What Eplus does

Eplus Inc. (株式会社イープラス) is a Tokyo-based live entertainment platform company founded in July 1999 that operates Japan's industry-leading ticket sales service "eplus" (eplus.co.jp), serving 26 million+ registered members and powering approximately 100,000 events annually through its electronic ticket system スマチケ (Smarticket). The platform supports three purchase modes — プレオーダー lottery, first-come-first-served, and 座席選択 seat selection — and is accessible via the 10-million-download mobile app and physical issuance at 7-Eleven and FamilyMart convenience stores nationwide. Beyond ticketing, the company operates a vertically integrated entertainment stack including artist agent management (10+ contracted artists), self-produced festivals (STAND UP! CLASSIC FESTIVAL, GO-AheadZ, FAVOY), the SPICE editorial media platform, paid live-streaming service Streaming+, in-house record labels (eplus music, NOVA Record), and the TAIMAN+ esports content project.

Eplus's revenue is generated across eight distinct streams: commission-based ticket sales (core), artist management fees, event production revenue (ticket sales plus sponsorships), Streaming+ per-event viewing fees, music licensing royalties, SPICE advertising, inbound tourism ticket commissions on approximately 1,200 events, and Ticket Guard insurance referral commissions (Allianz partnership). The proprietary technology stack — including the industry-first 2014 electronic ticket system, the 2000 internet lottery pre-order, SMS two-factor authentication for anti-scalping, face recognition × thermography contactless entry, and the e+WEBオープンシステム B2B white-label platform — supports both direct-to-consumer and B2B2C distribution models. International expansion includes the ib.eplus.jp multilingual inbound portal (English, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Alipay support), the Interpark Triple cross-border partnership with Korea, and a Weibo presence targeting Chinese audiences.

Following a July 2024 capital restructuring, Sony Music Entertainment acquired a 51% controlling stake, making Eplus a consolidated SME subsidiary that retains operational independence while gaining content and technology resources. The company is privately held, headquartered at Ebisu Garden Place Tower in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, with a Kansai branch office in Kita-ku, Osaka. Leadership transitioned in April 2026 with Shibuya Manabu promoted to Representative Director and Executive President, Kurami Naoya elevated to Executive Chairman, and former Chairman Hashimoto Yukihide moving to an advisory role.

Name

Eplus

Legal name

株式会社イープラス

Website

https://corp.eplus.jp

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Online Event Ticketing

NAICS

Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities (71131), Amusement Parks and Arcades (7131), Convention and Trade Show Organizers (56192)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Ticketing Platforms & Primary Ticketing (MPAIAFAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Primary Ticketing Platforms & Box Office Systems (MPAGAJAA), Pricing, Yield Management & Anti-Fraud Services (MPAGAJAH), Event Discovery, Listings & Calendar Platforms (MPAGAJAL)

Keywords

• Online ticket sales
• Event ticketing platform
• Electronic ticketing systems
• Artist management services
• Live entertainment services

