AEG subsidiary AXS has formed a joint venture with Japanese entertainment and ticketing company Lawson Entertainment to expand its presence in Japan.
The new joint venture, called AXS Tickets, combines AXS‘s digital platform with Lawson Entertainment‘s ticketing business backed by Lawson Group’s retail network and relationships across Japanese sports leagues, teams, promoters, festivals and venues.
The partnership builds on AXS’s existing operation in Japan, which launched in 2018. AXS Japan has sold “tens of millions of tickets” since entering the market.
The AXS and Lawson joint venture aims to scale that presence by tapping Lawson Entertainment’s consumer brand recognition and distribution channels.
Lawson Entertainment operates Lawson Tickets, a ticketing service available at about 15,000 Lawson and Mini Stop convenience stores across Japan.
The company also runs businesses in travel services, entertainment retail through HMV & BOOKS stores, movie theaters under the Lawson United Cinema brand, and an entertainment agency called Double Culture Partners.
“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.”
Motoki Ishikawa, AXS Japan
Through the partnership, Lawson Entertainment will gain access to AXS’s technology for ID-based ticketing, mobile services, dynamic pricing and data analytics. AXS works with more than 1,600 venues, sports teams and festivals globally, including events like Coachella Music and Arts Festival, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, The O2 in London, and the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, among others.
Details about ticket sales locations and in-store purchasing options for AXS Tickets will be announced later, AXS and Lawson said.
Motoki Ishikawa, Managing Director of AXS Japan, said: “Japan’s live entertainment market is evolving rapidly, and we’re thrilled to help shape its future.”
“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.”
“Partnering with AXS allows us to build on our trusted brand and deep local history by combining it with AXS’s international network and innovative approach.”
Dai Sakai, LAWSON ENTERTAINMENT
Dai Sakai, Executive Officer of Lawson Entertainment, said: “At Lawson Entertainment, our mission has always been to connect fans with the artists, teams, and experiences they love.”
“Partnering with AXS allows us to build on our trusted brand and deep local history by combining it with AXS’s international network and innovative approach. Together, we’re setting a new standard for live entertainment access and experience in Japan.”
The partnership marks AXS’s latest expansion in Asia in two weeks. Earlier this month, AXS said it agreed to take a majority stake in Singapore-based ticketing platform SISTIC as part of a new strategic partnership. Through the partnership, AXS says it “will offer more diverse live events and activities in Singapore and the region.”
In August, AEG expanded its global partnership with American Express across festivals, venues and events on four continents. The renewed partnership will also see deeper integration of Amex into AXS. AEG took full ownership of AXS in 2019 after increasing its stake to 100%. AEG was a founding partner in the ticketing platform from its inception in 2011.
Music Business Worldwide
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