Updated Details About Morning Musume’s Visit To Japan Expo In France

Updated details about Morning Musume’s trip to the annual Japan Expo in France have been released.

These details have already been revealed during the past few weeks (through forums, sites, etc) but I haven’t updated since my last post about Japan Expo a few weeks ago so I decided to do a post with all of the information that has been released so far.

The post is somewhat long since I added most of the information available about the event so I put it after the break:

Momusu Concert

The concert will be at Parc des Expositions Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition center and won’t require an Expo ticket (although for other Momusu events it is required since they will be at the Expo) but it will require a concert ticket. The concert will be on Friday July 2, 2010 and the following tickets will be available:

The Momusu Pack is sold out for now and it included premium tickets and a pack of Momusu goods available exclusively for the Japan Expo although a notice on the official site for the event mentioned that those items will also be available for everyone else to buy at the Expo (in limited supply so arrive early if you want to check them out).

If you are among the 100 lucky buyers of the MoMusu pack you will receive your items at the concert venue upon showing them your ticket, they will also be available for everyone else at the Soundlicious stand and the Japan Expo store during the Expo.

The Pre-sales tickets cost 27 € and are the ones that are available right now although if you don’t want to or can’t buy them online then you will have to purchase tickets at the venue which will cost 30 € which is 3 € more.

Every ticket will allow a different time for someone to enter the concert venue, for example holders of the now sold out MoMusu Pack tickets will enter the venue at 18:30 while Pre-sale ticket holders (the majority) will enter 15 min later at 18:45 while tickets bought at the venue will enter at 19:00.

The concert is at 19:30, which is an hour after MoMusu pack holders will enter the venue, and the concert itself will last 1 hour and 30 minutes which is the average time of a concert at Japan.

To my understanding there are no fixed seats so your seat quality depends on your ability to access those seats fast, which means that if you hold a pre-sale ticket you will most likely sit behind MoMusu pack buyers, while people with tickets bought at the venue will have to sit near the back, so if you can buy tickets for pre-sale which aren’t the best but will at least give you a chance to be fairly close.

Philippe (check comments below) has noted that there will be no seats at the concert and everyone will be standing for the concert so be prepared to stand at least for 1 hour and 30 minutes (maybe more because many will be standing about 30 min before). The same rules as the Japan concerts apply so try and stay in your general area and avoid hitting any people.

Japan Expo Information

As for the Expo events planned there are various signing sessions planned, both at the Expo and at a store nearby, as well as a conference and a Q&A session. First to attend all of the Expo events you need a ticket, and these are the prices for them:

In my opinion I would purchase a 4 day ticket since there will be a signing session for Momusu from Thursday to Saturday each day at the Expo:

By buying a 4 day ticket you not only guarantee a chance to attend the Thursday session, but also every autograph session planned as well as a chance to check the site out and check out the Hello! Project booth to meet up with other fans which will be booth B.H.45.

Apart from that there is a mention on the Japan Expo site that if you leave you have already left for the day and will have to buy another ticket so I strongly advise you bring all of the money you will need before you enter so you don’t risk having to spend more money just to get in again:

LEAVING ONCE MEANS LEAVING DEFINITELY so make sure you have enough cash before entering the festival!!

Very few people will accept credit cards so bring cash to the Expo, and if you don’t have any at the moment you can get some via 3 ATMs:

3 ATMs will be available among which 2 will be outside the festival, in the Parc d’Expositions: one at the entrance of Hall 4, one next to Hall 6 and one within the festival next to the Hall 5 entrance. BE CAREFUL, banknotes above €50 are not accepted.

As expected there will be long lines at these machines so be sure to get all the money you need beforehand to avoid lines and the risk of having to buy another ticket.

First Signing Session At FNAC

The first of the signing sessions will be the FNAC signing session which will be at the FNAC Champs Elysees on July 1 at 11:30, this is at a store (similar to H&A when they attended) so it won’t require an Expo ticket and the rules to attend the session are a bit different than the Expo rules.

