During my visit to Tower Records in Tokyo, I was thrilled to discover some of the highly anticipated new releases from a few of my all-time favorite groups under STARTO ENTERTAINMENT. This included the final single by Sexy Zone (now timelesz) featuring the uber talented – and incredibly dreamy –  Kento Nakajima: puzzle.

“puzzle“
The main theme song for the television drama Living-Room Matsunaga-san (starring Nakajima, as well as Koji Mukai of another wonderful group Snow Man) is a delightful throwback to the 90s sitcom sound. It’s a tune that instantly transports you back to the era of Friends and Full House, evoking a sense of nostalgia, familiarity, and fun!

“君のせい” (English: “It’s Your Fault“)
A step back to the synth-pop style the group has been vibing since the release of their 8th studio album, The Highlight (ザ・ハイライト), in 2022.

“ワィワィHaワィ“(English: “Wai Wai Ha Wai“)
My favorite track from the single is heavily inspired by the sounds of Hawaiʻi and would be a perfect fit for the upcoming live-action adaptation of Disney’s Lilo and Stitch! It reminds me of one of the group’s previous hits, “バィバィDuバィ” (English: “Bye Bye Dubai ~ See you again~“), and is an all-around great track!

Tracks 4 – 6 are instrumental versions of the previous three, but track 7 is a bonus live version of “Sexy Zone” (from SEXY ZONE LIVE TOUR 2023 ChapterII in DOME). Technically, this song introduced me to the group, though I didn’t know it when I watched the group perform on a special episode of the Netflix original Fuller House. 

Reflecting on my journey, it’s incredible how life can come full circle. I vividly remember sitting in my room, captivated by the song as I watched the group perform on a special episode of the Netflix original Fuller House. If someone had told me then that I would not only be deeply familiar with Sexy Zone and several other groups under the agency but also have the opportunity to meet Kento Nakajima in person, I would have found it hard to believe. STARTO ENTERTAINMENT is about dreams, and they don’t just inspire them; sometimes, they make them come true. This is one of the reasons why reviewing this single is so meaningful to me. 

As this chapter of Sexy Zone comes to a close, they embark on a new journey as timelesz, while Kento Nakajima ventures into solo acting. Similarly, I’ve turned a new page in my musical journey. I’ve grown, evolved, and my story has taken an unexpected turn. I’m filled with anticipation for what’s next, both for these talented artists and for my own musical exploration.

You can buy puzzle wherever Japanese music and movies are sold, including CD JAPAN.

Keep up with timelesz and Kento Nakajima on Instagram!

More music reviews soon so…

Stay Tuned!