2026 &TEAM CONCERT TOUR 'BLAZE THE WAY' in 北九州

2026 &TEAM CONCERT TOUR 'BLAZE THE WAY' in Kitakyushu

On Saturday, June 13, 2026, Kitakyushu Messe (West Japan General Exhibition Center), located in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, will host the "2026 &TEAM CONCERT TOUR 'BLAZE THE WAY' in Kitakyushu." This concert at one of Kyushu's largest venues is a long-awaited performance for local fans.

Who Is &TEAM?

&TEAM is a global boys group produced by a label under HYBE, who made their official debut on December 7, 2022. The nine members are K, Fuma, Nicolas, EJ, Yuma, Jo, Harua, Taki, and Maki. With members of Korean, Japanese, and American backgrounds, the group has built a passionate fanbase both domestically and internationally in a short time since their debut. Their performances in Japanese, Korean, and English are beloved across generations, and they are drawing attention as a presence that transcends the boundaries between J-POP and K-POP.

About the Tour "BLAZE THE WAY"

"BLAZE THE WAY" is a large-scale concert tour for &TEAM visiting multiple cities across Japan. As the title suggests, it carries the powerful message of "blazing their own trail," and both the setlist and staging are expected to have evolved. The Kitakyushu performance is positioned as a key date on the tour—this is definitely a night fans cannot afford to miss.

Venue: About Kitakyushu Messe

Kitakyushu Messe (official name: West Japan General Exhibition Center) is a convention and event facility adjacent to JR Kokura Station. The main exhibition hall boasts a vast floor area with the capacity to accommodate arena-style concerts. Its exceptional accessibility—just a 5–7 minute walk from the station—is a major draw, with direct access via Shinkansen, local train lines, and monorail.

A Message to Out-of-Town Visitors

Kitakyushu draws visitors from the Kansai and Chugoku regions as well as from Tokyo and Nagoya. With Hakata (Fukuoka City) only about 15 minutes away by Shinkansen, the "stay in Hakata, day-trip to Kokura" travel style is also a perfectly valid option. Kitakyushu is an appealing city with its own unique food culture and sightseeing spots, including yakiudon and Tanga Market. Let's plan a full and rewarding trip that pairs the concert with the best the city has to offer. Make sure to solidly prepare the three pillars—securing tickets, arranging transportation, and booking accommodations—for the best day of your life.

Strategies for Securing Your Ticket

Competition for &TEAM concert tickets is fierce, and acting early is essential. Understand how the sales system works and prepare yourself in the best possible way.

The Basic Flow of Ticket Sales

Sales generally proceed in the following order. Always check the exact dates for each step on official SNS, Weverse, and the official website.

① Fan Club / Weverse Member Pre-Sale (Top Priority)

• Weverse is the primary channel for &TEAM fans
• Install the Weverse app and make sure notifications are turned on
• Fan club pre-sales and Weverse member pre-sales typically open 4–8 weeks before the performance
• It is important to complete account registration and membership sign-up well in advance

② Lottery and Pre-Sales via Ticket Agencies

For lottery-based sales, "everyone has an equal chance of winning as long as they apply within the application period." There is no need to keep reloading the page in the middle of the night. Check the application period and calmly submit your entry.

③ General First-Come-First-Served Sales If seats remain after the lottery, they are sold on a first-come-first-served basis. Popular performances can sell out within minutes, so complete the following preparations in advance:

• Register an account at each ticket agency
• Register your credit card and payment information
• Enter your personal information such as address and phone number

Important Notes When Purchasing

About Identity Verification (ID) In recent years, it has become increasingly common at concerts to require proof of identity at entry. Be sure to bring an ID (driver's license, passport, My Number Card, etc.) that matches the name on your ticket.

Restrictions on Purchasing Multiple Tickets In most cases, there is a limit on the number of tickets that can be purchased per member (e.g., up to 2 tickets). If you are attending with multiple people, each person may need to apply individually.

Electronic Tickets (Smartphone Entry) Instead of paper tickets, entry via smartphone screen is becoming increasingly common. On the day of the event, make sure your phone is fully charged and your app is updated to the latest version. In most cases, screenshots or printouts cannot be used for entry.

What to Do If You Can't Get a Ticket

• Watch for re-sales of cancellations right before the performance ("re-release"): check the official site and SNS frequently
• Use the official secondary ticketing service "Ticketre" and similar services
• Check for a cancellation waitlist function in Weverse or the official app

Don't give up—keep gathering information.

