SEGA Celebrates 25 Years of ‘Jet Set Radio’ at Brain Dead Studios
Brain Dead Studios is throwing it back to the Dreamcast era with a full-blown SEGA takeover from June 13th to 20th, celebrating the 25th anniversary of Jet Set Radio — the cult classic that defined a generation with its rebellion, skater-punk vibes, and iconic soundtrack. Part immersive installation, part screening series, and part mini-rave, the weeklong event is an ode to street culture, nostalgia, and SEGA's enduring creative edge.
Last month, Brain Dead Studios teamed up with KCRW for a screening of Game 3 of the Dodgers vs. Yankees series — a charged evening that brought baseball fans and cinephiles together under one roof. This month, the theater continues to blur the line between music and film with the screening of Turnstile’s visual album for Never Enough, a bold and immersive project from the Grammy-nominated group. With events like these, Brain Dead Studios has cemented itself as an indie theater that’s a full-blown cultural hotspot and community hub for everything from underground art to hometown pride.
The takeover kicks off Friday, June 13th with an opening night that’s as stylish as the game itself. From 6–11pm, fans will get a rare chance to meet Masayoshi Kikuchi, creator of Jet Set Radio, and Ryuta Ueda, the game’s original art director. The evening features a screening of The Blues Brothers, live music curated by NTS, and an unvaulted gallery wall of original concept artwork — some of which has never been shown to the public before. First 100 guests get an exclusive Jet Set Radio item, but supplies are limited, so show up early.
Saturday, June 14th is the public’s first full day to dive in, running from 12–11pm. Expect back-to-back screenings of The Passage and Wild Style, more NTS DJ sets, and a pop-up airbrush station by Sob Story customizing merch on the spot. Oh, and that Jet Set Radio Dreamcast station? Still live and playable all weekend long.
Brain Dead Studios is also running a special film series from June 13–20 that mirrors the rebellious spirit and subcultural style of Jet Set Radio. The lineup includes cult favorites like Mid90s, The Warriors, and Trainspotting — films that, like the game, spotlight outsider communities, street energy, and youth in revolt. It’s a curated week of cinematic chaos that matches the punk attitude and visual grit of Tokyo-to.
The party doesn’t stop at Fairfax. Exclusive merch — including tees, jackets, and a few surprises — will be available in-store and online at wearebraindead.com. For those not in LA, you can still join the vibe. Tune into NTS for a special Jet Set Radio edition of Otaku on Thursday, June 12th at 7pm UK / 11am PST.
Brain Dead, SEGA, and NTS have joined forces to deliver a full-blown sensory tribute to Jet Set Radio and its lasting influence on art, sound, and street culture. It’s a high-energy celebration of style, rebellion, and the legacy of a game that continues to move the needle 25 years later.
Photos — Brain Dead Studios, NTS Radio, SEGA
