From the screen to reality: The Japanese duo is making a bigger splash at the “Taiwanese Kohaku” with a live performance that marks a turning point in their international career following the success of their album “STARRING.”
👑 The King & Prince Phenomenon Takes Taiwan by Storm: A Historic Live on TTV’s “Kohaku” 👑
King & Prince‘s warm arrival at Taipei Airport was immortalized in this snapshot
Taiwan’s capital was abuzz with excitement on January 30, 2026, with the arrival of King & Prince. The duo, consisting of Ren Nagase and Kaito Takahashi, arrived in Taipei to participate in the recording of “2026 TTV Super Star,” the prestigious New Year’s special popularly known as the “Taiwanese Kohaku.” What began as a work trip quickly turned into a mass phenomenon.
From the early hours of the morning, the airport became a hive of excitement. Approximately 400 fans gathered at the terminal, armed with their “uchiwas” welcoming the artists on their first in-person visit to the island. As they emerged through the arrivals gate, the outburst of screams and cheers was deafening. Far from being aloof, Ren and Kaito responded with a warmth that captivated those present; they flashed genuine smiles and even shared laughs at the declarations of love that some fans shouted in Japanese.
One detail that did not go unnoticed by the Taiwanese media was the exemplary behavior of the female fans at the airport. Unlike other large-scale welcome events, which often lead to pushing and shoving or dangerous situations, the press highlighted the spontaneous organization of the “Tiaras“. Local reporters praised how the crowd maintained a respectful distance, allowing Ren and Kaito to walk safely while the flow of passengers through the terminal continued uninterrupted. This “fan etiquette” was described by several news outlets as a reflection of the mutual respect between the group and its audience, elevating the image of the international fandom to a standard of order and warmth that facilitated a much closer and more relaxed interaction on the part of the artists.
👑 A cultural bridge on the stage of the Taipei Arena 👑
King & Prince also held a press conference in Taiwan. At an event marked by a warm atmosphere and intense media interest, the duo reaffirmed why they have become an undisputed leader in today’s Asian pop scene. The day unfolded in a festive atmosphere where local traditions took center stage. The hosts presented the artists with various gifts rich in symbolism for the Lunar New Year, a gesture intended to bring prosperity and success to their upcoming projects. Ren and Kaito, for their part, demonstrated their professionalism by interacting directly with the press, making a notable effort to communicate in their hosts’ language, the artists took the opportunity to extend a personal invitation to their audience: not to miss the special broadcast of the program that would take place a few days later, on February 16.
Amid the constant flash of cameras, the duo exuded the confidence typical of the industry’s biggest stars; “Even within the formal setting of a press conference, the group’s vitality is palpable,” commented some of the attendees. Despite the formality of the event, Ren and Kaito couldn’t contain their characteristic energy, offering small previews of their choreography and knowing glances that served to “warm up” before their highly anticipated main performance.
Ren and Kaito at the TTV Super Star 2026 press conference
On February 16, 2026, the eve of the Lunar New Year was illuminated in a special way in Taipei. The program “2026 TTV Super Star” (2026 超級巨星紅白藝能大賞), known as the Taiwanese equivalent of Japan’s legendary Kohaku Uta Gassen, served as the stage for King & Prince’s physical debut on the island. Ren and Kaito, the two pillars upholding the group’s legacy, not only brought their music across the sea but also solidified a relationship with the Taiwanese audience that had begun to take shape virtually a year earlier.
The atmosphere at the Taipei Arena was electric. Thousands of “Tiaras”, many of whom had traveled from all over Asia, gathered to witness an event that celebrated not only the arrival of the Year of the Horse, but also the resilience and evolution of one of J-Pop’s most beloved groups and one of STARTO’s groups with the highest monthly streams on Spotify today.
To understand the magnitude of this event, we need to look back to early 2025. At that time, King & Prince also appeared on the show, but in a format that still reflected the group’s transition plans. In 2025, their appearance consisted of a pre-recorded performance sent from Japan. Although the technical quality was impeccable and the reception was warm, there was an invisible barrier: the screen.