Do Not Buy Scalped Tickets

Under the "Act on Prevention of Unjust Resale of Specified Tickets" (the Act on Ensuring Appropriate Distribution of Admission Tickets for Performances by Prohibiting Unjust Resale of Specified Admission Tickets, etc.), which came into effect in January 2019, both the resale and purchase of concert tickets above face value in Japan are illegal acts.

Risks of Buying Scalped Tickets

Common Scam Patterns

"Will Transfer" Posts on SNS (X, Instagram, etc.) The most common method is "send payment first and I'll send it to you." Scams where the seller becomes unreachable after payment never stop. Direct private transactions are not safe, even if the other party seems sincere.

Flea Market Apps and Auction Sites High-priced listings on Mercari, Yahoo Auctions, etc. are likely violations of terms of service and potentially illegal. Be especially wary of phrases like "read my profile first" or "first come, first served."

Fake Ticket Sales Sites Cases of directing people to fake sites designed to look like official sites are on the rise. Check the URL carefully and do not access anything from non-official links.

Official Routes for Safely Obtaining Tickets

Ticketre (TicketRe) An official face-value secondary ticketing service operated by Ticket Pia. It is organizer-authorized and guarantees transactions at face value. It functions as an "official hand-off" rather than scalping, making it safe.

Secondary Transfer Function within Weverse Shop For some HYBE-related performances, an official ticket transfer function may be available within Weverse. Check the latest information on official accounts.

Organizer-Authorized Cancellation Waitlists and Re-Sales Cancellations that occur right before a performance may be re-sold through official channels. It is worth frequently checking the official site.

If You Fall Victim to Scalping Fraud

• Contact the Consumer Affairs Agency's consultation window (Consumer Hotline: 188)
• Consult your prefectural consumer affairs center
• Consider filing a police report

There is no need to take on great risk for a single performance. Make protecting your money and time the top priority. If you were unable to get a ticket, switching focus to preparing for the next performance is also an important decision.

Kitakyushu Messe Venue Layout and Tips for Choosing Your Seat

Kitakyushu Messe (West Japan General Exhibition Center) is a multipurpose facility that can flexibly accommodate concerts, exhibitions, sporting events, and more. While the layout varies by performance, arena-style setups are most common, and the following configuration is typical.

Typical Zone Configuration (For Reference)

※ Depending on the performance, there may be a fully flat arena layout with no stand seating. Always check the official announcements.

Details and Notes for Each Area

Arena Front (Standing) This area is close to &TEAM members, making it easier to receive eye contact and fan service. However, be prepared for the following:

• You will be standing for long periods (2–3 hours or more)
• There can be crowding and pushing toward the front
• Lining up and block lottery draws often take place before doors open
• It is strongly recommended to keep your belongings to a minimum

Arena Rear to Assigned Seat Area You can enjoy the full stage while watching background dancers, lighting, and video production. While it is still standing, there is less pushing than in the front, making it a relatively relaxed area.

Stand Seats (If Available) Viewing from a high position gives a bird's-eye view of the entire space, making it easier to appreciate formations and the full scale of the production. Pairing this area with binoculars significantly increases satisfaction.

A Handy Accessory: How to Choose Binoculars

Even from the arena rear or stand seats, binoculars let you clearly see the expressions of the members.

• Magnification: 8–12x is recommended (too high and the field of view becomes too narrow)
• Size: A compact folding type is convenient to carry
• Prohibited Items: Tripod-mounted or large binoculars may be prohibited from entry

Rules on Photography and Recording

In principle, cameras, video cameras, and audio recording devices are prohibited. Please follow the organizer's instructions for smartphone photography as well. Unauthorized video or audio recording may violate copyright law and, in the worst case, may result in being asked to leave.

On Penlights Official merchandise penlights are generally permitted. Unofficial penlights, excessively bright lights, and laser pointers are almost always prohibited. Purchase the official penlight in advance. Check Weverse and official SNS for merchandise sale information.

Tips for Entry and Exit

Arriving right at the time doors open means hitting peak congestion. Arriving early with plenty of time to purchase merchandise and use the restroom before entry will make your experience much more comfortable. After the show ends, the area around the exits will be very crowded. If you have time to spare, waiting a little while before leaving is also recommended.