You can bring ANY official H!P goods to sign, and if you don’t have any you can buy an album at the store and present your ticket to get in the signing line to get a chance to get your album signed. All items will be verified which means that handmade goods will probably be rejected so bring along a poster of the current Momusu lineup or photo sets.

There are rumors and mentions that it might not be similar to the H&A signing session which made it necessary for you to buy an album to get a signature, and while we have no idea if that is true (probably not) I advise that you be ready with some extra money to buy an album there just in case so you don’t miss out.

Conference

As for Japan Expo events there will be an hour long conference with Momusu on the Main stage at Japan Expo which will require a ticket, this event will be on July 4th from 12:30 to 13:30. They will allow Q&A where fans ask questions but the questions will be recieved via E-mail, which is done to filter out questions (particularly the over-asked “Do you hate not being allowed to have a boyfriend?” and other related questions).

To send in your questions be sure to visit the link at the bottom where there will be a Japan Expo site with the email. If you are going to send a question that will not be answered (again, boyfriend questions, marriage declarations to members, graduations, etc that are already known) I ask that you not waste your time since it will not be selected to be among the questions.

Signing Sessions At Japan Expo

There will be 4 signing sessions at the Expo (I’m adding the same picture as above):

There will be one during each one of the days Momusu is scheduled to appear starting from Thursday until Sunday.

There will be two types of signing sessions, first the draw on July 2 and July 4 which will involve you attending the Japan Expo official booth where they will mark your ticket and allow you a chance to draw out of a box (basically a lottery which involves papers that say whether you won a ticket to the signing or not).

The time of the drawing is not known or where the Japan Expo booth is so when you arrive at the expo go find the Japan Expo booth and check the times for the draw.

The other type of session is “First come, first served” on July 3 which is self-explanatory, and it involves lining up at a certain time at the booth (again, the location is unknown for now so be sure to arrive early) and this will most likely be the longest line since only the first will get a guaranteed chance to get an autograph (so arrive early if you want a chance to get an autograph).

As for items that can be signed there will be the same FNAC rule that “only official goods” will be signed so be sure to bring photo sets, visual books, singles, albums, posters, etc that are official. A check will be done for fakes so be sure to bring official goods. If you don’t have any posters and CDs will be sold at the Japan Expo store and at the Soundlicious stand.

An update about the signing sessions, it seems that lottery or draw events will be limited to 100 people while the “first come first served” event will be limited to 150 people so if you can’t attend or didn’t win the lottery events make sure to arrive early for the “”first come first served” events.

Other Information

The same rules apply for concerts and events in Japan, basically No photos or videos of the concert or any other events (signing, live session, Q&A, etc) will be allowed. This isn’t a Japan Expo rule but a UFA rule so I wouldn’t risk getting in trouble (or even possibly getting kicked out of the event) by taking a picture of them.

The concert will be similar to the Japan concerts in the same way that setlists will not be released before so if you see a “setlist” before the concert just ignore it since it is most likely just a fan made setlist.

Setlists might be released during the event or after the event (like Japan concerts on 2ch) but people that release this information are risking getting caught with a cellphone at the event which could lead to the misunderstanding that you took a picture so don’t risk it and instead enjoy the concert.

There will be at least 3 lines at the concert (possibly more): one inside, one outside and one for MoMusu pack holders so if you have a presale ticket be sure to arrive early to get a chance for a good seat. If you are buying presale tickets and you aren’t from France be sure to buy them as E-tickets since this means you only have to print your ticket to be ready.

There will be a box for you to present gifts to Momusu at the Expo (it seems that you won’t be able to present gifts to them personally). Suggestions for gifts could range from handwritten letters (in basic English or your first language to show them that they have fans everywhere, although Japanese is preferred) among others (basically stuff that shows them support).

As for the Expo itself be ready to wait a lot of time in lines to either enter or buy a ticket so bring some water and prepare to wait.

