On August 13, 2026, Tokyo’s fashionable Omotesando district became the setting for an extraordinary gathering. At the vibrant Tokyo Plaza Omotesando “Omokado,” Google officially opened the doors to its first flagship retail store outside the United States: Google Store Omotesando. Yet, beyond the cutting-edge devices and interactive installations, the true heart of the event belonged to the warmth, charm, and undeniable appeal of King & Prince, the beloved duo of Ren Nagase and Kaito Takahashi.
Joined by popular actress Ayami Nakajo, Ren and Kaito took center stage during the ceremonial ribbon-cutting. What followed was far more than a standard corporate launch—it was an engaging showcase filled with candid high-school memories, thoughtful fashion choices, playful lighthearted moments, and an inspiring look at the future of generative AI.
From the moment they stepped into the spotlight, King & Prince reaffirmed their reputation as both musical powerhouse artists and style icons. To complement the physical architecture of the store —which features warm wooden textures, organic design elements, and a cozy yet luxurious atmosphere— the pair wore custom-tailored jackets in earth-toned hues.
“We designed our look to reflect the relaxed, earthy interior of the store,” Ren shared during the press panel. “The calm earth colors harmonize naturally with the aesthetic here.” Kaito, known for his artistic eye, added: “For my outfit, I wanted to combine the grounded, warm feel of the space with a dash of Google’s signature playfulness.”
Ayami Nakajo harmonized with the group by wearing an elegant pink dress inspired by the newly announced colorways of the Google Pixel 11, creating a visually stunning trio on stage. One of the most touching segments of the morning occurred when Ren reflected on his deeply personal relationship with the Omotesando area. Moving to Tokyo during his second year of high school, he recalled spending countless hours walking through these very streets as a teenager.
“Having this store open here feels like destiny to me,” Ren said with an easygoing smile. “Omotesando is a spot I’ve visited constantly since my second year of high school. Whether I’m out shopping, taking a stroll, or just stopping by to cool down during the hot summer months, it’s always been part of my routine. Now that Google Store is here, I have one more reason to visit.”
Even the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony delivered an endearing moment that captured everyone’s attention. As a left-handed individual, Ren picked up the event’s standard right-handed ceremonial scissors. Realizing the slight physical awkwardness as Ren tried to align his cut using his right hand, Ayami quickly stepped in with a helpful hand to ensure the ribbon was cut smoothly. The playful exchange highlighted the natural, easygoing camaraderie among the hosts and became an instant talking point across media coverage and fan circles.
Hands-On with AI: King & Prince as “Team Gemini”
As official partners of Team Gemini —Google’s initiative showcasing how AI tools can enhance daily creativity and communication— Ren and Kaito eagerly explored the interactive experiences on the store’s second floor. The upstairs space features a state-of-the-art AI Avatar generation booth, where visitors can transform their real-time look into stylized digital art using Google Gemini. The duo admitted that they couldn’t resist testing out the feature before the official press event even began.
- Ren Nagase’s Take: “It was so much fun! Kaito and I were trying it out repeatedly before the cameras were even rolling. I was cracked up by how accurately it captured the clarity of my skin!”
- Kaito Takahashi’s Take: “I selected the ‘Harajuku Stylish’ avatar mode. It blew me away because Gemini picked up every single detail—from the exact pattern on my jacket to my accessories and hair! It felt like the AI was giving me a compliment on my outfit!”
Their playful exploration demonstrated how advanced technology can feel intuitive, accessible, and genuinely entertaining when grounded in authentic human curiosity.
A Duo Flourishing in Artistic Synergy
King & Prince’s participation in this landmark launch comes during a period of remarkable artistic growth as Ren and Kaito have forged an unbreakable synergy that continues to captivate audiences year after year. On the music front, the duo is preparing for the highly anticipated release of their first EP, So Honey (releasing September 2, 2026), featuring a refreshing summer love ballad. Simultaneously, they continue to connect with fans through acoustic studio sessions like their YouTube Quiet Session Club series and self -produced variety concepts.
Individually, both members continue to thrive in distinct creative spheres: Ren balances acting, radio hosting, and preparing his upcoming solo essay and photo book shot in Croatia, while Kaito continues to establish himself in the fine arts world through fashion collaborations with ETRO and his nationwide solo art exhibition “Fushigi na Seroru-ten” across PARCO galleries.
In their closing remarks, both artists invited fans and visitors to experience the new flagship space for themselves.
“Google Store Omotesando is a place you can casually pop into while out shopping or grabbing lunch in the neighborhood,” Ren remarked. “It offers a wonderful space to experience the world of Google, discover new technologies, and enjoy unique interactive moments.”
Kaito echoed his partner’s enthusiasm: “It’s a space that goes beyond imagination, offering fresh inspiration and a place to make lasting memories. I hope everyone feels free to drop by, explore at their own pace, and create their own special discoveries.“
Through their warmth, effortless charm, and genuine curiosity, King & Prince once again proved that whether on stage or in the world of technological innovation, they remain a bright, guiding light for modern pop culture.
For fans overseas, you can get your “So Honey” EP copy through CD Japan!
Limited Edition A (DVD / Blu-ray), Limited Edition B (DVD/Blu-ray), Limited LIVE Edition (DVD/Blu-ray) Regular Edition, Bundled Set of 4 Editions (DVD / Blu-ray).
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