Featured Artists and Exclusive Insights
The December 15th issue boasts two major acts on its covers. The 『Monthly Lawson Ticket』cover story features King Gnu, who are set to embark on their largest-ever arena tour, 『King Gnu CEN＋RAL Tour 2026』, spanning 15 cities across Japan and Asia starting February 2026. This tour promises an immersive 360-degree experience with its first-ever center stage format. Details on advance ticket sales are highlighted within the pages, undoubtedly exciting fans who crave their electrifying live performances.
Meanwhile, 『Monthly HMV&BOOKS』showcases Stray Kids, the South Korean eight-member boy group renowned for their self-produced music. Their Japan 1st EP achieved the fastest million-hit record for a K-Pop boy group since their Japanese debut. This issue celebrates the first-ever video release of their inaugural offline event in Japan and their Belluna Dome concert. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to relive those incredible moments!” one fan exclaimed online, reflecting the excitement surrounding this release.
In-Depth Interviews & Special Features
The free paper is also packed with exclusive interviews, offering a deeper look into the minds of various artists across genres. Readers can enjoy conversations with:
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Takahashi Yu: Discussing his best album 『Jiyu Gozen』, celebrating 15 years since his major debut, and insights into his upcoming national tour 『Jiyu Taru Kakugo, Zen toshite Kanazu』.
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Kawamura Yuka: Marking her 30th debut anniversary, she shares thoughts on her two-disc best album 『Melody Maker』and her upcoming solo acoustic tour 『“Dokuso 2026” ～Melody Maker Hitoritabi～』.
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Kalafina: The vocal unit, reunited after seven years, talks about their comeback live 『Kalafina Anniversary LIVE 2026』in Tokyo and Osaka, and messages to their fans.
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INSPi: The a cappella group, in their 28th year, shares details about their winter tour 『INSPi Winter Tour 2025～Come Rain or Come Shine～』.
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PUNPEE: The hip-hop artist discusses his one-man live 『Seasons Greetings’26』at Tokyo Garden Theater, highlighting his unique blend of gadgets and music.
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Ling Tosite Sigure: TK shares his thoughts on their ongoing national tour and their upcoming two-man event 『Toki ni Ame #17』, following the release of their EP 『Lost God of SASORI』.
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Who-ya Extended: Vocalist Who-ya talks about their first East-West Japan tour 『Who-ya Extended LIVE TOUR “LosT PiEcE”』, encouraging fans to experience their current sound.
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Royz: The visual kei band discusses their ongoing one-man tour 『-Nisen Nijugo Gorei Angya-「Gen’ei Toshi de Kimi to Ikiru」』, their maxi-single “Kanon,” and their first Nippon Budokan performance in September 2026.
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Doona: The five-member mixture rock band, formed in 2023, talks about their first East-Meihan tour 『The First Infection』in April 2026, defining their unique sound as “TOKYO NEW MIXTURE.”
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NEK!: The four-member girl band, who sold out Zepp Shinjuku in under two years, discusses their largest-ever tour 『NEK! 2nd ANNIVERSARY LIVE TOUR 2026』and their first album 『MEME』.
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HAPPY CREATORS: The seven-member idol group shares their aspirations for their one-man live 『Nanairo no Koro』at Hulic Hall Tokyo on March 28, 2026, reflecting on their first anniversary.
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Crisp Melo: The five-member girl pop group, who debuted in October, talks about their debut one-man live at RED° TOKYO TOWER on December 20, 2025.
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IDOLY PRIDE: Cast members representing each unit discuss the charm of their performances and songs, and their enthusiasm for upcoming lives in Osaka and Tokyo in February and March 2026.
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Shindo Yuaki & Makino Motomi (Disney On Classic ～Yume to Maho no Okurimono 2026): The two, performing for seven consecutive years, share their thoughts on the national tour kicking off in May 2026.
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Hamada Megumi & Kamikawa Kazuya (Musical Mary Poppins): They discuss the appeal of the re-staged musical, with Hamada Megumi reprising her role and Kamikawa Kazuya joining for the first time.
- Nanami Hiroki (Stage Touken Ranbu Guden Mujun Genji Monogatari ~Re-run~): As the lead for Kashu Kiyomitsu, Nanami Hiroki expresses a desire for an even more evolved re-run of the stage play, set for Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka from February 2026.
- Tomizono Rikiya & Yasui Kazuma & Totsuka Sena & Iiyama Yuta (Ensemble Stars! THE STAGE -Our First Fight-): They share their enthusiasm for the highly anticipated new production, which brings the unit ‘fine’ together again.
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Kato Takuya & Hirahara Tetsu & Tamura Kentaro (Tagumi 『Keshiki no Yoi Kankochi』): They delve into the meaning behind the story of the stage play 『Keshiki no Yoi Kankochi』, which explores the “poison” hidden in human relationships.
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Ueda Makoto & Kaneko Daichi & Kanemaru Shintaro (Europe Kikaku 44th Performance 『Internet-to Explorer』): They discuss the new adventure comedy about exploring an uncharted island.
- Gachikun (Good 8 Squad): The professional fighting game player and Red Bull athlete shares his resolve as a pro gamer, the efforts behind his success, and his journey from a local player to a global e-sports star.
Beyond the Pages
Beyond these in-depth articles, the issue also includes live reports from performances by REAL AKIBA BOYZ and Kobukuro, as well as the “HOT STUFF presents Ruby Tuesday” event. Popular ongoing series, such as those focusing on Ghibli Museum, Ghibli Park, and Universal Studios Japan, continue to delight readers.
For the latest news and campaign information, be sure to check the official social media accounts of the 『Monthly Lawson Ticket / Monthly HMV&BOOKS』editorial department:
More details on the December 15th issue can be found here: https://l-tike.com/loppi/
This free paper is distributed sequentially from the 15th of every month at Lawson, Ministop, and HMV stores. Quantities are limited, so early visits are recommended. Find your nearest store here:
The continued evolution of such accessible, comprehensive entertainment guides ensures that the vibrant pulse of Japanese popular culture remains within reach for fans, both domestically and internationally, fostering an even deeper appreciation for its diverse artistry.