The expo is 10 min away from the Charles de Gaulle airport according to this map from the official event site:

The concert will be at the “Parc des Expositions” at Paris Nord Villepinte

Summary

The following is a summary of the events Momusu will be in during the Expo (from La’aKea at H!O):

> CONCERT:
Where? -> JE Live House (@ JE, don’t need a convention ticket to access, only a concert ticket. Follow indications on location) Directions

When? -> Friday July 2nd, 2010
– MoMusu Pack (out of stock): 18h30 (6:30pm)
– Pre-sales tickets (27€): 18h45 (6:45pm)
– On site tickets (30€): 19h00 (7:00pm)

– Concert start: 19h30 (7:30pm)
– Concert end: 21h00 (9:00pm)

> CONFERENCE:
Where? -> Main stage (@ JE, need a convention ticket to access) Directions
When? -> Sunday, July 4th from 12h30 to 13h30 (12:30pm – 1:30pm)

# Q&A: If you want your question to MM to be selected, follow this link.

> SIGNING SESSIONS:
1- Outside JE:
Where? -> FNAC Champs Elysées (@ 74 Avenue des Champs-Elysées, 75008 Paris. Metro station: Franklin D. Roosevelt, line 1. Free to access) Directions
When? -> Thursday, July 1st at 11:30am

You can bring ANY item to the signing sessions but only OFFICIAL goods, including for the Fnac signing. A verification will be made. Only one signature per girl (you can have an item be signed by different girls, or bring one per girl).

2- Inside JE:
Where? -> Signing room #5 (@ JE, need a convention ticket to access) Directions
When? ->
# Thursday, July 1st 16h15 – 17h15 (4:15 pm – 5:15 pm)
# Friday, July 2nd: 14h00 – 15h00 (2:00pm – 3:00pm) Draw*
# Saturday, July 3rd: 11h30 – 13h00 (11:30am – 1:00pm) First arrived, first served**
# Sunday, July 4th: 14h30 – 15h30 (2:30pm – 3:30pm) Draw*

* You need to go to the JE official booth and there they will mark your entrance ticket and allow you one chance to draw out of a box. The paper drawn will say if you’ve won a ticket for the signing or not. We don’t know yet what time the drawing will be, neither where the JE booth will be located. Once you get to the expo, go to the JE booth and check the times for the draw.

** You need to line up at a certain time at the JE booth. Only a certain number of tickets will be given out but everyone who’s among the first to arrive will get one. We don’t know yet what time the lining will be.

Advice

I decided to add a section with some advice from me based on what happened at their last event (AX). This is all my opinion so please don’t be offended (particularly on the “Respect Momusu’s Space” section), an opinion is just an opinion and not fact but they might be of some help.

Arrive early for every event

It is better to be early than late so if you can sleep early so that you can get up early and secure a spot at the lines, particularly the Expo and concerts which will take a lot of time to get into due to the amount of people attending.

Be sure to know where you are going

Since most fans will come from all around the world I can’t really point at any specific directions since they might help only a few, so please check out maps and directions on all planned events and if you can print them out and carry them in a backpack or bag so you know where you are.

Straighten out all expenses

This seems like an easy thing to say but be sure to have all of your hotel and traveling expenses straightened out to avoid problems that might come from not knowing about fees.

Tell someone where you will be

Basic traveler info, always say where you will be to a friend in case they need you for an emergency or if they need to know where you are.

Stick with someone else

Another basic traveler info tip, if you are with friends or family try and stay with them since it will reduce the likelihood that you get lost or that something happens to you. If you are traveling alone try and meet up with other fans and form a group, that way everyone knows each other and everyone can watch out for everyone else.

Have a cellphone at all times

Mostly everyone has one today, but be sure to have a charged cellphone in case you need to call in any situation.

Bring something to do during waiting times

Bring an MP3 player or something to entertain you such as a book or similar since you will most likely be waiting a long time in lines.

