Along with the release of his first album, “N / bias,” Kento Nakajima has released the music video for his latest track, “THE CODE,” an electrifying piece that blends mystery with personal revelation.
“THE CODE” pulsates with urgency, weaving a narrative that mirrors the complexity of solving a puzzle shrouded in secrecy—much fitting for the story of ‘Concordia.’ The song thrives on its emphasis on Kento’s vocals, blending its more simple beats with his sharp, rhythmic vocals that evoke the sensation of constantly being one step behind a hidden truth.
Throughout the song, it’s his vocals that drive the song forward along with its narrative, rather than the music driving the song. The vocal performance is direct and assertive, embodying the voice of someone determined to break through barriers. On top of that, his English is literally perfectly executed in this song.
Lyrically, “THE CODE” leans into metaphors of technology and surveillance, painting a picture of a world where the search for answers is both personal and systemic. With how the world of Concordia is so reliant on the AI system and flawless surveillance, it fits right into the natural paranoia and curiosity that humans experience when encountering something new, unknown, and possibly threatening. The song explores the interplay between personal reflection and larger, external forces—implying that unlocking the truth requires both introspection and perseverance.
In the end, “THE CODE” leaves listeners with a sense of empowerment, suggesting that while the path to understanding may be fraught with obstacles, persistence and resolve will ultimately lead to revelation. It’s a song that speaks to the thrill of the chase, resonating with anyone who has ever felt the pull of uncovering hidden truths.
In the end, you might actually be the key to solving it.
The track not only reflects Kento’s artistic evolution but also marks a turning point in his career as he redefines his identity as a solo artist. The song’s narrative revolves around the pursuit of hidden truths, mirroring his own artistic journey to uncover his authentic self.
It serves as a bold statement of breaking free from expectations, inviting viewers to decode the intricate layers of his story. “THE CODE,” featured on his debut solo album, “N / bias,” dropped on December 25, 2024, marking a significant milestone in Kento’s career.
“THE CODE” not only tells a story of hidden truths but also serves as the cheering cheering song for the series “Concordia,” in which Kento stars. Notably, he took charge of both writing and composing the track, embedding his personal artistic vision into every note and lyric. The song is featured in the series starting from episode 4, seamlessly bridges his work in acting and music, and Kento himself expressed how integral ‘Concordia’ was to the song’s creation. “This song wouldn’t have been born without ‘Concordia’,’’ he stated, highlighting the deep connection between the project and his artistic process.
The music video, directed by emerging filmmaker Kohei Igarashi, unfolds within the walls of an art museum, where Kento embarks on a journey to uncover the singular truth hidden among forgeries. The striking visuals are heightened by intricate choreography from renowned choreographer KAZtheFIRE, creating a compelling fusion of storytelling and performance art.
About the song, Kento shared, “Two years ago, I began exploring the possibilities of expanding my music internationally, whether through solo projects or as part of the group. I dedicated myself to producing this track, spending hours crafting it at my computer. This year, I finally had the chance to express my vision through “THE CODE.””
“I am incredibly grateful to have been able to contribute to the international series ‘Concordia,’” Kento also shared, “It was uncharted territory for me to see how this song would be portrayed in the series. I’m deeply thankful for the opportunity to have my vocals featured in the drama.” He further commented, “I hope this song reaches audiences worldwide, across borders.”
This song represents the culmination of two years of effort, aligning with the holiday season’s significance for Kento. Reflecting on his roots, he shared that his desire to become an idol began one Christmas after receiving the 2005 CD ‘Seishun Amigo‘ from Kazuya Kamenashi and Tomohisa Yamashita’s collaborative unit ‘Shuji and Akira.’ “I hope this album inspires someone else on a similar path,” he expressed.
“PICARESQUE,” a lead track written by Kento, draws inspiration from picaresque novels, exploring the inner turmoil of an anti-hero. Both tracks highlight his willingness to explore complex emotions, whether through the seductive allure of “PICARESQUE” or the relatable vulnerability in “Jealous.”
The sultry experimentation of this track complements the upbeat charm of “Jealous,” which became a hit on Spotify’s Daily Viral Songs list. In contrast, “Jealous” wraps themes of love and envy in a fresh, modern sound. Together, these tracks highlight the album’s dynamic and contemporary feel, and the width of Kento’s artistry.
His continuous artistic growth is further exemplified by his self-produced songs “ROSSO (English ver.)” and “CANDY ~Can U be my BABY (New Vocal Mix 2024),” both of which he previously released in Japanese.
The new vocal mix for CANDY showcases his growth over the years, all while retaining the classic idol feel and vibe. Since the first time CANDY was released, it has been a staple song among fans and fellow Juniors as one of the ultimate idol-song. In 2024, it keeps the sparkling aura and mood that it had for the first time.
To many, this might be the first time they’ve heard CANDY, and compared to the more recent songs and direction that Kento has taken, it’s definitely completely different. However, it is a perfect representation of who Kento is. At his very core, he is someone who inspires people—fans and peers alike—and a song like CANDY really highlights the idol side of him that shaped him into who he is today.
One of the standout songs of the album is “迷夢” (Meimu; Illusion). The song gives off the feeling of delicate threads of memory and longing intertwining, crafting a song that feels as fleeting and elusive as the dreams it explores. It doesn’t simply recount past emotions but invites listeners into a shifting landscape where time blurs and echoes of familiar faces linger just beyond reach.
The use of autotune adds to the musical landscape of being lost in a blur, and the rhythm makes you sway along, almost as if you’re being guided through your lingering desire.
From the first note, “迷夢” unfolds like a fog-draped journey through a forest of reminiscence. The instrumentation sets the tone—soft yet persistent, mirroring the sensation of sifting through recollections that fade as quickly as they appear. There is an ethereal quality to the arrangement as if the melody itself is whispering secrets from a forgotten place.
The repeating beat of the drums carries you through the song with anticipation that you’ll figure out this maze of feelings and memories.
Vocally, the performance feels intimate and introspective. Each phrase is delivered with a tenderness that mirrors the vulnerability of revisiting old memories. It’s like a hand brushing against an old photograph, careful not to disturb the fragile essence of what remains. As if it would disappear the moment you touch it. The emotional weight behind the vocals suggests a journey not of recovery, but acceptance—the realization that some answers are best left to dissolve with time.
“迷夢” does not offer resolution but rather finds solace in the act of remembrance. It captures the delicate balance between holding on and letting go, leaving listeners with the lingering impression that even the most ephemeral of dreams can leave lasting imprints on the heart—for good and bad.
“N / bias” stands as a deeply personal project, capturing his artistic evolution and emotional journey. The songs on the album represent Kento’s artistic growth and intention going forward. Its artistic breadth and reach are evident, and it’s clear that Kento wants to showcase the ups and downs in his career, but he has created something wonderful out of it. The feelings, experiences, and biases… all of it is beautifully presented in his first album.
Each track delves into the complex range of human emotions, from the darker sides we all experience to the hope we carry for the future. It’s a fresh, unfiltered version of Kento as he steps outside his previous roles and showcases his full creative potential.
“N / bias” is undoubtedly filled with music that can be enjoyed all over the world, and with it being available on streaming, his craft can be heard both domestically and internationally. It’s one step forward toward his dream to be recognized as an icon of Japanese pop.
Throughout the album, Kento shares a part of his soul, his heart, and life with us, and it’s an honor to be a part of this journey that has only begun.
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