Written exclusively for Dumpling Box by the lovely and amazing Amy♥
It was a cloudy Sunday on January 19, 2025, but for fans like me, it felt like a beautiful day because we were about to attend Kenty’s (Kento Nakajima) first solo concert. It had been 388 days since his last live performance, and both fans and Kenty alike were buzzing with excitement to reunite.
This particular day marked the final show of his first solo debut concert, KENTO NAKAJIMA 1st LIVE 2025 “N / bias”, which ran from January 17 to 19 with four performances in total, attended by approximately 60,000 fans.
As one of them, I was especially eager to see how Kenty would command the stage as a solo artist compared to his performances with Sexy Zone. And he did not disappoint. The 2.5-hour show was a testament to Kenty’s dedication and unwavering commitment to being an “idol for life,” as he proudly declared during the show.
As I settled into my seat, the arena lights dimmed, and the show began. A dynamic dance break by his energetic backup dancers, dressed in glittering white and silver, set the stage. Then, to a wave of electrified cheers, Kenty emerged from behind two onstage screens, wearing a matching glittery white ensemble. He opened with a slow a cappella rendition of “PICARESQUE“ before seamlessly transitioning into its original upbeat tempo, effortlessly synchronizing his sharp dance moves with the rhythm.
The next song, “N o’clock,” the opening track of his debut album N / bias, pulsed with a thumping bassline and carried a message about breaking biases and staying true to oneself. Kenty owned the stage, captivating fans with his signature prince-like charm. Throughout the concert, the stage visuals perfectly reflected his dramatic flair, shifting between dark, moody themes and bright, colorful aesthetics, showcasing his versatility and years of experience as an entertainer.
During the first MC segment, Kenty expressed heartfelt gratitude to his fans, U:nity, for their unwavering support. He then performed “HITOGOTO,” the theme song for his latest drama, Shosen Hitogoto desu kara: Toaru Bengoshi no Honne no Shigoto, followed by “Tasogarete Yuku Yoru ni,” a mid-tempo track that evokes a dreamlike serenity amidst life’s chaos. A particularly touching moment came when Kenty incorporated the member colors of all five Sexy Zone members in the song’s visual production—a subtle but meaningful tribute that resonated deeply with longtime fans.
Following a video intermission, Kenty returned in a black baseball jacket and jeans to perform “Teleportation,” a personal favorite solo from Sexy Zone’s debut album. It was a song I never thought I’d hear live, and yet here he was, not only reviving older classics but seamlessly blending them with his new solo work. The concert felt like a musical timeline, offering a nostalgic yet fresh look at Kenty’s artistic evolution—from his teenage years to his new journey as a solo artist in his 30s. When he performed “Bye Bye Me,” the realization of this transition truly hit me. It was bittersweet, but also thrilling to witness his growth.
The mood quickly shifted when Kenty launched into “SHE IS…,” soaring into the arena on a harness while shaking his head vigorously, sending droplets of sweat into the crowd. I can’t even imagine the thrill of those who experienced the infamous “Kenty shower” firsthand! Watching him completely in his element was exhilarating and a perfect reminder of why we love him.
The center stage then transformed into a Victorian-style study for the next segment, where Kenty performed “Scene29,” a sentimental song he composed at 29, reflecting his optimism for the future. The screens displayed childhood and teenage photos of him, creating a touching tribute to his youth.
This was followed by “Jasmine Tea,” a self-produced track initially shared on his paid blog KenTeaTime, performed with a rotary phone prop to simulate a conversation with a lover. The temperature in the arena soared with “ROSSO,” a sultry number where Kenty, blindfolded, danced intimately with a female dancer—an electrifying display of his mature artistry at 30.
After another intermission, Kenty returned in a new outfit to perform “jealous,” a ‘90s-inspired track that energized the crowd, leading seamlessly into another old solo track, “Mr. Jealousy.” The energy remained high with “Dance on the floor,” where fans used their penlights to enhance the club-like atmosphere.