Headquarters

HQ city

Tokyo

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Ticket Sales Commission: Core revenue stream from commission fees on ticket sales for concerts, theater, sports, and events across the eplus.co.jp platform and convenience store partnerships. Served approximately 100,000 events annually as of recent years.
2. Artist Agent & Management: Revenue from management and promotion of classical music artists (e.g., 反田恭平, 上野耕平, 角野隼斗, 菊池亮太, ニュウニュウ, 紀平凱成, 児玉隼人, 大井健, 石井琢磨, 亀井聖矢). Manages 10+ artists, arranging concerts, media appearances, and brand deals.
3. Event Production: Revenue from organizing and producing owned events including STAND UP! CLASSIC FESTIVAL, FAVOY, GO-AheadZ, TAIMAN+, 82MAJOR Japan activities. Ticket sales, sponsorships, and media rights contribute to revenue.
4. Streaming+ Video Platform: Paid ticketed live streaming and VOD service for concerts and events. Revenue from per-event streaming ticket sales.
5. eplus music / NOVA Record Label: In-house record label producing and distributing music recordings and videos for managed artists. Revenue from music sales and streaming royalties.
6. Media - SPICE: Entertainment information media platform generating advertising revenue. Covers music, theater, anime, games, events, movies, and art content.
7. Inbound Tourism Ticketing: Ticket sales to international visitors for Japanese events, with support for overseas payment methods (Alipay, credit cards). Revenue from commissions on inbound ticket sales.
8. Ticket Guard Insurance: Insurance product compensating unused ticket costs due to illness or transportation delays. Eplus earns commission from partnership with AWP Ticket Guard少額短期保険.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Eplus operates one of Japan's largest online ticket sales platforms (eplus.co.jp) serving more than 26 million registered members, offering electronic ticketing (スマチケ/Sumachike), mobile app-based purchases, event production, artist management, music media (SPICE), and paid video streaming (Streaming+). The company also operates a B2B white-label ticketing infrastructure (e+WEBオープンシステム) for promoters and venues, runs proprietary event brands (STAND UP! CLASSIC FESTIVAL, GO-AheadZ, FAVOY, TAIMAN+), and distributes tickets through 7-Eleven and FamilyMart convenience stores across Japan.

Product overview

Eplus operates as a multi-platform entertainment infrastructure company built around its core ticket sales platform. The main イープラス (eplus) platform, serving 2,600万+ members, is supplemented by the electronic ticket service スマチケ, the mobile イープラスアプリ, and the self-service e+WEBオープンシステム for ticket consignment. Video streaming is handled via Streaming+, while media and content discovery are covered by SPICE, ちら museum, チラシクラシック, LIVEHOUSe+, and 花火・祭 INFO PORTAL. The company also runs proprietary event brands including STAND UP! CLASSIC FESTIVAL (スタクラ), GO-AheadZ hip-hop festival, FAVOY net music events, and TAIMAN+ e-sports content. Artist services include agent management, eplus music and NOVA Record labels, and the ticket insurance product チケットガード. Inbound tourism ticketing and Tokyo Mystery Circus round out the diverse portfolio.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Streaming+: Paid video streaming service with viewing tickets for live and on-demand entertainment content.
• SPICE
• イープラス presents STAND UP! CLASSIC FESTIVAL (スタクラ)
• eplus music
• NOVA Record
• GO-AheadZ
• FAVOY
• TAIMAN+
• eplus presents FAVOY TOKYO
• eplus Ticket Guard (ｅ＋チケットガード)
• チASM
• チラシクラシック
• LIVEHOUSe+
• HANABITO
• スマチケ (Suma-chike)
• e+ WEBオープンシステム

