“I want to see a show in Japan, but I’m worried because I don’t speak Japanese…”—sound familiar?
Japan offers world-class live entertainment and cultural shows, but for first-timers the check-in flow, audience etiquette, and how to share your thoughts can feel tricky.
This guide teaches useful Japanese phrases for theaters in Japan following the flow: Buying Tickets → Entering → Finding Your Seat → During the Show → After the Show.
Every phrase includes romaji and English, so you can use them confidently on the spot.
You’ll also discover YOLO DISCOVER, a service that offers free entertainment experiences where you can practice your Japanese in real situations.
Enjoy Japanese culture while you build your language skills!
1. About Theaters in Japan
2. Phrase Guide by Scene (From Tickets to Curtain Call)
3. Sample Dialogues with Staff
4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
5. Where to Practice These Phrases
6. Summary
About Theaters in Japan
Here are quick basics so first-time visitors know what to expect.
Picture where you’ll use the phrases below as you read.
Tickets & Reservations 🎫
Many venues use advance reservations and assigned seating.
Entry is often verified with a QR code or reservation number.
Entry & Seating 🪑
Doors open at the posted time. Show your ticket to enter.
Seats are labeled by Row and Seat number.
If you’re unsure, show your ticket—staff will guide you.
Audience Etiquette 📵
Many shows prohibit recording/photography during the performance.
Set your phone to silent (manner mode).
Food and drinks may be limited to the lobby—rules vary by venue.
Intermission & Late Seating ⏱️
Longer shows feature an intermission.
If you arrive late, staff will guide you on when to enter.
Re-entry policies differ by performance.
After the Show 🎉
There may be merchandise booths and photo spots.
Ask staff, “Can I take a picture?” to be sure.
Sharing a short reaction with friends or staff makes the experience richer.
Phrase Guide by Scene (From Tickets to Curtain Call)
Theater interactions follow a predictable flow.
We’ve grouped the most useful phrases by Tickets → Reception → Entry & Seating → Pre-show Rules → Intermission → After the Show → If Something Goes Wrong.
Every phrase includes Japanese + Romaji + English. Feel free to read and repeat on your phone.
Buying Tickets 🎫
「予約しています。○○です。」
Romaji: Yoyaku shiteimasu. ○○ desu.
English: I have a reservation. My name is ○○.
「当日券はありますか？」
Romaji: Toujitsuken wa arimasu ka?
English: Do you have same-day tickets?
「このQRコードで入れますか？」
Romaji: Kono QR koodo de hairemasu ka?
English: Can I enter with this QR code?
Reception 🧥
「身分証は必要ですか？」
Romaji: Mi-bunshou wa hitsuyou desu ka?
English: Do I need an ID?
「荷物をあずけられますか？」
Romaji: Nimotsu o azukeraremasu ka?
English: Can I leave my bag/clothes at the cloakroom?
「パンフレットはどこで買えますか？」
Romaji: Panfuretto wa doko de kaemasu ka?
English: Where can I buy the program?
Entry & Seating 🪑
「この席はどこですか？」
Romaji: Kono seki wa doko desu ka?
English: Where is this seat?
「こちらで合っていますか？」
Romaji: Kochira de atteimasu ka?
English: Is this the right place?
「遅れてすみません。今、入れますか？」
Romaji: Okurete sumimasen. Ima, hairemasu ka?
English: Sorry I’m late. Can I enter now?
Before the Show (Photos, Drinks, Restrooms) 📵🍹🚻
「写真は撮ってもいいですか？」
Romaji: Shashin wa totte mo ii desu ka?
English: Is photography allowed?
「飲み物を飲んでも大丈夫ですか？」
Romaji: Nomimono o nondemo daijoubu desu ka?
English: Can I drink at my seat?
「トイレはどこですか？」
Romaji: Toire wa doko desu ka?
English: Where is the restroom?
Intermission ⏱️
「休憩は何分ですか？」
Romaji: Kyuukei wa nan-pun desu ka?
English: How long is the intermission?
「売店はどこですか？」
Romaji: Baiten wa doko desu ka?
English: Where is the concession stand?
「またこの席に戻れますか？」
Romaji: Mata kono seki ni modoremasu ka?
English: Can I come back to this seat?
After the Show (Reactions, Merch, Photos) 💬🛍️📸
「とても楽しかったです！」
Romaji: Totemo tanoshikatta desu!
English: It was really fun!
「すばらしいパフォーマンスでした。」
Romaji: Subarashii pafoomansu deshita.
English: That was an amazing performance.
「物販はどこですか？」
Romaji: Buppan wa doko desu ka?
English: Where is the merchandise booth?
If Something Goes Wrong (Health, Lost & Found, Understanding) 😨
「落とし物をしました。」
Romaji: Otoshimono o shimashita.
English: I lost something.
「もう一度お願いします。」
Romaji: Mou ichido onegaishimasu.
English: Could you say that again, please?
「ゆっくり話してください。」
Romaji: Yukkuri hanashite kudasai.
English: Please speak slowly.
👉 Must-Know: Top 3 Phrases
・「予約しています。○○です。」 (Yoyaku shiteimasu. ○○ desu. / I have a reservation. My name is ○○)
・「この席はどこですか？」 (Kono seki wa doko desu ka? / Where is this seat?)
・「写真を撮ってもいいですか？」 (Shashin o totte mo ii desu ka? / Can I take a picture?)