Venue Access Information

Venue Address West Japan General Exhibition Center (Kitakyushu Messe) 3-8-1 Asano, Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture 802-0001

Kitakyushu Messe is adjacent to JR Kokura Station, making it an extremely convenient venue with direct access via Shinkansen, local train lines, and monorail.

Access by JR / Shinkansen

From JR Kokura Station to the Venue

• Approximately 5–7 minutes on foot from the Shinkansen Exit (North Exit)
• Also within walking distance from Kitakyushu Monorail "Kokura Station" → "Nishikokura Station" (1 stop)

Access by Airplane

If using Kitakyushu Airport, be aware that buses are limited, so check the timetable in advance.

Notes on Getting Around on the Day

Aim to Arrive Early Taking into account merchandise purchase lines and entry lines, arriving 1–2 hours before doors open is ideal. Particularly if you wish to purchase merchandise, lines may form early.

Managing Post-Show Congestion The area around the venue will become extremely crowded right after the concert ends. Spending some time at restaurants or shopping facilities around Kokura Station before heading out is an effective strategy. Always check the times of the last train and last bus in advance.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services Taxis will be very hard to find after the show ends. Installing ride-hailing apps such as "GO" and "S.RIDE" in advance and registering your credit card and payment information will make getting around after the show much smoother.

Coming by Car There are paid parking lots near the venue, but they will almost certainly be full on concert day. It is strongly recommended to use an advance parking reservation service (such as akippa or Nokisaki Parking) or to use public transportation.

For Those Coming from Fukuoka Airport / Hakata The journey from Hakata Station to Kokura Station is only about 15 minutes by Shinkansen, making it very close. Traveling on the day from a Hakata base is fully a viable option. You can also get there in about 1 hour via local line (limited express Sonic).

Early Booking Is Everything for Accommodations

The moment a concert is announced, hotels near the venue start filling up rapidly. Since June is a period of high nationwide travel demand, it is strongly recommended to move on accommodation bookings immediately once you have a ticket in hand. By securing a free-cancellation plan, you can minimize the risk in the event you are unable to get a ticket.

How to Choose Your Accommodation Area

Top Priority: Around Kokura Station Kitakyushu Messe is conveniently located just a 5–7 minute walk from JR Kokura Station. Choosing a hotel around Kokura Station makes the journey after the show easy, with convenient access to restaurants and convenience stores.

Second Option: Stay in Hakata (Fukuoka City) Since Kokura to Hakata is only about 15 minutes by Shinkansen, "staying in Hakata and day-tripping to Kokura" is also a perfectly realistic option. Hakata has an overwhelmingly larger number of hotels, and price competition makes it potentially more cost-effective. However, always check the time of the last Shinkansen after the show in advance.

Hotel Categories Around Kokura Station (For Reference)

※ Rates around concert dates will typically be higher than usual. Early booking saves money.

How to Use Booking Services

Comparing prices across multiple services is recommended.

• Jalan net: Generous point rewards. Pairs well with Rakuten Points
• Rakuten Travel: Earn and use Rakuten Points
• Booking.com: Wide selection of international and independent hotels. Many free-cancellation plans
• Hotel Official Website: Direct booking may come with special perks

Recommendations by Trip Style

Solo Trip A single room at a business hotel is economical. Chain hotels such as APA, Toyoko INN, and Route Inn are all available around Kokura Station.

Group Trip Using twin or triple rooms can split costs. Consider the area's proximity to dining and entertainment options when choosing, as the after-party following the concert is also part of the fun.

Staying an Extra Day for Sightseeing Choose a hotel that offers luggage storage after checkout so you can move around freely during sightseeing. Coin lockers are also available inside Kokura Station.

Arriving the Night Before the Concert Is Recommended Day-of travel carries higher risk if anything goes wrong. Aim to arrive in Kitakyushu by the evening of the previous day for a relaxed start to the big day.

Make the Most of Your Trip! Enjoy All of Kitakyushu on Your Concert Journey

Kitakyushu is Kyushu's second-largest city, known as the "City of Iron and Fire," with its own unique history and industrial culture. It has a rugged, deep-rooted charm that is quite different from Hakata. Along with the concert, make sure to enjoy experiences that are uniquely Kitakyushu.

Kitakyushu Food: Must-Eat List

Yakiudon (Originating in Kokura) Yakiudon is said to have originated in Kitakyushu's Kokura district. This dish—thick udon noodles stir-fried in a Worcestershire sauce base—is a masterpiece of B-class gourmet that you simply cannot find elsewhere. Famous restaurants are clustered around the Tanga Market area and the city center of Kokura. Perfect for dinner the night before the concert.

