Overview for Promoters
Japan hosts world-class concerts and music festivals throughout the year, attracting international artists and fans alike. For promoters bringing foreign performers to Japan, securing Entertainment Visas (興行ビザ) for your entire lineup is essential to a successful event.
Whether you're organizing a single headliner show or a multi-day festival with dozens of international acts, we provide the visa coordination that keeps your event on track.
Who Needs an Entertainment Visa?
- Headlining artists and bands
- Supporting acts and opening performers
- DJs and electronic music artists
- Backing musicians and band members
- Featured guest performers
- Dancers and stage performers
Required Documents and Contracts
Concert and festival visa applications require comprehensive documentation:
- Performance contracts: Clear terms including dates, venues, and compensation
- Event details: Venue information, event dates, ticket sales projections
- Artist credentials: Portfolio, discography, past performance history
- Promoter documentation: Company registration, financial statements, event track record
We review all documentation for compliance before submission to minimize requests for additional information.
Timeline Planning for Lineups
Festival lineups are often announced months in advance, but visa processing can't wait until the last minute. Our timeline planning includes:
- Setting application deadlines based on your announcement schedule
- Prioritizing headliners while tracking supporting acts
- Building buffer time for complex cases or additional documentation
- Coordinating with artist management on document collection
Multi-Artist and Bulk Processing
Large festivals may require visa applications for dozens of performers. Our bulk processing approach:
- Unified documentation standards across all artists
- Batch submission for efficient immigration review
- Individual tracking dashboards for each performer
- Regular status updates to promoter teams
- Escalation protocols for delayed applications
Risk Controls and Compliance
Event success depends on having all performers present and legally authorized. We help manage risk through:
- Early identification of potential visa issues
- Backup planning for artists with complex situations
- Clear go/no-go recommendations before lineup announcements
- Compliance verification for venue and event requirements
How We Work
- Initial consultation to understand your event scope
- Lineup review and visa requirement assessment
- Customized timeline based on your event dates
- Documentation collection coordination with artist teams
- Application preparation and bulk submission
- Status tracking and promoter reporting
Frequently Asked Questions
What if an artist drops out and we add a replacement?
Last-minute lineup changes happen. We can expedite new applications when time permits and advise on feasibility for late additions.
Do crew members traveling with artists need visas too?
It depends on their role and compensation. Tour managers, sound engineers, and other crew may have different requirements. We assess each situation individually.
How far in advance should we start the visa process?
For large festivals, we recommend starting 3-4 months before the event. Earlier is better for complex lineups or artists from countries with longer processing times.