Products and services

• eplus Online Ticket Platform (eplus.co.jp) Flagship consumer ticketing website (eplus.co.jp) where individual customers purchase tickets for concerts, live events, sports, theater, musicals, classical music, and exhibitions in Japan. Supports lottery-based pre-orders, general release, electronic tickets, and seat selection.
• Sumachike (スマチケ) Electronic Ticket Service Electronic ticketing service that displays purchased tickets on a mobile app or smartphone browser, replacing paper tickets with QR-code based authentication at venue entry. Supports seat-specific and date-specific entry, and integrates with face-recognition/thermography entry systems.
• Eplus Mobile App (イープラスアプリ) Official Eplus mobile app for iOS and Android with over 10 million downloads that lets consumers browse events, purchase tickets, manage Sumachike electronic tickets, receive concert/event recommendations, and access member-only lottery pre-orders.
• e+WEB Open System (e+WEBオープンシステム) B2B white-label ticketing platform that allows event promoters, venues, sports teams, and ticket agencies to operate ticket sales under their own brand using Eplus's back-end infrastructure, including electronic ticketing, seat selection, and venue entry authentication.
• Streaming+ (ストリーミングプラス) Paid live video streaming platform that broadcasts concerts, theatrical performances, and live events for paying viewers, and provides live-streaming infrastructure to event organizers through an OEM model.
• SPICE (スパイス) Media Platform Music-focused online media platform (spice.eplus.co.jp) that publishes artist interviews, concert live reports, music news, and editorial content, monetized through advertising and content partnerships.
• Artist Management / Agent Business (アーティストエージェント事業) Talent agency and artist management services operated through Eplus Group companies, handling bookings, live performance production, and career management for musicians, performers, and entertainers.
• NOVA Record Label (ノヴァレコード) In-house record label operated by an Eplus Group company that signs, develops, and releases music from artists managed or affiliated with the Eplus ecosystem.
• STAND UP! CLASSIC FESTIVAL Annual outdoor classical music festival self-produced by Eplus at Yomiuriland, featuring orchestras, ensembles, and classical performers for a general audience.
• GO-AheadZ Self-organized music festival and event brand produced by Eplus, featuring multi-artist pop and rock lineups.
• FAVOY (FAVOY TOKYO) Indoor event venue and event brand operated by Eplus in Tokyo, hosting live performances, fan events, and small-to-mid-size concerts.
• TAIMAN+ (タイマンマイナス) Self-organized live event brand launched in 2024, focused on specific music genres and youth audiences.
• Eplus Ticket Guard (イープラスチケットガード) Compensation insurance product offered jointly with Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance that protects ticket purchasers against unforeseen event cancellations, provided as an add-on at ticket purchase.
• Inbound Ticket Sales (ib.eplus.jp) Multilingual ticket purchasing service available in English, Chinese (Simplified/Traditional), Korean, and other languages targeting foreign visitors purchasing tickets for concerts, sports, and events in Japan.
• LIVEHOUSe+ (ライブハウスプラス) Portal listing Japan's live music venues (live houses), used by fans to discover upcoming shows and by venues/promoters for information distribution.
• Fireworks & Festival INFO PORTAL Information portal aggregating fireworks displays (hanabi) and traditional festivals (matsuri) across Japan, with associated ticket sales functionality.
• Chirashi Museum (チラシミュージアム) Mobile application aggregating performing arts flyers (chirashi) for theater, musicals, dance, and classical concerts, surfacing event information and ticketing links.
• Tokyo Mystery Circus (東京ミステリーサーカス) Indoor immersive entertainment theme park in Tokyo focused on mystery, escape-room, and real-world entertainment experiences, operated through an Eplus joint venture.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100,000 events served annually via electronic ticket system スマチケ
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

