- The Short Answer
- What Is a MoviTicket?
- Why Do People Buy MoviTickets?
- Advance Purchase Bonuses and Admission Gifts Are Different
- A MoviTicket Is Not the Same as a Reserved Seat
- Don’t Confuse Advance Tickets with Advance Reservations
- MoviTickets Are Usually Sold Before Release Day
- Is MoviTicket Worth Buying?
The Short Answer
MoviTicket is Japan’s most popular advance movie ticket system.
Many moviegoers buy MoviTickets before a movie is released to save money or receive exclusive bonuses. However, a MoviTicket is not the same as a reserved seat, and you may still need to reserve your seat before attending the screening.
What Is a MoviTicket?
A MoviTicket is an advance movie ticket sold before a movie’s release.
Depending on the movie, it may be available as a physical card, an online ticket, or a convenience store ticket.
Many fans purchase MoviTickets before release day, especially for popular anime, concert films, and idol-related movies.
Why Do People Buy MoviTickets?
There are two main reasons why people buy MoviTickets.
Save Money
MoviTickets are often slightly cheaper than regular adult tickets.
If you’re surprised by movie ticket prices in Japan, you may also want to read our guide to Why Are Movie Tickets So Expensive in Japan?
Exclusive Bonuses
Some movies offer special bonuses for customers who purchase a MoviTicket.
These may include:
- Clear files
- Posters
- Art cards
- Character goods
- Collectible items
However, not all movies include bonus items.
While bonus campaigns are common for major anime, concert films, and idol-related releases, many movies are sold without any bonus at all.
If receiving a bonus is important to you, always check the movie’s official website before purchasing.
Advance Purchase Bonuses and Admission Gifts Are Different
This is one of the most common misunderstandings among moviegoers.
In Japan, advance purchase bonuses and admission gifts are usually two separate promotions.
An advance purchase bonus is typically given when you buy a MoviTicket before the movie is released.
An admission gift is distributed when you attend the screening after the movie opens.
Because these are separate promotions, the items are often different.
For example, a concert film or idol-related movie may offer one collectible item with a MoviTicket purchase and a different item as an admission gift.
Visitors are sometimes surprised to learn that theaters cannot provide advance purchase bonuses after the movie has already opened.
If you would like to learn more about admission gifts, see our guide to What Are Movie Theater Bonus Gifts in Japan?
A MoviTicket Is Not the Same as a Reserved Seat
Another common misunderstanding is assuming that a MoviTicket guarantees a seat.
In most cases, it does not.
A MoviTicket gives you the right to watch the movie, but you may still need to reserve a specific date, time, and seat before attending.
For popular movies, reserving your seat as early as possible is recommended.
For more information, see our guide to How Seat Reservation Works in Japan.
Don’t Confuse Advance Tickets with Advance Reservations
Even Japanese moviegoers sometimes find this confusing.
An advance ticket (MoviTicket) and an advance reservation are different things.
- A MoviTicket is purchased before a movie is released.
- A reservation is for a specific screening, date, time, and seat.
Having one does not automatically mean you have the other.
MoviTickets Are Usually Sold Before Release Day
Another point that surprises visitors is when MoviTickets are available.
In most cases, MoviTickets are sold only until the day before a movie’s release.
Once the movie opens, regular ticket sales begin and MoviTickets are no longer available.
If you’re not familiar with Japan’s ticket purchasing process after a movie is released, see our guide to How to Buy Movie Tickets in Japan.
If you’re planning a trip to Japan specifically to watch a movie, it’s worth checking the movie’s official website before you travel.
Is MoviTicket Worth Buying?
If you already know which movie you want to see, a MoviTicket can be a good option.
You may save a little money, receive exclusive merchandise, and prepare for your visit in advance.
Just remember:
- Not every movie offers bonuses.
- Advance purchase bonuses and admission gifts are usually different promotions.
- A MoviTicket is not the same as a reserved seat.
- MoviTickets are usually sold only before release day.
Understanding these differences will help you avoid some of the most common misunderstandings at Japanese movie theaters.
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