Kento Nakajima reflects on first Han River busking during Seoul tour stop

Japanese singer and actor Kento Nakajima discussed his first-ever street performance before approximately 1,000 people at the Han River during the final city of his first Asian tour.

Japanese singer and actor Kento Nakajima shared stories regarding music, acting, and Korean culture in Seoul, the final city of his first Asian tour. In an interview released by global media BoldPage, he looked back on meeting Korean fans and his activities as a solo artist.

Nakajima stated, “I have been exposed to a lot of K-POP and Korean culture since I was in my teens.” He explained that his recent busking session at the Han River was his first street performance in his life, noting, “It was a process that I, as an artist and an idol, absolutely had to go through.” Recalling the scene where approximately 1,000 people gathered, he added, “I wanted to take everyone who was there to a concert hall.”

He also mentioned his hall tour conducted in Japan last year. Looking at the smiles of the fan club U:nity, he said, “It felt as if all my various worries and the things I held in my heart disappeared.” He continued, “It felt like seeing the light,” expressing his determination to continue living as an idol on stage.

During the interview, he identified the gaze of the eyes as the difference when working as a singer versus an actor. He demonstrated the respective expressions, explaining that he relaxes his eyes when acting, whereas he shows a different gaze when performing as an idol. When asked for a song recommendation for those encountering him for the first time, he suggested IDOLIC.

Stories involving the Korean language and Korean films were also shared. He spoke a recently learned Korean expression, “Wait, honey~,” and revealed that he likes director Bong Joon Ho's film Parasite. He expressed a desire to try the Chapaguri featured in the movie while in Seoul.

Nakajima showed a playful side during the interview, responding to a request to visit Korea every month by asking, “Instead of every month, shall we meet once every two months?” When asked to express the year 2026 as a movie title, he suggested "I want to hug you." He credited fans in Japan and around the world for enabling his Asian tour and stated he will continue to deliver his music.

This interview covers his career history and interest in Korean culture, centered around his Seoul performance and the Han River busking. His identity as an idol on stage and the experiences shared with fans form the main pillars of the interview.

Read the original (Korean)