With Kento “Kenty” Nakajima’s (31) upcoming appearance at Hong Kong’s Clockenflap on December 6, Kenty is once again stepping onto an international stage — making this the perfect moment to revisit his triumphant night in Taipei and relive every memory as we gear up for Hong Kong.
Kenty performed his first international solo concert at New Zepp Taipei on September 14. This marked the latest iteration of N / bias, which began with 4 shows at Ariake Arena in January, followed by the tour N / bias 巡 (Jun), which wrapped up in July, finally culminating in KENTO NAKAJIMA 1st Live 2025 in TAIPEI N / bias 凱 (Gai). The kanji “凱” stems from the word gaisen, meaning “to return triumphantly,” and Kenty embodied that spirit wholeheartedly.
The concert opened with a familiar VTR–the Joker explaining how to use the PICARESQUE gun, followed by clips from past performances. While there were some AV issues and the screen cut out a few times, fans didn’t miss a beat. Instead of frustration, the venue filled with cheers of “Ganbare!!” exemplifying U:nity’s steadfast support of Kenty. The video did come back, concluding with a fitting “凱” as the show continued to the excitement of the fans.
Kenty made his entrance from below the stage, opening with “CANDY ~Can U be my BABY~” while dancing with his trademark lollipop and pumping up the audience who were screaming “LOVE KENTY!” at the top of their lungs. Next up was “SHE IS…LOVE,” another number full of fan chants. During the MC portion, Kenty greeted the fans: “Are you feeling the energy tonight?! Tanoshindemasuka? Tension agattemasuka?” Expertly switching between Japanese, English, and Mandarin, he continued on with the MC portion, expressing how much he’d been looking forward to this day and had been working hard for it.
Referring to the technical issues earlier, he lightheartedly called them “fantastic trouble” and remarked that entertainment is something co-created: “between me and U:nity.” As expected of Kenty to turn a mishap into a success! He then asked the audience who had been happy recently, or who’d had tough days, who felt lonely, and who just came because they needed him tonight.
“I want to be the one who smiles in the end. The real winner. Whatever sadness, pain or loneliness you carried until today–let’s leave it all behind.” With that, he performed “HITOGOTO,” followed by “Raise You Light.” In a brief moment of nervous excitement, he forgot part of the lyrics, but the audience instantly encouraged him with cheers and sang along. “I’m so excited I’m nervous! I forgot the lyrics, sorry!” he laughed.
Next was “MONTAGE,” followed by “Mission,” a throwback solo from his Sexy Zone days. He took off his jacket, performing in just a black t-shirt–before dramatically TEARING IT OFF and making everyone SCREAM. Breathing heavily, he climbed up to the second floor, put on a red robe, and settled into a velvet chair with a glass of wine for a sultry performance of “ROSSO.” Teasing fans by slipping the robe on and off his shoulders, he performed a sensual routine that ended with him POURING WINE ON HIMSELF. “My underwear is soaked!!” he laughed.
Kenty then introduced a special VTR made just for U:nity Taipei. It featured memories from previous visits, including the warm welcome he received when filming Living no Matsunaga-san. He shared how much he treasures the energy he receives from fans during lives, and how those moments keep him going. “I’m ready to lose my voice and rip my clothes off and face everyone with my all,” he said with a smile. With ambition, he exclaimed, “Next is… Taipei Arena! And after I perform there, I want to eat xiao long bao!”
As the VTR ended, he returned to the stage to express how meaningful this first international concert was to him. “I’m so happy, thank you so much for this opportunity!” he said as fans cheered, many yelling “Omedetou!” He shared that he had performed at Taipei Dome the night before and thanked the audience again. “I performed ‘CANDY,’ ‘PICARESQUE,’ and ‘FATAL’ in front of 30,000 people last night. Kitanity [Kitani Tatsuya] told me the food here is amazing, but be careful not to overeat and get a stomachache!” he laughed.
Then, the moment everyone will remember–he performed a cover of Jay Chou’s “Seiten” in Mandarin. “Was that okay?” he asked shyly after finishing, collapsing in relief. It’s clear he has worked so hard to tailor the show to this international audience.
Next was “Jasmine Tea,” where he danced gently with N’s performers, closing the number with a heartfelt “Xie xie,” which was closely followed by “Hekireki.”
For the next MC portion, he shared, “Standing on this stage, I know the path I chose wasn’t wrong. When you make a decision, someone will always say you’re evil. I’ve learned what others who are struggling, can’t look ahead, or can’t be optimistic go through. But I only see the light now.”
Next was “PICARESQUE,” which was the lead track on the N / bias album. Kenty penned the lyrics himself, and it was nothing but fitting for him to perform the song at his first international solo show. “FATAL” quickly followed, featuring a whirlwind of intense choreography and energy.
As the final song approached, Kenty looked out at the crowd, visibly emotional. “Did you have fun tonight? Thank you for coming to N / Bias Taipei. My dream of performing overseas came true tonight. And the fact that my very first step was here, in Taipei, makes me truly happy. I love Taipei. Performing and sharing my passion on stage–that’s what I love the most. But without U:nity, this wouldn’t be possible. Thank you so much. I hope one day we can do a world tour together–Asia, Europe, America–everywhere!”
Then, to the fans in Japan watching via livestream, he declared, “In the next two years, we’ll stand on the stage of Tokyo Dome!” He added, “Even when I’m alone, I’m never truly alone. So as an idol and as a human being, I wanna say this: HYPER Sexy Thank You.” The crowd absolutely went wild to hear the latest iteration of Kenty’s trademark “Sexy Thank You.” It turned out to be a hint for his newest song, “IDOLIC,” which features the lyrics, “We are Hyper Sexy Sexy, I am Crazy Sexy Classy.”
He dedicated the final song, “Meimu,” to U:nity Taipei. As he sang, attendees were stunned yet again–he delivered the final verse in Mandarin, tailoring his performance to the audience with so much care and effort. The screen rolled with behind-the-scenes credits, but the crowd wasn’t ready to let go.
Chants of “Kento! Kento! Kento!” filled the venue, and he returned for an encore, performing “jealous.” “There are so many people watching the livestream,” he grinned. “They’re probably jealous of U:nity Taipei!”
For the second encore, he came back for “Unite”–and actually allowed fans to take photos and videos!!!
He left the stage at the conclusion of the second encore. But despite venue announcements that the show was over, the crowd began singing “PICARESQUE” themselves, and Kenty eventually relented by reappearing for a third encore! “It’s my first time hearing that!” he laughed, clearly touched.
He closed with a call-and-response that echoed across the venue:
“Love!”
“Kenty!”
A heartwarming end to a major milestone in his solo career.
Written for Dumpling Box by Stephanie ♥
Follow Kento Nakajima
for the latest updates and news!
Photo assets © BIG ART.
