibrant tour posters to captivating online banners. We keep up with current design trends and fan engagement strategies in Japan.
Audience Engagement
With our finger on the pulse of local fan culture, we’ll build excitement around your tour, bringing together domestic music enthusiasts and expats craving new acts.
5. Merchandise Management
Merch Production
Our knowledge of local print shops and factories helps you produce designs that stand out. We can also advise on trends that resonate with Japanese fans—T-shirts, badges, or something entirely new.
On-Site Sales & Inventory
Our team coordinates merch tables at venues, manages stock counts, and processes sales in local currency. We’re used to smoothing out any language barriers so fans can buy your gear hassle-free.
Digital Sales & Payment Options
We support on-site digital sales through popular Japanese payment systems like PayPay and e-money, making it easy for fans to purchase your merch. By accepting multiple cashless methods, we help you to streamline transactions for everyone.
6. Ticketing & Financial Management
Ticket Sales Coordination
We run ticket sales through our own low-fee system for complete transparency which allows for maximum control of ticketing methods, and includes implementation of advance ticket scheduling, coupon codes and flash sales.
Transparent Budgeting
Years of professional event management have taught us to budget accurately, track expenses, and project potential revenues. You’ll always know where you stand financially.
Stress-Free Accounting
We handle venue deposits, currency exchanges, and those hidden fees that sneak up on you. Our bilingual abilities keep communications crystal-clear, eliminating confusion and costly errors.
7. Entertainment Visa Processing
Full Visa Application Support
We handle the entire visa process, from gathering the necessary documentation to coordinating with local agencies, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Regulatory Compliance
Our understanding of Japanese immigration regulations keeps every performance above board. Whether you need a short-term entertainment visa or something more complex, we’ll help you find the right path.
Up-to-Date Expertise
Visa rules can change, so we stay on top of the latest updates to keep your tour on schedule and legally secure.
8. Tailored Consultation & Extra Support
Flexible Packages
If you only need specific help—like visa processing or routing—we can tailor our services to suit. Or, rely on us for a full-service approach from start to finish.
Bespoke Projects
Looking to set up VIP fan meets, cross-genre festival slots, or unique local collaborations? We excel at inventive solutions that showcase your creativity.
Repeat Tours & Ongoing Guidance
Our approach encourages repeat visits to Japan, building on your previous successes and forging deeper connections with fans each time you return.
Ready to Work with Us?
Whether you’re a local Japanese act looking to broaden your fanbase or an overseas band aiming to break into the Japanese market, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch today and see how Cicada Live can transform your live music vision into a reality in Japan.