Get Tickets for Ondorak LIVE 2026: Early Summer Feast (May 22) via Lawson Ticket

The Japanese music scene is gearing up for a high-energy spring showcase as Yomiuri TV announces the return of its signature music brand with the upcoming 音道楽LIVE2026～初夏の宴～ (Otodoraku LIVE 2026: Early Summer Banquet). Scheduled for May 22, 2026, the event marks the second iteration of the live concert series, promising to scale up the experience for fans of modern J-pop and global boy group trends.

The event will accept place at the GLION ARENA KOBE, a venue choice that signals a significant increase in scale compared to the project’s inaugural live event held at Grand Cube Osaka. This strategic move reflects the growing ambition of the “Otodoraku” project, which operates under the core concept of “energizing the music scene from the West” of Japan.

Leading the first wave of artist announcements are two powerhouses of the current idol era: the 11-member global boy group INI and the Rino Sashihara-produced idol group ＝LOVE. Both acts bring significant chart momentum to the lineup, with INI notably securing the top spot on the 2025 annual Billboard JAPAN single sales chart according to recent reports.

For those looking to secure their place at the arena, ticket sales are already in motion. Playguide pre-sales officially commenced on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 19:00, offering fans an early opportunity to book seats before the general release.

The Evolution of the Otodoraku Project

To understand the significance of 音道楽LIVE2026～初夏の宴～, one must glance at the broader trajectory of the Otodoraku project. Launched by Yomiuri TV, the initiative is rooted in the broadcaster’s long history of music programming, which includes the “Best Hit Kayosai”—a legacy that dates back to 1968 when it began as the “All Japan Wired Broadcasting Awards” and celebrated its 57th anniversary last year.

The modern “Otodoraku” era has expanded rapidly through multiple formats. In July 2024, the broadcaster launched the regular music program Otodoraku √ (Otodoraku Root). The project also made global headlines on May 31 of the previous year with the “Daiwa House Special Otodoraku EXPO,” which was the first music program to be broadcast live from the Osaka-Kansai Expo site.

The 2026 event is the successor to “Otodoraku LIVE 2025,” which featured artists such as Kyuso Nekokami, FANTASTICS, and Raisan. By moving the 2026 edition to the GLION ARENA KOBE, organizers are transitioning from a theater-style setting to a major arena format, allowing for more complex production and a larger audience capacity.

Event Logistics and Ticket Pricing

The concert is scheduled for Friday, May 22, 2026. Doors will open at 17:00, with the main performance beginning promptly at 18:00. The event is organized by Yomiuri TV and Kyodo Kansai.

Ticketing for the event is structured across three tiers to accommodate different fan preferences and budgets. All seats are designated, and the event is restricted to attendees of school age or older; preschool children are not permitted to enter. The pricing structure is as follows:

• S Seat: 12,000 yen (tax included)
• A Seat: 9,000 yen (tax included)
• SS Seat (Upgrade): 17,000 yen (tax included)

The SS Seat operates as a premium upgrade. Only those who have successfully won and paid for an S Seat (12,000 yen) will be eligible to apply for the SS Seat upgrade lottery, which will be announced at a later date. If selected in the upgrade lottery, fans pay an additional 5,000 yen to move to the SS tier. Ticket purchases are limited to four tickets per person per performance.

Quick Reference: Event Summary

Artist Spotlight: INI and ＝LOVE

The selection of INI and ＝LOVE as the first announced artists highlights the event’s focus on current viral and commercial dominance in the Japanese music industry.

INI has established itself as a formidable force in the global boy group market. Their commercial success is underscored by their performance on the Billboard JAPAN charts, where they achieved the number one position for single sales in 2025. Their inclusion in the lineup ensures a high-energy performance characterized by the synchronized choreography and vocal precision for which the group is known.

Complementing This represents ＝LOVE, the idol group produced by the influential Rino Sashihara. ＝LOVE has maintained a strong presence across digital platforms, recording numerous “viral hits” via TikTok, music videos, and streaming services. Their ability to bridge the gap between traditional idol appeal and modern social media trends makes them a strategic fit for the Otodoraku project’s goal of energizing the music scene.

What to Expect Next

While INI and ＝LOVE are the primary headliners announced thus far, the official promotional materials state “and more!” indicating that additional artists will be revealed as the event date approaches. The announcement of these further acts is expected to drive additional waves of ticket demand.

Fans are encouraged to monitor official channels for the announcement of the SS Seat upgrade lottery and the unveiling of the remaining lineup. For those requiring assistance, the Kyodo Information line is available at 0570-200-888 (operating 12:00 to 17:00, excluding weekends and holidays).

The next confirmed milestone for the event is the ongoing playguide pre-sale period, which began on April 13. Further details regarding the full artist roster and specific ticket availability will follow official Yomiuri TV updates.

Do you have tickets for the Early Summer Banquet? Which artists are you hoping to see added to the lineup? Share your thoughts in the comments below and share this update with your fellow fans!