Then, in a dramatic shift, Kenty emerged in a black sequined tweed outfit and oversized sunglasses for “Nocturne,” followed by “THE CODE,” an English-language track he wrote for Concordia, an international TV series produced by Game of Thrones’ Frank Doelger in which he was a part of the main cast. His dedication to honing his English skills was evident, and as a fan, I couldn’t be more excited about his global ambitions!
Next, the stage bathed in red lights, and the crowd erupted as Kitani Tatsuya appeared as a special guest for “Fatal.” Their chemistry was electric, and the performance left fans in a state of adrenaline-fueled excitement. Introducing themselves as GEMN, the duo left the stage, but the energy lingered.
Kenty returned on moving trolleys for a nostalgic medley of his older solo songs, including “Karekano!!, ” where Kitani briefly rejoined him. The moment was heartwarming as fans were able to see the bond the two shared. After Kitani returned backstage, Kenty continued the medley and performed “Love Kaze” on a raised platform near the back stands, before transitioning into fan-favorites “Hey!! Summer Honey” and “Black Cinderella” while moving through the venue.
It was a beautiful way for fans to experience a more intimate connection with him. Back on the main stage, Kenty delivered his closing remarks, vowing to stay true to his path and reaffirming his lifelong dedication to being an idol.
In a rare moment of vulnerability, he became emotional, reflecting on his recent struggles. With fans’ cheers of encouragement, he reaffirmed his passion and dedicated the final song, “Meimu,” to everyone in attendance.
As soon as he left the stage, chants of “Kento! Kento!” echoed through the arena, and moments later, he returned for an encore in a casual fit featuring a beanie and a sports jersey. He performed a remastered version of “CANDY ～Can U be my BABY～,” complete with the nostalgic lollipop prop he first used at 19. This was followed by “Unite,” a heartfelt tribute to his fans and the first performance he had ever choreographed himself which made it even more special, culminating in a unified chant of his name as gintape exploded into the sky and rained down into the waiting hands of fans.
Even after the encore, fans’ cheers brought Kenty back one final time. With a more serious expression, he held the microphone and said, “For the comrades who are still doing their best out there… I hope this (song) reaches them.” Then, he delivered a raw, emotional rendition of “RUN,” a song deeply significant to Sexy Zone fans.
Tears welled in my eyes as I watched, along with many other audience members. Unbeknownst to me at the time, his former members were also in the audience that night, making the performance even more poignant. Though Kenty has forged a new path, he hasn’t forgotten his roots, and this heartfelt conclusion beautifully honored both his past and future as a solo artist.
Finally, an exciting announcement closed the tour—Kenty’s nationwide hall tour, KENTO NAKAJIMA 1st Tour 2025 “N / bias” 巡 (JUN), set to begin in April at Osaka Festival Hall and conclude in July at Tokyo LINE CUBE SHIBUYA, spanning 12 shows across seven cities. Fans will have even more opportunities to see Kenty shine, and I, for one, can’t wait to witness what he does next!
[OSAKA] Festival Hall
・April 17, 2025 (13:00 / 18:00)
[AICHI] Forest Hall
・April 21, 2025 (18:00)
・April 22, 2025 (13:00 / 18:00)
[FUKUOKA] Fukuoka Sun Palace
・May 3, 2025 (17:30)
[HIROSHIMA] Hiroshima Bunka Gakuen HBG Hall
・May 6, 2025 (18:00)
[HOKKAIDO] Sapporo Cultural Arts Theater
・May 16, 2025 (18:00)
[MIYAGI] Sendai Sun Plaza Hall
・June 23, 2025 (18:00)
[TOKYO] LINE CUBE SHIBUYA
・July 16, 2025 (18:00)
・July 17, 2025 (13:00 / 18:00)
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Photo assets © STARTO ENTERTAINMENT.