Japanese reggae-punk band SiM is bringing fans back to the energy of DEAD POP FESTiVAL 2026 with a special live program on ABEMA. The broadcast is scheduled for June 28, 2026, at 7:00 PM Japan Standard Time, giving viewers a chance to relive the highlights of the two-day festival that took place back in April. For anyone who attended the festival at Higashi-Ogishima Higashi Park in Kawasaki or missed it entirely, this recap promises behind-the-scenes moments, performance footage, and commentary from the band themselves.
We know many of you have been waiting for more festival content since April, and this special delivers exactly that — a curated look back at what made the 16th edition of DEAD POP FESTiVAL memorable, straight from the hosts who created it.
The Quick Version
- The special program "SiM presents DEAD POP FESTiVAL 2026" airs live on ABEMA on June 28, 2026, starting at 7:00 PM JST
- It's a retrospective covering DEAD POP FESTiVAL 2026, which took place April 4-5, 2026, at Higashi-Ogishima Higashi Park in Kawasaki, Kanagawa
- The festival marked its 16th edition and featured 16 acts across two days, including Maximum the Hormone, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, WANIMA, and The Oral Cigarettes
- SiM will appear in the program to share their perspective on hosting the festival's spring debut
- ABEMA is a Japanese streaming platform, so viewers will need access to watch the live broadcast
What the ABEMA Special Program Covers
According to official announcements, the special is structured as a retrospective — a chance to look back at the weekend that marked a significant shift for DEAD POP FESTiVAL. The festival moved to a spring slot for the first time in 2026, departing from its traditional scheduling, and this program will explore how that change shaped the event. SiM, who have hosted DEAD POP FESTiVAL since its inception, will guide viewers through highlights, memorable performances, and the atmosphere that defined the two days in Kawasaki.
We expect the program to include live performance footage from the festival's lineup, which spanned punk, metal, hardcore, and alternative rock. The format is described as a live broadcast, suggesting it will include real-time commentary and possibly interactive elements, though specific segment details haven't been confirmed publicly. What we do know is that SiM will be actively involved, giving the show a firsthand perspective that typical festival recaps often lack.
When and Where to Watch
The broadcast is scheduled for Sunday, June 28, 2026, beginning at 7:00 PM Japan Standard Time. ABEMA, the platform hosting the stream, is a Japanese internet television service, so international viewers should check whether the stream is available in their region. For those in Japan, ABEMA is accessible via web browser, mobile app, and connected TV devices, typically requiring either a free account or a premium subscription depending on the content tier.
As of June 15, 2026, the exact duration of the special hasn't been announced, so we recommend tuning in at the start time to catch the full program. Replay availability also hasn't been confirmed, which means the live broadcast might be your best opportunity to watch.
Looking Back at DEAD POP FESTiVAL 2026
The festival itself took place over the first weekend of April 2026 — specifically April 4 and 5 — at Higashi-Ogishima Higashi Park, a waterfront venue in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture. This location has hosted DEAD POP FESTiVAL for years, offering an open-air setting with views of Tokyo Bay. The 2026 edition was notable not just for its spring timing but also for representing the festival's 16th year, a milestone that speaks to SiM's sustained commitment to curating a space for Japan's heavier rock and punk scenes.
Day one, April 4, reportedly featured eight acts including SiM, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, HEY-SMITH, Maximum the Hormone, SHANK, Harukamirai, PassCode, and Chevon. Day two brought another eight performers, with SiM joined by 04 Limited Sazabys, The Oral Cigarettes, WANIMA, and ANKOR, among others. The lineup reflected DEAD POP FESTiVAL's signature blend — bands that push sonic boundaries while maintaining strong ties to Japan's underground and mainstream rock communities.
A recap video already surfaced on YouTube following the festival, capturing crowd energy and stage moments, and an official Apple Music playlist titled "DEAD POP FESTiVAL 2026 DAY1" collected 23 tracks from the participating artists. These pieces of content have kept the festival's memory alive in the months since April, but the ABEMA special promises a more comprehensive and narrative-driven look at what happened over those two days.
Why the Spring Move Matters
DEAD POP FESTiVAL moving to spring in 2026 represented a shift for an event that had established its identity over 15 previous editions. Festival timing affects everything from weather conditions to competition with other events on the calendar, and spring festivals in Japan often carry a different vibe — cherry blossom season brings its own energy, and outdoor events can capitalize on milder temperatures compared to summer's heat and humidity.
We suspect the ABEMA special will touch on this decision and how it influenced both the planning and the experience. SiM's involvement as both hosts and performers gives them unique insight into those behind-the-scenes choices, and that dual perspective is likely to be a focal point of the broadcast. For fans who've followed DEAD POP FESTiVAL over the years, hearing directly from the band about this transition adds depth that pure performance footage can't provide.
What People Are Saying
"Can't wait to relive DPF 2026 all over again. The energy on day two was unreal, and I'm hoping they show the full WANIMA set," one fan posted on social media shortly after the ABEMA announcement.
Another attendee shared, "I went to day one and regretted not getting tickets for both days. This special is exactly what I needed to see what I missed on Sunday."
"SiM really knows how to curate a lineup," a third viewer commented. "Every band at DPF fits together even when they sound completely different. Excited to hear them talk about how they put this year together."
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the SiM DEAD POP FESTiVAL 2026 special air on ABEMA?
The program is scheduled to broadcast live on Sunday, June 28, 2026, starting at 7:00 PM Japan Standard Time.
Where can I watch the ABEMA special?
The special will stream on ABEMA, a Japanese internet television platform. Access typically requires visiting the ABEMA website or downloading their app, though availability may vary by region.
Will there be a replay or on-demand version?
Replay availability hasn't been officially confirmed. ABEMA sometimes archives content for premium subscribers, but it's best to watch the live broadcast if possible.
What was the lineup for DEAD POP FESTiVAL 2026?
The two-day festival featured 16 acts total, including Maximum the Hormone, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, WANIMA, The Oral Cigarettes, HEY-SMITH, 04 Limited Sazabys, PassCode, and others alongside hosts SiM.
Is this the first time DEAD POP FESTiVAL aired a special on ABEMA?
While SiM and DEAD POP FESTiVAL have released recap videos and content in the past, the specifics of previous ABEMA collaborations aren't fully documented. This special appears to be positioned as a comprehensive retrospective for the 2026 edition.
Revisiting a Festival Milestone
The June 28 ABEMA special offers fans a structured way to revisit DEAD POP FESTiVAL 2026's energy and significance. With SiM providing direct commentary and curated highlights from both days, the program should deliver more than just performance clips — we're likely to get the story of how the 16th edition came together and what the spring move meant for the festival's future. Whether you were there in April or are discovering the festival through this broadcast, the special is your chance to experience the event through the eyes of the people who built it.
Mark your calendar for June 28 at 7:00 PM JST, and make sure you have ABEMA access sorted out ahead of time. This is one of those live broadcasts where being there in real time — even virtually — makes all the difference.
