Not to be outdone, but as soon as Ji Chang Wook’s “Ji’ngle Bells” fan meeting ended on 25 December, Spring Company and Rubeus announced that Wook will perform in a Japan concert tour to take place in March 2024!

Entitled the “2024 Ji Chang Wook Japan First Tour,” Wook will entertain his fans at three separate venues throughout Japan:  Osaka, Fukuoka and Tokyo.  Here are the details as we know them!

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2024 JI CHANG WOOK JAPAN FIRST TOUR:  LIVE INFORMATION (all times listed in local JST)

Friday, 8 March 2024:  Osaka Orix Theater / Doors Open 6:00pm; Concert Start 7:00pm SOLD OUT
Saturday, 9 March 2024:  Osaka Orix Theater / Doors Open 2:00pm; Concert Start 3:00pm SOLD OUT
Tuesday, 12 March 2024:  Fukuoka Sunpalace / Doors Open 6:00pm; Concert Start 7:00pm SOLD OUT
Wednesday, 13 March 2024:  Fukuoka Sunpalace / Doors Open 6:00pm; Concert Start 7:00pm SOLD OUT
Saturday, 16 March 2024:  Tokyo International Forum, Hall A / Doors Open 4:00pm; Concert Start 5:00pm SOLD OUT 
Sunday, 17 March 2024:  Tokyo International Forum, Hall A / Doors Open 1:00pm; Concert Start 2:00pm SOLD OUT

GENERAL SALES INFORMATION

Ticket Price:  12,000 Yen (tax included, all seats reserved)
*You can apply up to 4 tickets for each performance.
*You can apply for multiple performances with one application.
*You can pay for all the performances you have prepared at one time.
*If a Fan Club purchase is made in advance, non-members are allowed to accompany you.
*You cannot enter under 3 years old, and you have to pay for over 4 years old.

TICKET SALES SCHEDULE

■ Ji Chang Wook Japan Official Fan Club Advance Lottery (only Japan Fan Club members can apply)
<Application Period> Tuesday, 9 January 2024 at 6:00pm through Friday, 19 January 2024 at 11:59pm
<Announcement of Lottery Results> From 6:00pm on Friday, 26 January 2024
<Payment Period> All tickets must be paid in full no later than Monday, 29 January 29 at 11:59pm

■Pia’s Fastest Advance Lottery (must have a Pia ticket account to apply)
<Application Period> Saturday, 20 January 2024 at 12:00pm through Sunday, 28 January 2024 at 11:59pm
<Announcement of Lottery Results> From 6:00pm on Friday, 2 February 2024
<Payment Period> All tickets must be paid in full no later than Friday, 5 February 2024 at 11:59pm

■Pre-Reserve Advance Lottery (through 7-11 Ticket or Lawson Ticket)
<Application Period> Monday, 29 January 2024 at 6:00pm through Sunday, 4 February 2024 at 11:59pm
<Announcement of Lottery Results> From 6:00pm on Friday, 9 February 2024
<Payment Period> All tickets must be paid in full no later than Monday, 12 February 2024 at 11:59pm

■Last Advance Lottery Purchase (card payment only; all sales portals)
<Application Period> Monday, 5 February 2024 at 6:00pm through Monday, 12 February 2024 at 11:59pm
<Announcement of Lottery Results> From 6:00pm on Saturday, 17 February 2024 until venue is sold out
<Payment Period> All tickets must be paid in full beginning Saturday, 17 February 2024 at 6:00pm until venue is sold out

■General sales (first come, first served)
<Available at all venue box offices> Saturday, 24 February at 12:00pm until all venues are sold out

VENUE INFORMATION

Osaka Orix Theater (8 March and 9 March); address 1-Chōme-14-15 Shinmachi, Nishi Ward, Osaka, 550-0013, Japan; telephone +81-06-6586-3711; website Orix Theater.

The Orix Theater is a 2,400-seat concert hall in Nishi-ku, Osaka and owned by the Orix Real Estate Group.  This is the smallest of the three venues Wook will be performing at on this Japan First Tour.  Originally built in 1992, the Orix Theater has seen many renovations (and owners), and has since been reduced in size to a more intimate venue.  Consisting of 3 levels with nary a sightline issue, the Orix Theater has played host to several big-name local and international musical acts since its opening.

Single tickets may be purchased through the Orix Theater Box Office (hours 10:00am to 4:00pm), or through KyodoOsaka (Japanese only; account required):  https://kyodo-osaka.co.jp/search/detail/8157.

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Fukuoka Sunpalace (12 March and 13 March); address 2-1 Chikkou-Honmachi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka-ken, 812-0021, Japan; telephone +81-92-272-1123; website Fukuoka Sunpalace.

The Fukuoka Sunpalace is a hotel, restaurant and conference hall complex in Hakata-fu, Fukuoka, Japan, and has a seating capacity of 2,316 contained over 3 levels.  Constructed in 1981, the Sunpalace has hosted international bands and performers such as A-ha, Roxette, Rainbox, Bon Jovi, Ringo Starr, Rush, and Phil Collins.  (Editor’s Note: Admin cherkell saw Cheap Trick at the Sunpalace in August 1978.)  The Concert Hall where Ji Chang Wook will be performing has been widely used, from various music concerts to opera, ballet, theater, lectures and international conferences.

The Sunpalace is located near the waterfront of Hakata Harbor, has great day views from its hotel’s upper floors, and wonderful night views from its rooftop restaurant and bar.  Only a 15-minute walk straight up from the Gofukumachi Subway Station, or a 6-minute cab ride from the Fukuoka Hakata Station.