AI capability2 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Horipro InternationalflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 September 2025Joint management partnership for 82MAJOR K-POP group in Japan. Horipro International handles artist management and content; Eplus provides ticketing, marketing data (25 million+ members), and platform services. Two-company collaborative management model.
• GREAT M ENTERTAINMENT (Korea)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 September 2025Korean management company for 82MAJOR. Partnered with Eplus and Horipro International for 82MAJOR's Japan market expansion, handling artist scheduling, content production, and regional promotion.
• AWP Ticket Guard少額短期保険株式会社 (Allianz)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2025Partnership to offer Ticket Guard insurance product compensating unused ticket costs due to illness or transportation delays. AWP Ticket Guard (Allianz Group subsidiary) provides insurance product; Eplus distributes via ticket sales platform and app.
• Interpark Triple (NOL UNIVERSE)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 September 2024Partnership with Korea's leading travel and entertainment platform (operator of Interpark and Triple apps) for mutual ticket sales. Eplus sells Korean event tickets to Japanese customers; Interpark Triple sells Japanese event tickets to Korean customers, including concert and travel packages. Aims to expand Japan-Korea entertainment tourism exchange.
• FENNEL (eSports)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 April 2024Production and operations partner for TAIMAN+ esports project. FENNEL (professional esports team and tournament operator) handles event production, tournament operations, and community management for the Apex Legends 1v1 competition. FENNEL runs YouTube channel and social media for the content series.
• J.E.T.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2024Korean HIPHOP event booking partner for GO-AheadZ festival. J.E.T. brings expertise in Korean HIPHOP scene and artist relationships, enabling the Japan-Korea collaborative lineup that distinguishes the festival.
• Weibo (微博)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 14 March 2019Chinese social media platform partnership. Eplus operates official Weibo account to promote Japanese events to Chinese-speaking audiences and drive inbound ticket sales through ib.eplus.jp.
• EMTG / エンターテイメント・ミュージック・チケットガードcoreTechnology or Integration · 14 February 2019Capital and business partnership for electronic ticket standardization and official ticket trading. Eplus invested in EMTG's ticket guard subsidiary (34.1% post-capital increase). Enables Eplus tickets to be listed on EMTG Ticket Trade platform, and integrates スマチケ electronic ticket format with EMTG systems. Addresses ticket scalping through official resale.
• SpotifycoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2019Partnership with world's largest music streaming service to connect streaming discovery to live ticket purchasing. App and website integration allows seamless transition from music streaming to concert ticket buying on eplus.
• Route Inn BC LeagueminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 April 2018Official ticket partner for Japan's independent baseball league (10 teams). Eplus provides ticketing infrastructure for 360+ games annually, including the Yomiuri Giants exhibition series. Partnership supports regional sports entertainment.
• SCRAPminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 November 2017Co-founder of Tokyo Mystery Circus (mystery-themed entertainment park in Shinjuku). Eplus contributed ticketing system development, marketing data, and promotion. Partnership included Nippon Broadcasting System and later Cygames as co-investors.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• Asobi System: Japanese artist management and event production firm with a roster of Japanese pop/rock acts; overlaps with Eplus's artist agent business and self-produced event model on talent curation and live event operations.
• ZAIKO: Japan-rooted ticketing and live streaming platform with strong position in independent live music and creator events; competes with Streaming+ for digital live event monetization and with Eplus on indie venue ticketing.

Direct peers

• Lawson Ticket (formerly Ticket Pia / Lawson Entertainment): Japan's largest incumbent ticketing platform with deep promoter relationships and lawson convenience store distribution; directly competes with Eplus on primary ticket sales for concerts, sports and theater, and similarly operates partnered retailer pickup.
• Rakuten Ticket: Rakuten's ticketing arm competes head-on with Eplus on B2C primary ticket sales for live entertainment and sports, leveraging Rakuten ID ecosystem, point integrations, and similar convenience store pickup partnerships.
• Interpark (NOL UNIVERSE / Triple Korea): Korea's leading entertainment ticketing and travel platform; direct competitor in cross-border Japan-Korea ticketing following Eplus-Interpark Triple partnership, serving as both ally and rival for pan-Asia live entertainment demand.
• Peatix: Mobile-first ticketing platform popular for indie, community, and mid-tier events across Japan and Asia; overlaps Eplus on event discovery and consumer ticketing, especially for live music and small venue events.
• Yahoo! Tickets (LY Corporation / Yahoo Japan): Another major Japan primary ticketing platform backed by a major internet portal; competes on broad entertainment ticketing and digital marketing reach analogous to Eplus's owned audience and SPICE media funnel.

Broad incumbents

• Ticketmaster: Global primary and secondary ticketing incumbent; comparable in electronic ticketing infrastructure and event promoter white-label (via Ticketmaster Artist) but operates at much greater scale and with Live Nation ownership, providing a strategic benchmark.
• Live Nation Entertainment: Vertically integrated global live entertainment operator combining promotion, venues and ticketing (Ticketmaster); analogous to Eplus's stacked ticketing + artist management + own-events model, but at international scale.

Others

• SCRAP (Tokyo Mystery Circus JV partner): Real-world entertainment/game operator and Eplus's JV partner in Tokyo Mystery Circus theme park; relevant peer in immersive attractions and venue-based entertainment IP, an adjacent layer of Eplus's portfolio.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/eplusjp
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@TAIMAN-ml2xs
• Facebookfacebook.com/eplusjp
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/eplus-inc
• Instagraminstagram.com/favoy_eplus

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments3 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Eplus