"Death Fest 2026," an experiential event aiming to create a society where people can talk about death more freely, will be held from April 11th to 16th at Shibuya Hikarie 8F 8/COURT, 8/CUBE, and Creative Lounge MOV. The event is organized by the General Incorporated Association Death Fest.

This event, which goes beyond funerals and end-of-life planning, aims to provide a platform for re-examining "death" from multiple perspectives, including well-being, religion, and technology. In 2025, approximately 4,200 people attended, with those in their 30s to 50s making up the majority, while teenagers and those in their 20s accounted for a quarter, demonstrating high interest not only among middle-aged and older generations but also among younger generations.

The backdrop to this is the current situation in Japan, which is rapidly becoming a society with a high death rate. While hospital deaths account for about 80% of all deaths, opportunities to witness death in everyday life are decreasing, and the culture of talking about death is weakening, especially in urban areas. In response to this situation, the festival is being held with the aim of "reconsidering death not as a taboo subject, but as something that is inextricably linked to life."

Past events

During the event, there will be numerous experiential and participatory programs, including a "coffin experience" where participants can enter a coffin in collaboration with horror manga artist Junji Ito, a project to take photos of memorial portraits generated by AI, a fashion show by Buddhist monks, and public discussions by experts from various fields. There will also be projects that explore views on life and death through scent, food, and spatial experiences, providing an opportunity to contemplate "death" with all five senses.

This year, we will particularly strengthen sessions on themes such as the future of funerals in the age of AI and young people's views on life and death. We will also create opportunities for intergenerational discussion, such as talks by people in their 20s and film screenings and dialogues by palliative care physicians. In addition, on "Buddhism Day," which will explore Buddhist philosophy, monks from five different sects will participate, creating an opportunity to look at death from a religious perspective.

Left: Original confectionery "One-bite Life and Death Cookie Death!", Right: "Coffin Experience" where you can get into a coffin.

Furthermore, to coincide with this festival, they have developed an original confectionary called "One-Bite Life and Death Cookie Death!" which comes with a question on the theme of life and death. This new initiative aims to provide "One-Bite Life and Death Cookie Death!" as a way to encourage conversations about "death" with family and loved ones, instead of fortune cookies.

The event will utilize the entire 8th floor of Hikarie, collaborating with bookstores, restaurants, and galleries. Through exhibitions and culinary experiences, it aims to create a space where visitors can confront "death" from multiple perspectives.

The event will be held from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM (until 5:00 PM on the last day). Admission is free (some programs are subject to a fee). Pre-registration is required, but same-day participation is also possible. Online streaming (for some weekend programs) is also planned.

Venue