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Tokyo International Forum (16 March and 17 March); address 3 Chome-5-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0005 Japan; telephone +81-03-5221-9000; website Tokyo International Forum.

The Tokyo Internation Forum is the same venue where Ji Chang Wook held his “Ji’ngle Bells” fan meeting on 25 December 2023.  The Forum is a multi-purpose exhibition center in the Marunouchi District of Tokyo.  Designed by architect Rafael Vinoly and completed in 1996, it features swooping curves of steel truss and glass and the outside is shaped like an elongated boat.

Ji Chang Wook will be performing in Hall A of the Tokyo International Forum.  Consisting of 5,012 seats over 3 levels, Hall A can accommodate a versatile range of large-scale events including concerts and international conferences.  The finely chiseled wood-ribbed proscenium arch and illuminated walls on both sides of the audience seating enhance both the stage and seating. The downlights evenly distributed across the ceiling lend a sensation of floating that pervades the entire space.  Advanced audio and stage equipment create more realistic music and stage events.

The Tokyo International Forum is easily accessible, with only a 1-minute walk from Yurakucho Station (connects to the concourse on the first basement floor) or a 5-minute walk from Tokyo Station (the concourse on the first basement floor connects with Tokyo Station on the Keiyo Line).

And some good news:  The Kitchen will be attending at least one show in each city, so look out for us.  Hope to see you there!

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UPDATE 11 February 2024:  Both 8 March and 9 March Osaka Orix Theatre shows and the 17 March show in Tokyo have sold out!  There may be tickets held back at each venue’s box office; contact information is listed above.

UPDATE 22 February 2024:  The tour has now been officially renamed the “2024 Ji Chang wook Japan First Tour: March“… which leads us to believe that this is not going to be a one-off event in Japan alone.  Stay tuned!

UPDATE 27 February 2024:  The merchandise list for the “2024 Ji Chang Wook Japan First Tour: March” has been released!  In addition, a special benefit for purchase of goods at the venues has been decided!  And to sweeten the deal, a unique Cherry Blossom symbol sticker designed by Ji Chang Wook himself will be available!

■ If you purchase goods totalling 6,000 yen (tax included), you will get one original sticker for each purchase.
■ If you purchase goods totalling 10,000 yen (tax included) or more, you will receive a lottery ticket for a Meet & Greet with Ji Chang Wook.  5 lucky attendees will be drawn at each performance!  *swoon*  The drawing for the Meet & Greet lottery ticket will be held only during the pre-sale time before the doors are opened at each venue.  At the Meet & Greet, Ji Chang Wook will also sign Polaroids as a special gift to each lottery winner!  If you have a winning lottery ticket, please enter the venue after opening and come to the [Gift Sale Special Winner Gathering Place] 30 minutes before each performance starts.

VENUE SALES BOOTH AND OPEN HOURS

Friday, 8 March [Osaka Orix Theater] Pre-Sale: 1:00pm to 5:30pm / Sale after Opening: 6:00pm until venue close*
Saturday, 9 March [Osaka Orix Theater] Pre-Sale: 10:00am to 1:30pm / Sale after Opening: 2:00pm until venue close*
Tuesday, 12 March [Fukuoka Sun Palace Hall] Pre-Sale: 1:00pm to 5:30pm / Sale after Opening: 6:00pm until venue close*
Wednesday, 13 March [Fukuoka Sun Palace Hall] Pre-Sale: 1:00pm to 5:30pm / Sale after Opening: 6:00pm until venue close*
Saturday, 16 March [Tokyo International Forum] Pre-Sale: 12:00pm to 3:30pm / Sale after Opening: 4:00pm until venue close*
Sunday, 17 March [Tokyo International Forum] Pre-Sale: 10:00am to 12:30pm / Sale after Opening: 1:00pm until venue close*

*Depending on stock availability at each venue, sales may be carried out even after the performance is over.
*During the time zone before opening, the formation of a temporary queue may be suspended due to maintenance of the entrance line.
*Sales before the performance will be closed 10 minutes before the performance starts.  Please note that even if you are in line, the sale will end when the time comes.
*In order to prevent accidents and confusion, we may refuse customers according to the situation on each day.  Please follow the instructions of the field staff and cooperate for smooth operation.

SALES AVAILABLE AT ALL VENUES (limit of 2 items per person)

Parka Hoodie (one size fits most):  7,500 yen (tax included)
Knapsack:  2,800 yen (tax included)
Glow Stick:  2,800 yen (tax included)
Scarf Towel:  2,500 yen (tax included)
Suitcase Tag:  1,500 yen (tax included)
Smartphone Strap:  2,200 yen (tax included)

The items below are only available at specific venues:

Cushion & Charm Set (3 types; each venue has a different design) 3,500 yen each (tax included)
LED Badge (3 types; each venue has a different design) 800 yen each (tax included)
Puzzle Keyring (3 types; each venue has a different design) 1,000 yen each (tax included)
Clear Ticket & Ticket Holder (3 types; each venue has a different design) 1,000 yen each (tax included)

◆ Available payment methods:  Cash; Credit Card (VISA/Mastercard/JCB/AMERICAN EXPRESS)* One-Time Charge Only

Translated from Japanese to English by cherkell; there may be slight inaccuracies. PLEASE DO NOT REPRINT, REPURPOSE, SCREENCAP OR OTHERWISE COPY OUR CONTENT WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION.

Credits:  Ji Chang Wook Japan Fan Club; hotels as listed