[Event Report] Over 5,040 Attendees! "Death Fes 2026" Concludes, Reflecting on "Life" Through "Death." A Spreading Movement of Dialogue.
"Death Fes 2026" concluded with over 5,040 attendees and 27 media outlets covering the event. Through various experiential projects and dialogue events aimed at deepening perspectives on life and death, it successfully spread a movement of discussing "death" openly in society.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 30, 2026 at 21:18
- 🔍 Collected: April 30, 2026 at 13:01
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 30, 2026 at 13:07 (5 min after Collected)
In Japan, which is entering a full-fledged multi-death society, "Death Fes 2026," an event to reflect on "death" and "life" (organized by the General Incorporated Association Death Fes), was held for six days from April 11 (Sat) to 16 (Thu), 2026, at Shibuya Hikarie in Tokyo.
Now in its third year, this event aimed at socially implementing a culture of discussing death both "poply" and seriously. The venue attracted diverse people regardless of generation or nationality, from students in their teens to seniors, and even international visitors. A total of 5,040 people (including online participants) attended, surpassing last year's attendance by over 800, and media coverage more than doubled to 27 companies, indicating a significant increase in social interest over the six days.
## Experiencing "Life and Death" Through the Five Senses. Development of Original Products.
This year's Death Fes featured projects that allowed participants to experience "death" not only through sight and hearing but also through the five senses, including touch, taste, and smell. Among these, the following original products were developed and unveiled:
- Read/Touch (Launch of academic journal "414! (Yoishi!)"): An academic journal compiling specialized knowledge from researchers in various fields such as thanatology, end-of-life care, and funeral culture.
- Taste/Dialogue ("A Bite of Death! Philosophy of Life and Death Cookie"): An original cookie designed to encourage people to confront their views on life and death with one bite, sparking conversation.
- Feel/Listen (Wellness box "AWAI" for nurturing views on life and death): An immersive space to feel the "interstice" between life and death. Guided by sound and scent, one can delve deep into their inner self.
The academic journal "414! (Yoishi!)," a 96-page collection of research papers and contributions, was handmade by the operating members.
Dialogue sessions using "A Bite of Death! Philosophy of Life and Death Cookie" were also held.
"AWAI" aims to be installed in places like train stations in the future as a space where one can regain their inner self even amidst hustle and bustle.
## Expansion of Programs Expressing and Exploring "Death"
Now in its third iteration, this year's event featured a more diverse range of programs than ever before. Projects incorporating entertainment and fashion perspectives were also implemented, such as "Death-1 Grand Prix," a pitch event where ordinary people discuss their views on life and death, and "DeathWEAR Contest," which proposes final attire, broadening the entry points for participants to engage with "death."
Furthermore, talk sessions delved into topics that society is currently facing, such as "AI x Death" and "Youth's Views on Life and Death." Lively discussions unfolded between speakers and participants.
Participants and judges of the "Death-1 Grand Prix"
"Couple Coffin" where couples, friends, and parents and children can experience entering a coffin.
"Buddhist Day," a special day event themed "Feeling Life and Death from Buddhism," featured a monk fashion show.
The "Youth x Death" talk session, discussing views on life and death by young people in their 20s, was fully booked.
## Changes Indicated by Numbers──"Word-of-Mouth Spreading Dialogue about Death"
The following achievements were observed at this year's event:
- Number of attendees: Total 5,040 (an increase of over 800 from 4,200 in 2025)
- Number of programs: 90 (an increase of 22 from 68 in 2025)
- Number of media coverage: 27 companies (almost double from 14 companies in 2025)
- Number of speakers: 103
- Number of exhibitors: 46 companies (excluding organizer's own projects)
Notably, 56% of participants cited "introduction from an acquaintance" as their reason for attending.
The fact that "spaces to talk about death" are spreading through word-of-mouth indicates that this festival is transforming into a "movement mediated by empathy."
## Participant Voices
This year, diverse individuals from Generation Z students to working professionals, people in their 40s to 50s, and seniors, attended regardless of occupation or gender. The cross-generational dialogues observed at the venue indicate that this festival is beginning to hold universal value.