Nuka-daki A Kitakyushu local specialty of blue-backed fish (such as sardines and mackerel) simmered in a fermented rice bran bed. It pairs wonderfully with rice and can be enjoyed at local izakayas and restaurants.

Sukesaan Udon A udon chain originating in Kitakyushu. A local soul food where you can enjoy tempura and oden together, 24 hours a day. Perfect for a meal before or after the concert.

Kokura Beef / Horumon (Offal) Dishes Horumon cuisine is also a specialty of Kitakyushu. Enjoying a hearty offal meal at a local yakiniku restaurant is one of the true joys of a concert trip.

Sightseeing Spots: Places to Visit Before the Concert

Shopping

• Amu Plaza Kokura: A large shopping mall directly connected to JR Kokura Station. Fashion, miscellaneous goods, and dining all in one place—perfect for finding souvenirs from your trip
• Colette: A department store at the North Exit of Kokura Station
• Shitaito / Uomachi Gintengai: Local shopping streets where you can find Kitakyushu-style souvenirs

Model Timeline for Concert Day

Kitakyushu Weather in June and What to Wear

June is rainy season, so there will be many rainy days. Temperatures range from about 20–27°C, and it can be humid and muggy.

• Folding umbrella or raincoat: Always bring one
• Sweat wipes / portable fan: A lifesaver when waiting outside for merchandise
• Light cardigan or jacket: For the strong air conditioning inside the venue
• Comfortable shoes: Sneakers are recommended given the amount of walking around the city

Prepare Thoroughly for the Best Day Ever!

They say a concert trip is "90% preparation." Copy the checklist below and tick off each item one by one before the big day.

Tickets & Entry

• Confirmed entry method for ticket (electronic or paper) the day before
• Weverse / ticket agency app updated to latest version
• Confirmed login to the app
• ID (driver's license, passport, My Number Card, etc.) prepared
• Confirmed that ticket holder name and ID name match
• Reviewed entry notes and prohibited items (official website)

Smartphone & Charging

• Smartphone fully charged before leaving
• Portable battery (10,000mAh or more recommended) fully charged and packed
• Ride-hailing app (GO, S.RIDE, etc.) installed with payment information set up
• Map information saved offline for venue, hotel, and transportation (in case of poor signal)

Clothing & Belongings

• Easy-to-move-in outfit (especially important for standing areas)
• Official penlight (plan to purchase in advance or at merchandise booth on the day)
• Slogan boards, fans, etc. in your favorite member's color (confirm carry-in rules in advance)
• Folding umbrella or raincoat (June is rainy season)
• Light cardigan or jacket (for air conditioning inside the venue)
• Sweat wipes / mini fan (for waiting outdoors)
• Binoculars (compact type, 8–12x magnification)
• Bandages (for blisters from long periods of standing)
• Regular medications (painkillers, antacids, motion sickness medicine, etc.)

Money & Payment

• Cash (merchandise and food may not accept cashless payment. ¥10,000 or more recommended)
• Credit card or IC card (for transportation and hotel checkout)
• Merchandise budget decided and cash prepared

Merchandise Purchase Preparation

• Confirmed official announcements on merchandise sale times and methods (numbered ticket system, queue order, etc.)
• Shortlisted desired merchandise and prioritized items
• Eco bag / tote bag prepared for carrying merchandise home

Transportation & Accommodation

• Confirmed reservation for Shinkansen / flight (save e-ticket / QR code as screenshot)
• Confirmed hotel reservation and check-in method
• Confirmed route from Kokura Station to venue
• Last train / last bus times for the return journey checked and noted
• Confirmed transportation and sightseeing plans for the next day

Health Management

• Get enough sleep the night before the concert (8 hours recommended)
• Remember to stay hydrated on the day (check whether water can be brought into the venue)
• Eat a proper meal before attending (standing for long periods on an empty stomach is not good)

SNS & Community

• Notifications turned on for official X (formerly Twitter) and Weverse
• Hashtags confirmed (to use in posts and tweets on the day)
• Information gathered from fan community (day-of notes and on-site reports)

Once you're all prepared, all that's left is to enjoy yourself to the fullest! Experience the incredible time that &TEAM creates on "BLAZE THE WAY" with everything you've got. See you at Kitakyushu Messe on June 13.