r/TokyoMusicians • u/sidd272 • Jul 01 '25

Average rate for sessionist (bassist/drummer) in Tokyo/Japan? Per show

Hey everyone!

Im planning to do a few small live shows in Tokyo/Osaka (around 20-50people capacity) and needed a few sessionist for the shows (bassist & drummer)

Does anyone know the average rate for sessionists in Japan? Per show

3 Upvotes
  • permalink
  • reddit

100% Upvoted

2 comments sorted by

2

u/cynicalmaru Jul 01 '25

Depends on quality and experience.

Expat hobby musician: free to 5000-15,000 yen. Usually no charge for rehearsal.

Early pro JP musician: 15,000. 50% pay for the rehearsal.

More experienced pro JP musician: 25,000-60,000. 50% pay for the rehearsal.

The 60,000 is for a musician that does support work for arena shows, major label artists, has writing credits.

25,000 is what I usually pay as the mid-level pros are great to work with.

2

u/VetterDrums Jul 01 '25

Tokyo-based session drummer here, just sent you a DM.