『≠ME Arena Tour 2026』 Introduces Tixplus's Smartphone Face Recognition System! Enhanced Countermeasures Against Illegal Resale with Identity Verification Completed on a Single Smartphone

Ticketplus Inc., which operates the electronic ticket service "Tixplus" and the official reseller service "TixplusTrade" officially recognized by event organizers, is pleased to announce that its "smartphone-complete facial recognition entry function" has been adopted for the 『≠ME Arena Tour 2026』, starting on Monday, May 4, 2026. ■ Realizing an Environment Where Fans Can Attend Live Performances with Greater Peace of Mind Previously, for ≠ME performances, our official reseller service "TixplusTrade" and an entry system using tablet-based facial recognition for identity verification have been utilized to ensure tickets reach fans correctly. Furthermore, with the full cooperation of ≠ME's management agency, Yoyogi Animation Academy, efforts to combat illegal reselling have been advanced in collaboration, including screening the anti-resale awareness video "Bye-Bye, Resale" within live venues. To further strengthen these multifaceted initiatives, the introduction of the new "smartphone-complete facial recognition function" has been decided this time. This function is a new system that differs from traditional authentication using dedicated tablets, allowing identity verification to be completed solely with the customer's own smartphone (≠ME Artist App). Since its release at the end of last year, further updates have been made, including the addition of a function to register facial photos from four directions (up, down, left, right). This enables even more seamless authentication, minimizing the burden on visitors while significantly improving the accuracy and speed of identity verification. For event organizers, it also reduces the burden of installing dedicated equipment and securing wiring, realizing simplified setup and cost reduction. Additionally, it supports offline authentication that does not depend on communication environments, enabling stable entry operations regardless of radio wave conditions, thus ensuring smooth and reliable identity verification even at large venues or during peak hours. Through this update, we will reduce illegal resales and deliver an an environment where everyone can enjoy live performances with peace of mind. [Organizer's Comment] To allow everyone attending ≠ME's live performances to enjoy the show with greater peace of mind, we have decided to introduce a new smartphone facial recognition entry system this time. We have continuously worked on measures against illegal reselling, but we aim to realize an even safer and fairer ticket distribution. We ask for the cooperation of fans to ensure a smooth and secure entry environment for all attendees. [Target Performances] This function will be introduced at the 『≠ME Arena Tour 2026』. ⚫︎ Performance Dates May 4, 2026 (Mon/Holiday) Tokyo | Tokyo Garden Theater May 16, 2026 (Sat) Hyogo | Kobe World Memorial Hall May 30, 2026 (Sat) Hiroshima | Hiroshima Sun Plaza Hall June 27, 2026 (Sat) Miyagi | Xebio Arena Sendai July 17 (Fri) & July 18 (Sat), 2026 Kanagawa | Yokohama Arena ▶≠ME Official Site https://not-equal-me.jp/ ▶TixplusTrade https://trade.tixplus.jp/artists/tour/14261 [How to Enter with Smartphone Face Recognition] ⚫︎ Preparation 1. Tap [View Ticket] to receive it. 2. A pop-up will appear after receiving the ticket, tap [Register Face]. 3. The face registration start screen will appear; turn your head in four directions: up, down, left, and right. 4. Registration is complete when "Photography completed" is displayed. ⚫︎ Entry Flow on the Day 1. On the event day, the ticket entry screen will be locked. 2. Visitors wait with their smartphones facing forward. 3. AI automatically verifies against the pre-registered facial photo. 4. The lock is released only if there is a match → The ticket entry screen is displayed. * If there is no match, it remains locked, preventing unauthorized use by third parties. ■ Tixplus's Enhanced Efforts to Prevent Illegal Resale Illegal ticket reselling and impersonated entry are serious issues that undermine event credibility and visitor satisfaction. "Tixplus" has consistently worked on anti-resale measures since its inception, including providing electronic tickets, operating the organizer-approved reseller service "TixplusTrade," and distributing the "Bye-Bye, Resale" video to raise awareness against illegal resales. The smartphone facial recognition function provided this time makes it easy to introduce a highly accurate anti-resale measure—where only the ticket purchaser can enter—on-site, further enhancing the deterrent effect against illegal resales and transfers. Ticketplus will continue its efforts to prevent illegal reselling, protecting the proper distribution of tickets and creating an environment where fans can enjoy live performances with peace of mind. YouTube URL: https://youtu.be/mNq_kD6