Sample Dialogues with Staff
Typical interactions happen at Reception → Seating → Intermission → After the Show.
Even if your Japanese is limited, short phrases are enough. Practice with the examples below.
① At Reception 🎫
Guest: 「予約しています。○○です。」
Romaji: Yoyaku shiteimasu. ○○ desu. / English: I have a reservation. My name is ○○.
Staff: 「ありがとうございます。チケットを確認しますね。」
Romaji: Arigatou gozaimasu. Chiketto o kakunin shimasu ne.
English: Thank you. Let me check your ticket.
Guest: 「このQRコードで入れますか？」
Romaji: Kono QR koodo de hairemasu ka?
English: Can I enter with this QR code?
Staff: 「はい、こちらをスキャンしてください。」
Romaji: Hai, kochira o sukyan shite kudasai.
English: Yes, please scan it here.
② Finding Your Seat 🪑
Guest: 「この席はどこですか？」
Romaji: Kono seki wa doko desu ka? / English: Where is this seat?
Staff: 「5列目のまんなかあたりです。こちらへどうぞ。」
Romaji: Go-retsu-me no mannaka atari desu. Kochira e douzo.
English: It’s around the middle of the 5th row. This way, please.
Guest: 「ありがとうございます。」
Romaji: Arigatou gozaimasu. / English: Thank you.
③ Intermission ⏱️
Guest: 「休憩は何分ですか？」
Romaji: Kyuukei wa nan-pun desu ka? / English: How long is the intermission?
Staff: 「15分です。再開5分前にベルが鳴ります。」
Romaji: Juugo-fun desu. Saikai go-fun mae ni beru ga narimasu.
English: Fifteen minutes. A bell rings five minutes before it restarts.
Guest: 「売店はどこですか？」
Romaji: Baiten wa doko desu ka? / English: Where is the concession stand?
Staff: 「出口を出て右手です。」
Romaji: Deguchi o dete migite desu. / English: To the right after the exit.
④ After the Show 💬
Guest: 「とても楽しかったです！」
Romaji: Totemo tanoshikatta desu! / English: It was really fun!
Staff: 「ありがとうございます。またお待ちしています。」
Romaji: Arigatou gozaimasu. Mata omachi shiteimasu.
English: Thank you. We hope to see you again.
Guest: 「写真を撮ってもいいですか？」
Romaji: Shashin o totte mo ii desu ka? / English: Can I take a picture?
Staff: 「ロビーでどうぞ。ステージではご遠慮ください。」
Romaji: Robii de douzo. Suteeji de wa goenryo kudasai.
English: Please do so in the lobby. No photos on stage, please.
💡Tips
・In Japan, talking and photography are usually prohibited during the show.
・Staff often have experience assisting international guests—minor mistakes are okay.
・After the show, a simple “Totemo tanoshikatta desu!” (“It was really fun!”) is perfect.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Answers to common questions at Japanese theaters.
Review these to feel confident about etiquette and simple Japanese for your visit.
Can I take photos or videos during the show? 📸
Most venues prohibit photography/recording during the performance.
Some allow photos in the lobby or after the show—ask staff to confirm.
「写真を撮ってもいいですか？」
Romaji: Shashin o totte mo ii desu ka?
English: Can I take a picture?
Can I leave my seat during the show? 🚪
Generally, mid-show exits are discouraged.
If you feel unwell, quietly notify staff.
「気分が悪いです。」
Romaji: Kibun ga warui desu.
English: I feel sick.
What if I arrive late? ⏰
Follow staff instructions—there are set times when late seating is allowed.
「遅れてすみません。今、入れますか？」
Romaji: Okurete sumimasen. Ima, hairemasu ka?
English: Sorry I’m late. Can I enter now?
What if I lose my ticket? 🎫
Go to reception and provide your name/reservation details.
Staff will verify your booking.
「チケットをなくしました。予約しています。」
Romaji: Chiketto o nakushimashita. Yoyaku shiteimasu.
English: I lost my ticket. I have a reservation.
How do I share my reaction after the show? 💬
Short comments work great in Japan.
「とても楽しかったです！」 (Totemo tanoshikatta desu! / It was really fun!)
「感動しました！」 (Kandou shimashita! / I was moved!)
Where to Practice These Phrases
Enjoy Theater on a Budget 🎭✨
The best practice is using real Japanese in real situations—but tickets can add up.
That’s why we recommend YOLO DISCOVER: a project where foreign residents in Japan can join free entertainment experiences.
From ninja shows to variety performances, you’ll get plenty of chances to speak naturally in Japanese—friends welcome!
Try These Phrases Today 💬
Examples: 「予約しています。○○です。」 / 「この席はどこですか？」 / 「とても楽しかったです！」
Start with one short line—repetition builds confidence.
Join YOLO DISCOVER and practice Japanese—while having fun!
*Sign in or register to view available experiences.
Summary
“Japanese Phrases for Theaters in Japan” at a Glance
Simple words go a long way: 「予約しています。」 / 「この席はどこですか？」 / 「写真を撮ってもいいですか？」
Memorize these three to feel at ease on your first visit.
Small Steps Build Big Confidence
Your Japanese doesn’t need to be perfect—being understood is what matters.
Use today’s phrases and enjoy Japan’s live entertainment culture even more.
Back to Phrase Guide / Practice the Dialogues Again
Produced by: YOLO JAPAN Editorial Team (lifestyle info for foreign residents)
Last updated: October 2025