Be careful

Like everywhere in the world there are criminals so be careful, particularly at night which according to some is the main time when hoodlums (criminals) might try to attack. According to La’aKea they attack guys more than girls so be careful in the areas where you hang out.

As Philippe notes the area around Japan Expo isn’t really that high class so try and avoid doing sightseeing in the area so try and stay to be at the Japan Expo or the RER (subway).

Be prepared

Bring water with you always since you will most likely be waiting in line at some time during the day, either for the Expo or the concert. Bring water and a small towel to the concert so that you don’t get thirsty during the concert and so you can wipe of any sweat if you get hot during the event.

Also be sure to have some spare money with you at all times since you will most likely need them if you have to buy tickets, goods or other stuff such as food and drinks, although I wouldn’t recommend doing that since they will be costly and there will be a lot of lines, so instead bring your own (enough to get through the day at least).

Try and meet up with other fans, particularly with French fans since they are the most likely to know the language and the area better. There are people that speak English in France and the Expo but I suggest you practice some basic French so you don’t get lost or to prevent other incidents (particularly “Where is the bathroom?” which is helpful to know in all languages).

As Philippe points out there are many young guys and girls who are fans and many of them know English so if you need any help be sure to meet up with some of them in case you need any help.

Respect Morning Musume’s space

This basically means that if you see them outside don’t run up to them and ask them for a signature or photo since they most likely follow UFA’s rules, which means that any photos with fans or non-authorized signatures are not allowed.

Photos are prohibited for the basic reason that they will most likely leak online and cause them problems and negative feedback (to put it nicely) from Japan fans. Signatures are not allowed since fans usually pay for signatures, and if you get a free signature it would basically mean lost money for them since UFA is a business after all.

Please don’t stalk them. This might seem like somewhat strange advice but from fan reports at AX it was known that some fans followed them to their hotel to find out where they are, followed them where they went in their free time, or in extreme cases even considered taking some of their stuff such as left over food from the members which is not only prohibited but in my opinion a strange and slightly disturbing thing to do (and it might also be a sign of a problem).

If you do see them just greet them in Japanese or English and wish them a good stay. They might be idols but that doesn’t mean they aren’t human beings so just try and act like a normal fan (don’t ask for pictures, no marriage declarations at the signing sessions, don’t stalk them, don’t take their stuff) and you should be fine.

Respect everyone else’s space

This means to try and not cut in lines, since this seemed like a big problem at AX.

Be prepared since there will be people that will cut, most likely at the concert where people will arrive late and cut with friends to get a better seat, and while they might use the excuse that it is “a one in a lifetime opportunity and you can’t miss it”.

I advise that if you plan on doing that to just try and get there early and get a spot yourself since people wait a long time to enter and that one spot could mean no signature or a bad seat for someone who waited behind you, so please be considerate of other people.

Also avoid hitting people accidentally (or on purpose) at the concert while doing Wotagei or waving your glow stick since there were many mentions of fans getting overexcited and accidentally hitting someone in the head (or pushing them) while cheering. Just remember that this is an exciting moment but at least try to stay a bit focused where your hands are.

Conclusion

Hopefully this guide will be of help to those who will attend, and if you find any problems please point them out so that I can correct them (nobody’s perfect and I most likely missed some details).

Thank you and remember to have fun and enjoy the events and concerts and to cheer Momusu during the concert to show them the support that overseas fans have.

The Japan Expo will be from July 1st to the 4th at the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibiton Center. The concert will be on July 2nd at the Parc des Expositions.

Site to buy tickets for Momusu’s Concert

Japan Expo Directions to get to Japan Expo

Information about Booths at the Expo

Japan Expo Signing Session Info (at the bottom)

Japan Expo Schedule (click on the top to change days)

Waiting Times at Japan Expo to Get In

General Info About Japan Expo

Link To Send Question For Q&A

FNAC Site With Signing Session Info

Official Morning Musume In Paris Site

EDIT: Updated signing sessions