The duo’s performance on the same program last year, where one of the songs performed was “moooove!!“
The difference in 2026 was stark. This year, the group opted for a fully in-person event. The impact of seeing Ren and Kaito walk the event’s red carpet, interact with the hosts, and feel the energy of the live audience transformed the atmosphere of the gala. While in 2025 the message was “we are here through our music,” in 2026 the message was “we are here with you.” This transition from digital to in-person symbolizes the group’s new era, one that is more international and accessible.
👑 A performance to remember: “Theater” as the spirit of “STARRING” 👑
The setlist chosen for the night was a strategic blend of nostalgia and innovation. The highlight came with their performance of “Theater,” the title track from their seventh album, STARRING. The stage production at the Taipei Arena mirrored the visual sophistication that has defined this era of the group, with choreography that highlighted the synchronization and individual charisma of both members.
But it wasn’t all about promoting new material. The duo knew how to strike a chord with the local audience by performing classics like “koi-wazurai” and “HEART.” The big surprise of the night, which quickly became a global trend on the social media platform X, was their effort to communicate in Mandarin Chinese. Ren and Kaito offered words of thanks and New Year’s greetings in the local language, a gesture that was met with thunderous applause and underscored their respect for the island’s culture. In addition to their stellar performance, one of the things that really set social media ablaze during the event was the camaraderie between the duo and the rest of the international and local cast.
It is said that the boys were seen greeting other artist with great respect in the common areas. For Ren and Kaito, meeting figures who have dominated the Asian entertainment industry for decades was one of the highlights of their visit; local media highlighted the Japanese duo’s humility as they interacted with the show’s senior artists, always maintaining Japanese etiquette mixed with Taiwanese warmth.
During the live calligraphy segment, seeing King & Prince immersing themselves in this traditional setting underscored the theme of this year’s event: “Taiwan Sensibility,” which sought to foster deep cultural connections. In the special “backstage” moments that have been revealed, both Ren and Kaito can be seen relaxing, joking with other artists, and sampling some of the typical Taiwanese snacks that the production team prepared for the artists in the green rooms.
👑 Ren and Kaito’s Triumph in the International Spotlight 👑
Their appearance on the show was no one-off event. To celebrate this milestone, the “King & Prince POP-UP STORE 2026 STARRING” opened in the Zhongshan district. This pop-up store, open from late January through early February, became a must-visit destination. One detail that deeply moved fans was the display of the original costumes the group wore during their performance the previous year (2025). By showcasing these outfits, the group built a physical bridge between their recent past and their present in Taiwan, allowing fans to get a close look at the craftsmanship behind their visual image while they waited for the main event: the live performance.
The Taiwanese press, including major outlets such as the China Times and music platforms like KKBOX, have highlighted King & Prince’s professionalism and “star power.” The articles emphasize that, despite changes in the group’s lineup in recent years, the King & Prince brand remains synonymous with quality and commercial success in Asia. On X, hashtags related to the event dominated the trends for over 24 hours. Clips from their live calligraphy segment, where they wrote wishes for the Year of the Horse, were shared thousands of times, showcasing a more personal and artistic side of the idols.
Beyond their official engagements and packed schedule, the duo was able to enjoy a few brief but meaningful hours of free time, which they used to visit the city’s most iconic spots. This was later featured on several Japanese TV shows that dedicated airtime to airing a short segment about their trip, showcasing a much more relaxed and down-to-earth side of them. This free time as a turists not only allowed them to recharge their batteries before their big performance, but also enabled them to connect with the essence of the island in a more personal way. These images of the artists exploring the city like any other two tourists reinforced the message that their visit to Taiwan was as much a cultural exchange as it was a musical event, making it clear that their affection for their Taiwanese fans extends to respect and curiosity for their homeland.
The duo’s appearance at the 2026 TTV Super Star was not just a New Year’s performance; it was a clear and resounding statement of intent. When comparing the distance of 2025 with the physical closeness of 2026, it becomes clear that the group is ready to claim its place on the global stage. Ren and Kaito have proven that the essence of King & Prince transcends borders and formats. As they bid farewell to the stage at the Taipei Arena, they not only left behind a memorable performance but also sowed the promise that this Year of the Horse will undoubtedly be the year their music gallops more powerfully than ever across the Asian continent.
For fans overseas, you can get King & Prince’s latest single “Waltz for Lily” through CD Japan!
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