Do you remember that line in the Bangles classic “Manic Monday”, where Susanna Hoffs sings about being so lost in her dream about kissing the handsome Valentino that she missed her alarm clock and her entire start to her week fell into disarray? 

Well, I can relate. However, the man of this Monday Morning daydream was Kento Nakajima (but shhhhhh, don’t tell Meguro).

With his beautiful – everything, this dark-eyed dreamboat was perfectly picked as the senior member of Japanese idol group Sexy Zone.

At a press conference on 29 September 2011, Sexy Zone was announced as a group under the Johnnys’ Jr. trainee umbrella of Johnny & Associates.  

Sexy Zone from Left: Marius Yo, Kikuchi Fuma, Sato Shori, Kento Nakajima, Matsushima So

Consisting of five members, including Nakajima, Kikuchi Fuma, Sato Shori (the center), Matsushima So, and Marius Yo, the group had their official debut less than two months later on 16 November with the release of their first single “Sexy Zone” from Pony Canyon.

This song was also the image song of both the 2011 FIVB Women’s and Men’s Volleyball World Cup.

Since their debut the group has released eight studio albums, all of which hit number one and have been certified GOLD by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ). Their latest album, The Highlight, is very 80s inspired, which is perfect for me! Seriously, this song is SO CATCHY!

With his golden-boy good looks and beautiful body, he’s been featured as the cover boy for many magazines, including anan’s steamy “love & sex issue” in July 2021.

Incredibly driven, one of Nakajima’s strongest personality traits is the fact that he refuses to give up. Ever. On the flip side, he considers one of his personal weaknesses the fact that he’s incredibly impatient. But his persistence has paid off. Since 2008 the man has starred in 14 dramas, 8 feature films, and one anime project.  

Now Nakajima has set his sights on international audiences, as he’s been cast as the equally ambitious “A.J. Oba” in the upcoming television series Concordia from producer Frank Doelger (Game of Thrones)!

“Kento has always had his eye on international success,” a source close to the group has said. Now, with Concordia he’s going to get that chance. 

Nakajima as A.J. Oba in Concordia

As smart as he is handsome, Nakajima graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Meiji Gakuin University.

Nakajima the Cover Guy

With a future so bright, I hope Nakajima has got some slick shades to wear. Be on the lookout for more information regarding Concordia, coming to screens and streaming platforms around the world in 2024!

STAY TUNED!