- "There were many interesting booths, and while discussing death is something I usually avoid, I was glad I could participate casually." (20s, female, student)
- "It was my first time, but it gave me a lot to think about. The coffin experience was novel, and I got to know everyone's personality in a bright atmosphere." (20s, male, company employee)
- "The exhibits were fresh and experiential, making it very worthwhile to attend in person. Although the name is Death Fes, confronting death made me feel very positive, and the after-reading impression was fresh." (30s, male, company employee)
- "When I entered the coffin, I cried when they said, 'Thank you for your hard work.' I felt like I could go to the afterlife comfortably when the time comes. I want to make my current life better." (40s, female, housewife)
- "As a care manager, I also work with people's deaths. Participating in a place with others who share the same interest makes me feel like I'm not alone."
Now in its third year, this event aimed at socially implementing a culture of discussing death both "poply" and seriously. The venue attracted diverse people regardless of generation or nationality, from students in their teens to seniors, and even international visitors. A total of 5,040 people (including online participants) attended, surpassing last year's attendance by over 800, and media coverage more than doubled to 27 companies, indicating a significant increase in social interest over the six days.
## Experiencing "Life and Death" Through the Five Senses. Development of Original Products.
This year's Death Fes featured projects that allowed participants to experience "death" not only through sight and hearing but also through the five senses, including touch, taste, and smell. Among these, the following original products were developed and unveiled:
- Read/Touch (Launch of academic journal "414! (Yoishi!)"): An academic journal compiling specialized knowledge from researchers in various fields such as thanatology, end-of-life care, and funeral culture.
- Taste/Dialogue ("A Bite of Death! Philosophy of Life and Death Cookie"): An original cookie designed to encourage people to confront their views on life and death with one bite, sparking conversation.
- Feel/Listen (Wellness box "AWAI" for nurturing views on life and death): An immersive space to feel the "interstice" between life and death. Guided by sound and scent, one can delve deep into their inner self.
The academic journal "414! (Yoishi!)," a 96-page collection of research papers and contributions, was handmade by the operating members.
Dialogue sessions using "A Bite of Death! Philosophy of Life and Death Cookie" were also held.
"AWAI" aims to be installed in places like train stations in the future as a space where one can regain their inner self even amidst hustle and bustle.
## Expansion of Programs Expressing and Exploring "Death"
Now in its third iteration, this year's event featured a more diverse range of programs than ever before. Projects incorporating entertainment and fashion perspectives were also implemented, such as "Death-1 Grand Prix," a pitch event where ordinary people discuss their views on life and death, and "DeathWEAR Contest," which proposes final attire, broadening the entry points for participants to engage with "death."
Furthermore, talk sessions delved into topics that society is currently facing, such as "AI x Death" and "Youth's Views on Life and Death." Lively discussions unfolded between speakers and participants.
Participants and judges of the "Death-1 Grand Prix"
"Couple Coffin" where couples, friends, and parents and children can experience entering a coffin.
"Buddhist Day," a special day event themed "Feeling Life and Death from Buddhism," featured a monk fashion show.
The "Youth x Death" talk session, discussing views on life and death by young people in their 20s, was fully booked.
## Changes Indicated by Numbers──"Word-of-Mouth Spreading Dialogue about Death"
The following achievements were observed at this year's event:
- Number of attendees: Total 5,040 (an increase of over 800 from 4,200 in 2025)
- Number of programs: 90 (an increase of 22 from 68 in 2025)
- Number of media coverage: 27 companies (almost double from 14 companies in 2025)
- Number of speakers: 103
- Number of exhibitors: 46 companies (excluding organizer's own projects)
Notably, 56% of participants cited "introduction from an acquaintance" as their reason for attending.
The fact that "spaces to talk about death" are spreading through word-of-mouth indicates that this festival is transforming into a "movement mediated by empathy."
## Participant Voices
This year, diverse individuals from Generation Z students to working professionals, people in their 40s to 50s, and seniors, attended regardless of occupation or gender. The cross-generational dialogues observed at the venue indicate that this festival is beginning to hold universal value.
- "There were many interesting booths, and while discussing death is something I usually avoid, I was glad I could participate casually." (20s, female, student)
- "It was my first time, but it gave me a lot to think about. The coffin experience was novel, and I got to know everyone's personality in a bright atmosphere." (20s, male, company employee)
- "The exhibits were fresh and experiential, making it very worthwhile to attend in person. Although the name is Death Fes, confronting death made me feel very positive, and the after-reading impression was fresh." (30s, male, company employee)
- "When I entered the coffin, I cried when they said, 'Thank you for your hard work.' I felt like I could go to the afterlife comfortably when the time comes. I want to make my current life better." (40s, female, housewife)
- "As a care manager, I also work with people's deaths. Participating in a place with others who share the same interest makes me feel like I'm not alone."