Behind the Scenes of Nakajima and Aぇ! Group’s Kouhaku Performance Wins Fans’ Hearts
Kento Nakajima is steadily expanding his range of activities, forming the unit “GEMN” with Tatsuya Kitani and handling the theme song for the popular anime Oshi no Ko (photo: June 2024).Nakajima Kento (31) graduated from Sexy Zone at the end of March 2024 and began his solo activities. Meanwhile, his former group renamed itself timelesz on April 1 of the same year and held auditions for new members, increasing both their popularity and recognition. While the “timelesz whirlwind” has been sweeping through the industry, Nakajima’s own profile has also been rising.
Nakajima steadily increasing his fanbase
Fuma Kikuchi (30), Shori Sato (29), and So Matsushima (28), who once trained and competed alongside Nakajima, began activities as timelesz on April 1, 2024. The Netflix-streamed new member audition program, timelesz project -AUDITION-, became a social phenomenon, and after the group expanded to eight members, their momentum only grew.
Meanwhile, Nakajima, now a solo artist, formed a new unit, GEMN, with singer-songwriter Tatsuya Kitani (29). Their song “Fatal – Fataal” was chosen as the opening theme for the second season of the TV anime Oshi no Ko (broadcast on TOKYO MX and other channels), making him known even to audiences who aren’t typical idol fans.
“In December 2025, Nakajima collaborated with the female idol group =LOVE on the first night of the music special 2025 FNS Kayosai (Fuji TV, aired December 3). He participated in their song ‘Zettai Idol Yamenai de,’ performing cute singing and dancing alongside the female members,” said an entertainment writer.
Regarding the collaboration with the female idols, social media erupted with praise:
“Kenty (Nakajima’s nickname), blending in with =LOVE, was undoubtedly an idol with beauty beyond gender.”
“The =LOVE × Kenty collaboration was too cute, I couldn’t handle it. Are there any other male idols who can perfectly perform such adorable songs and choreography? Kenty really is a genius.”
“Kenty is truly the perfect super idol. A treasure for his agency.”
“In addition, Nakajima performed at the large-scale Hong Kong festival Clockenflap on December 6, and we’ve even seen fans saying, ‘I joined his fan club because of this.’ He radiates the aura of a classic sparkling idol while demonstrating flawless skills. His fanbase has been steadily growing recently,” the same source added.
Amid all this, regarding STARTO ENTERTAINMENT’s New Year’s Eve concert at Tokyo Dome, COUNTDOWN CONCERT 2025-2026 STARTO to MOVE (nicknamed ‘Kaucon’), fans of the agency have been expressing their admiration for Nakajima.
Nakajima’s Thoughtful Proposal
During the same concert, Nakajima not only performed solo but also collaborated with his juniors, Aぇ! group. After Aぇ! group performed their song “Chameleon,” the five of them performed Nakajima’s song “JUST KENTY☆” together. On the January 7, 2026, broadcast of the radio show Aぇ! group no MBS Young Town (MBS Radio), the group’s Ryouki Seimon (29) and Akihiro Sano (23) shared some behind-the-scenes details.
“According to Sano, the original plan was to only perform ‘JUST KENTY☆,’ but Nakajima himself suggested, ‘No, let’s do Aぇ! group’s song too.’ Thanks to that, Aぇ! group was able to perform ‘Chameleon’ together with Nakajima. The choreography practice was held the day before the show, and Nakajima reportedly memorized it in about 30 minutes. Although the two acts rehearsed separately, when they finally came together, Nakajima was already dancing perfectly.”
Unlike the cool and energetic song Chameleon, “JUST KENTY☆” is a bright and refreshing idol song. Nakajima reportedly told the members, “Fans of Aぇ! group also want to see that side!” Choosing a song with a different atmosphere was likely his way of highlighting the charm of his juniors,” the same source added.
Furthermore, Nakajima reportedly encouraged the members while participating in Chameleon: “I really love this song, and I’ve always loved Aぇ! group. I know this is an important time for you all, so I’ll give my full effort on ‘Chameleon,’ full out, and let’s do our best together!”
Speaking of Aぇ! group, on November 20, 2025, Richard Keita Kusama (30) withdrew, and the group restarted as a four-member unit. Nakajima’s supportive words reportedly moved the members deeply.
The Kaucon concert was live-streamed on FAMILY CLUB online and, starting January 7 at 10:00 PM, began exclusive distribution on Netflix. Including the radio episode, social media has been filled with positive reactions:
“The Kenty × Aぇ! group collaboration was amazing the contrast between Aぇ! group’s cool song and Kenty’s full-on idol song was perfect.”
“He suggested, ‘Let’s do Aぇ! group’s song too,’ and learned the choreography for ‘Chameleon’ in 30 minutes — we owe him big time.”
“I’ve watched the Kenty × Aぇ! group collab multiple times. He learned the difficult dance for ‘Chameleon’ and performed with us, then brought out the sparkling idol side of Aぇ! group in ‘JUST KENTY☆.’ Thank you!”
Nakajima himself declared during Kaucon, “Within two years, I will definitely hold my own dome concert!” At this pace, the day he achieves this goal may not be far off.
PHOTO： Ichiro Takatsuka