“How dare they play Arashi songs…” Merch Resale Runs Rampant; ‘Number_i’s’ First Fan Meeting Plagued by Troubles

The situation escalated to the point where an ambulance was dispatched

The trio “Number_i,” consisting of former “King & Prince” members Shō Hirano (29), Yuta Kishi (30), and Yuta Jingūji (28), held a fan meeting titled “Numbers Ur’26” in Osaka in July.Although this was their first-ever fan meeting, they faced heavy criticism over the sales methods for some merchandise, and their performance of songs by senior artists from the former Johnny & Associates (now STARTO ENTERTAINMENT) has also sparked controversy.

“Numbers Ur’26” took place at Osaka Castle Hall in Osaka (July 21–22) and is scheduled to be held at “TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO” in Tokyo from August 25 to 27.It was announced that any “Number_i” fan club member could purchase merchandise at the venue, even without a concert ticket. The organizers stated that no advance reservations or numbered tickets were required, and that they would verify members’ digital membership cards on-site.

“As soon as this sales method was announced, it was expected that many fans would rush to the venue. Given the extreme heat, concerns were raised on social media that people might suffer from heatstroke while waiting in line…”“Among the merchandise, fans are particularly interested in the three-color zip-up hoodies. Although they are expensive at 18,000 yen, their design is reminiscent of the sweatshirts the members have worn in concert behind-the-scenes photos and other occasions, making this a long-awaited release for fans,” said a sports newspaper entertainment reporter.

As of July 10, prior to the event, their agency, “TOBE,” had announced regarding the merchandise:“We plan to sell these items exclusively to Number_i Official Fan Club members at the TOBE OFFICIAL STORE (excluding the three types of zip-up hoodies).” As a result, it was easy to imagine fans flocking to the venue in search of the hoodies, which could only be purchased on-site.

“TOBE had issued a warning asking fans to refrain from ‘staying up all night’ or ‘arriving early in the morning,’ as these actions could lead to trouble. However, it appears a line had already formed around 6:00 a.m. on the first day of the fan meeting, so merchandise sales began about an hour earlier than the originally scheduled time of 12:00 p.m.“Judging by the photos and videos posted on social media from the scene, fans waiting in line were using parasols to protect themselves from heatstroke, but unfortunately, some still fell ill. It appears the situation even required an ambulance to be dispatched,” (ibid.)

A Prime Target for Resellers

Amid this, hoodies were immediately listed on Mercari. Prices for the popular pink version soared to around 50,000 yen, and listings—presumably by resellers—continued to appear, such as a set of three colors priced in the 90,000-yen range.

In response, around 3:00 p.m. on the 21st, ‘Number_i’ announced via their official social media that they had decided to sell the hoodies online. “On-site sales starting tomorrow will proceed as scheduled.Please note that today’s allocation of zip-up hoodies has sold out due to high demand.” This decision angered fans.

“They should have just said from the start that the hoodies would be sold online too! The management is terrible.”

“I don’t understand why people without tickets can buy merchandise. That’s exactly why they’re being resold on Mercari.”

Numerous such complaints flooded the internet.

There was also a scene during the concert, which began at 6:00 p.m. that same day, that caused a stir online.

“During the first day’s performance, there was a karaoke segment, and in response to fan requests, Number_i sang ‘Love so sweet’ by ‘Arashi,’ their seniors from the former Johnny’s agency. Although Hirano and the others seemed confused, asking, ‘Is it okay for us to sing this?’ and ‘Won’t we get in trouble?,’ they sang the song to fulfill the fans’ wishes.

When this information spread on social media, fans of the former Johnny’s Associates—who don’t look favorably upon the members who left the agency—expressed their displeasure, commenting, ‘How brazen,’ and ‘How dare they sing that? Even if it was a fan request, I don’t think they have the right to sing it’” (ibid).

Number_i’s fan meeting, held for the first time, sparked a variety of discussions. As of now, it is unclear how merchandise will be sold at the August Tokyo performance, but one hopes they will learn from the mistakes made in Osaka.