The contemporary music scene is currently witnessing one of the most thrilling and exhilarating movements in recent memory. King & Prince, one of Japan’s most beloved and established musical powerhouses, has watched as one of its most artistically versatile pillars, Kaito Takahashi, boldly steps into his individual artistry under the moniker of KAITO. This solo project is far from a fleeting impulse or a side project; it is a deep, sincere, and profoundly personal immersion into the creative cosmos of an artist who breathes creativity through every pore.
Limited Edition A
Limited Edition B
Regular Edition
From the exact moment his solo debut was announced, expectations soared to unprecedented heights. Dedicated fans knew that Kaito‘s aesthetic sensibility, dance prowess, and unique artistic vision would materialize into something fresh and magnetic. They were right. Following the massive impact of his debut digital single, “swim?“, KAITO‘s momentum has only accelerated, culminating in the official announcement of his first-ever EP, titled “SALT BOY”, which is slated to be released on November 25, 2026.
The Resounding Triumph of “swim?” and Fan Devotion
KAITO’s takeoff as a solo artist has been backed by numbers that turn heads and solidify overwhelming public support. His calling card, the track “swim?“, released digitally on October 5, 2026, instantly morphed into a viral phenomenon and chart-topper. During its opening week in the marketplace, the single swept official charts, debuting at No. 1 on the Oricon Weekly Digital Single Ranking («オリコン週間デジタルシングル（単曲）ランキング») with an impressive 41,131 downloads in its first week. This milestone not only demonstrates the fierce dedication of his fanbase, but also places KAITO in an elite bracket of male artists who have snatched the top spot upon debut within the current annual period, an achievement shared with cultural heavyweights in terms of sheer public resonance.
Yet, this success is not confined to the download market. The official music video for “swim?“, shot against the exotic and captivating backdrop of Malaysia, rapidly became a YouTube sensation, comfortably smashing past 5 million views in record time. Bathed in a cinematic, refreshing, and deeply reflective aesthetic, the visuals capture a KAITO swimming against the current, exploring his own vulnerabilities and creative strengths. The fusion of an exquisite sonic production with flawless visual direction has led fans to loop the video endlessly, turning every comment section into a celebration of raw talent
A Conceptual EP Steeped in Ocean Essence and Luxury Collaborations
The announcement of his maiden EP, “SALT BOY”, marks the next logical leap in this solo journey. If “swim?” acted as a sea breeze heralding change, this comprehensive EP establishes itself as an unexplored ocean where KAITO commands absolute creative control. In an unprecedented display of versatility, he personally penned the lyrics and music for every single track, while meticulously supervising the visual artwork concepts and music video direction. The core concept of the record revolves around the “sea”, an element of symbolic significance in his creative framework.
Serving as sound producer for this milestone work is UTA, the renowned music producer who has collaborated with KAITO on numerous songs in the past, including “swim?“. Joining the production line-up are exciting co-creations with acclaimed artists and producers such as Matt Cab, BBY NABE, and Furui Riho.
The official tracklist for “SALT BOY” comprises a total of 7 songs promising an eclectic and captivating sonic palette:
- 国道134号線 (Kokudo 134-gosen)
- swim? – The foundational, liberating anthem of his solo career.
- THE FEVER
- SHUNSOKU
- High Tide
- Jellyfish (feat. Furui Riho) – A stellar collaboration fusing his delicate sensibility with Furui Riho’s hypnotic vocals.
- Ghost
Additionally, acclaimed producers and musicians from the current scene, such as Matt Cab and BBY NABE, contribute to enriching a sound that effortlessly bridges contemporary R&B, alternative pop, and urban chill.
Behind the Scenes of “HOW TO ‘SWIM?'”
Alongside the tracklist, the recent revelation of the CD jacket covers across three physical editions has sent social media into a frenzy. The covers, split between Limited Edition A, Limited Edition B, and the Regular Edition (First Press), play with aquatic themes, depicting KAITO in natural coastal settings with a relaxed, sophisticated vibe brimming with the playful authenticity that defines the artist.
To satisfy the fans’ cravings, on October 22, 2026, the official YouTube channel premiered a documentary making-of video titled HOW TO “SWIM?”, focusing on the behind-the-scenes footage of the Malaysian music video shoot. This audiovisual record lets fans peer straight into KAITO’s mind, observing firsthand how his ideas came to life on set, his strong rapport with the technical crew, and his utter dedication during long hours under the tropical sun. For collectors wishing to hold this jewel in high definition, the physical editions pack massive surprises:
- Limited Edition A includes a Blu-ray or DVD housing the official “swim?“ music video alongside the complete behind-the-scenes feature (“swim? Music Video Behind the scenes”).
- Limited Edition B includes exclusive Blu-ray or DVD content titled Documentary of “SALT BOY”, offering an intimate deep-dive into the entire EP recording process.
5-City Commemorative Tour and Online Viewing Details
To celebrate the release of “SALT BOY” in grand style and get closer to those who made this success possible, KAITO will embark on a tour of in-person launch events across 5 key cities in Japan throughout November. This intimate outreach underscores the warmth and closeness the artist holds for his community:
- November 13, 2026 (Friday): Fukuoka (Fukuoka city venue area)
- November 15, 2026 (Sunday): Osaka (Osaka city venue area)
- November 17, 2026 (Tuesday): Aichi / Nagoya (Nagoya city venue area)
- November 22, 2026 (Sunday): Hokkaido / Sapporo (Sapporo city venue area)
- November 25, 2026 (Wednesday): Tokyo (Tokyo 23 wards venue area)
Important Note on Access: In-person venue attendance for these 5 cities is restricted via a rigorous lottery invitation system exclusively reserved for official King & Prince fan club members.
To accommodate international fans and those unable to travel physically to the venues, a fully accessible online viewing system has been established.
- How to access the broadcast: By pre-ordering any eligible edition of “SALT BOY”, whether Limited Edition A, Limited Edition B, or Regular Edition (First Press), during the advance reservation window (from October 15 to November 15, 2026) at participating stores and online retailers, buyers will receive an exclusive serial code.
- Registration Windows: The acquired code must be registered through the authorized streaming platform’s form between November 10, 2026 (starting at 18:00 JST) and November 30, 2026 (until 23:00 JST). Applications for the free digital streaming ticket remain open until November 30, 2026, at 23:30 JST.
- Live Broadcast Date: The live-streaming broadcast showcasing the highlights of the special Tokyo launch event will air on release day itself, November 25, 2026, starting in the evening / late afternoon onward (夕刻以降).
- Catch-up Archive Period (見逃し配信): For peace of mind regarding scheduling conflicts, a catch-up stream will be available from the conclusion of the live broadcast until November 30, 2026, at 23:59 JST.
KAITO‘s meteoric rise with “swim?” and the imminent arrival of his debut EP, “SALT BOY,” reaffirm that we are witnessing an unstoppable creative force. Far from resting on the comfort of large group stages, Kaito Takahashi has chosen to strip away artifice to bare his soul in acoustic and visual formats, topping sales charts, taking over YouTube with millions of views, and closely connecting with his legion of admirers. With the sea as his witness and an artistic proposal as honest as it is avant-garde, the winter of 2026 shapes up to be the season where KAITO‘s universe shines with its own unique light. Let the tide rise!
For fans overseas, you can get your “SALT BOY” EP copy through CD Japan!
Limited Edition A (DVD / Blu-ray), Limited Edition B (DVD/Blu-ray), Regular Edition, Bundled Set of 3 Editions (DVD / Blu-ray).
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