By Sgrabin CC BY-SA 3.0
AEG subsidiary AXS, a global digital ticketing platform, has teamed up with Japanese entertainment powerhouse Lawson Entertainment to launch a new joint venture called AXS Tickets. This move is a major signal that Japan’s live entertainment market is poised for an unprecedented era of innovation. The partnership is designed to combine AXS’s cutting-edge global technology with Lawson Entertainment’s unparalleled regional expertise and vast consumer network, promising to set a “new standard for live entertainment access and experience in Japan,” according to Dai Sakai, Executive Officer of Lawson Entertainment.
A Powerful Fusion of Strengths
The core strength of AXS Tickets lies in the powerful synergy between the two companies. AXS brings a wealth of technological know-how, including ID-based ticketing, mobile services, dynamic pricing, and data analytics—the same innovations used for global events like the Coachella Music and Arts Festival and the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This technology is being merged with Lawson Entertainment’s deep connections across Japanese sports leagues, promoters, and festivals, backed by the Lawson Group’s massive retail footprint.
Connecting Fans Across Japan
One of the most significant aspects for the average Japanese fan is the enhanced accessibility. Lawson Entertainment operates Lawson Tickets, which has an enormous distribution channel across approximately 15,000 Lawson and Mini Stop convenience stores nationwide. By tapping into this deep regional brand recognition and extensive physical network, AXS Tickets aims to dramatically scale its presence beyond the existing AXS Japan operation, which launched in 2018. Motoki Ishikawa, Managing Director of AXS Japan, emphasized the goal: “By bringing together Lawson Entertainment’s deep regional connections and AXS’s global technology and know-how, AXS Tickets is creating a more seamless, connected, and innovative ticketing experience for fans and clients across Japan.”
Looking Ahead
This formation of AXS Tickets is a crucial step in modernizing the Japanese ticketing landscape, offering consumers the best of both worlds: global digital convenience and trusted local availability. This expansion into Japan follows AXS’s recent majority stake agreement in Singapore-based platform SISTIC, cementing AEG’s commitment to growing its footprint across Asia. Fans and industry partners alike should watch closely as AXS and Lawson Entertainment prepare to announce further details about ticket sales locations and new in-store purchasing options that will redefine how live events are accessed across the country.
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