Japanese at a Movie Theater: Tickets, Subtitles and Seat Choice

Reading the showtime board

Cinemas show a schedule, jōei sukejūru, on screens in the lobby and on their websites. Each film is listed with its screen number and start times, and next to each time you often see a small mark showing how many seats are left. A circle usually means plenty, a triangle means few, and a cross or the word manseki means sold out.

Formats matter too. The same film may be shown in 2D and 3D, in a premium large-screen format, or in a motion-seat format with moving seats and effects, and these usually cost extra. The start time listed is normally when trailers and announcements begin, not the film itself, so you have a few minutes of slack.

Buying tickets at the counter

At the ticket counter, chiketto kauntā, you say the film title, the time and the number of people. Staff then turn a screen towards you showing the seat map, zasekihyō, and ask you to choose. Point at the seats or say the row letter and number, such as ei no jūgo, row A seat 15.

Ticket categories are listed by type of customer: ippan for general adults, and separate prices for students, children and seniors where offered. Many cinemas also have discount days or times, but these vary by chain and location, so read the price board or the website. You may be asked to show ID for student or senior prices.

Using the ticket machine

Most multiplexes have touch-screen ticket machines, kenbaiki or jidō hakkenki, and they are often quicker than the counter. Some offer an English option, but many do not, and the Japanese screens follow the same sequence: choose the film, choose the time, choose ticket types and numbers, pick seats on a map and pay.

If you booked online, the same machines usually print your tickets from a booking number or QR code, or you may be able to enter with the code on your phone. The words below cover almost every button you will need.

Popcorn and the concession stand

The concession stand is often called the baiten or simply the food counter. Popcorn usually comes in more than one flavour, commonly salt, shio, and caramel, kyarameru, and some cinemas offer a half-and-half option, hāfu ando hāfu. Sizes are given as S, M and L, read esu, emu and eru, and sets with a drink are called setto or konbo.

Staff often ask whether you want your drink with ice, and whether the order is for eating in the theatre. You then carry your tray into the screen, where seats have cup holders.

Entering the screen

Entry, nyūjō, usually starts a short time before the screening. Staff at the entrance check your ticket or the code on your phone and tell you the screen number. Screens are called by number, such as sanban sukurīn, screen 3, or sometimes shiatā.

Your seat is shown on the ticket as a row letter and a seat number. If someone is already in your seat, show them the ticket politely; it is usually an honest mistake.

Manners and the pre-film announcements

Before the film, cinemas show manners reminders and an anti-piracy clip, and they cover the same points almost everywhere: turn off your phone, do not talk, do not kick the seat in front, do not record the screen, and take your rubbish with you. Recording in cinemas is illegal in Japan, and staff take it seriously.

Japanese audiences are generally quiet. Laughing at a comedy is normal, but commentary and checking your phone are frowned on, since even a dim screen is noticeable in the dark. If you arrive late, move to your seat quickly and keep low.

• Switch your phone off or to silent, and keep the screen dark
• Do not talk during the film
• Do not kick or push the seat in front
• Do not film or photograph the screen
• Remove tall hats and keep your head down if you lean forward
• Take your cups and rubbish out with you after the film

Credits and leaving the screen

The end credits are the endo rōru, and in Japan many people stay seated until they have finished and the lights come on. Some viewers see it as respect for everyone who worked on the film; others simply want to catch any scene after the credits. It is not a rule, and some people do leave, but they tend to do so quietly and bent low.

After the film, take your tray and rubbish to the bins or staff at the exit. Staff often stand at the door and say arigatō gozaimashita as you leave.

When something goes wrong

The most common problems are booking the wrong version or time, turning up late and losing a ticket. Whether you can change or refund a ticket depends on the cinema, and many do not refund tickets once bought, so it is best to ask at the counter as early as possible and explain simply.

If there is a problem during the film, such as sound issues or a disruptive neighbour, step out and speak to the staff rather than confronting anyone in the dark.