The mystery deepens—and now, it’s visual.
On April 11, Kento Nakajima dropped the official music video for his new single “MONTAGE”, the opening theme for Fuji TV’s spring anime “Nazotoki wa Dinner no Ato de.” After the audio’s surprise reveal in the anime’s premiere episode, the MV gives fans a bold, dramatic look into the world behind the song—and it’s nothing short of cinematic.
Until now, only the audio for “MONTAGE” had been released, with the artist and title shrouded in mystery. Fittingly, they were unveiled during the anime’s first episode in classic “case cracked” fashion. The song, composed by Hiroyuki Sawano and co-written by Kenty and cAnON., is a high-energy, dance-infused track pulsing with suspense and elegance.
Kento shared that he drew lyrical inspiration from Nazotoki’s enigmatic butler Kageyama—who, as he put it, “hurls elegant insults while cracking cases.” That sly sophistication flows into both the lyrics and performance, bridging character and melody with precision.
But now, with the MV out, “MONTAGE” becomes more than just a sound—it’s an experience.
Directed by YERD—who also helmed Kento’s previous music video for “迷夢”—the new MV presents a sharply stylized story. Kento stars as a detective in a noir-inspired cat-and-mouse chase with a mysterious figure. Stark contrasts of light and shadow, tightly composed visuals, and minimalistic sets all contribute to a sleek, high-fashion, high-tension aesthetic.
The MV is not just a visual accompaniment—it’s a fully realized world, a noir-laced dream with the polish of cinema and the thrill of a psychological mystery.
In a world of calculated coldness and flickering clues, the MV mirrors the song’s themes: identity, duality, and piecing together the fragmented to uncover hidden truths. Just like the anime it accompanies, the video invites viewers to solve the mystery—and lose themselves in the beauty of the unknown.
“The title ‘MONTAGE’ comes from the idea that solving a case begins by piecing together fragmented photos and evidence,” Kento explained. “This was also my first time receiving a song from Sawano-san. It was a truly valuable experience.”
His lyrical choices even nod to the story’s DNA, weaving in key phrases and emotions that resonate with the show’s characters and plotlines. And yes—his blend of Japanese and English continues to showcase his prowess as a global artist.
In “MONTAGE,” he embodies the role of a detective pursuing a mysterious criminal—until the lines begin to blur. Is he chasing someone else, or himself? That final, knowing smirk leaves chills and endless questions. Viewers have speculated everything from clone theory to self-reflective profiling: perhaps the detective and the suspect are two sides of the same mind, or even the same man. One lyric—“複製された” (“replicated”)—has sparked countless interpretations, as has the chilling phrase flashed in the opening report: “Dive into the criminal psychology.” Some fans even imagined the MV as the prologue to a full-blown drama, so rich is its world-building and suspense.
And yet, despite the dark tone and layered visuals, Kento’s artistry remains unmistakable. Even when his face is half-hidden by shadows, fringe, or fabric, his presence radiates through the screen. The entire video is composed with deliberate coolness—clean lines, stark contrasts, unspoken tension—all feeding into the concept of duality. The detective and the suspect. Light and dark. Order and chaos. The mask and the man.
The MV reportedly took nearly a full day to shoot, from early morning to the next dawn, and the result is nothing short of remarkable. It’s a performance piece, a short film, a gallery of freeze-frame-worthy shots. And most importantly, it’s a showcase of Kento’s growth as an artist.
His ability to craft a full sensory world—vocally, visually, emotionally—is fully on display. The MV’s haunting ambiguity, stunning aesthetics, and psychological depth leave viewers eager for more: more theories, more insight, more behind-the-scenes revelations.
Ultimately, “MONTAGE” isn’t just a stunning first single—it’s a layered narrative puzzle waiting to be unraveled. Whether you’re here for the mystery, the music, or simply the face that’s “too beautiful to focus on anything else,” this MV rewards every rewatch. With each viewing, another clue emerges. Another emotion surfaces. Another part of the story clicks into place.
“MONTAGE” is more than a theme song. It’s a case file, a confession, and a curtain call all at once.
“MONTAGE” will officially drop as Kento Nakajima’s 1st solo single on May 21, with artwork and full tracklist to be announced soon!
The main track is already out for streaming and download: https://kentonakajima.lnk.to/MONTAGE
For those who want more than just streaming, the CD release promises to deliver even more elegance, mystery, and maybe a clue or two about what’s next for Kenty’s musical journey.
Pre-order here (Japan only): https://kentonakajima.lnk.to/20250521_MONTAGE_PKG
For overseas: Bundle Set of 3 Editions (Blu-ray) | Bundle Set of 3 Editions (DVD) | Type A (Blu-ray/DVD) | Type B (Blu-ray/DVD) | Regular Edition
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