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Looking Back at the "IDOL1ST Kento Nakajima" LIVE TOUR 2026!
- Jul 27
- 6 min read
Translation from French by AI
On July 26, Kento Nakajima wrapped up his “IDOL1ST LIVE TOUR 2026” at the Ariake Garden Theater in Tokyo. With 27 concerts across 10 cities and nearly 78,500 attendees, this tour confirms the massive success of his second year as a solo artist.
"IDOL1ST Kento Nakajima" LIVE TOUR 2026 : A True Shift in Perspective
At PACHI PACHI Project, we had the chance to attend the Nagoya concerts from April 3 to 5, 2026. To mark the final date of the tour, we wanted to look back at an experience that left a strong impression on us and share what we believe made Kento Nakajima's “IDOL1ST” so powerful.
Whereas “N / bias”, his first solo album and tour, reflected a desire to break free from the prejudices surrounding his image, revealing a more authentic side of himself and opening a new chapter in his career, “IDOL1ST” marks a genuine shift in perspective. Brighter and more radiant, this album fully celebrates the idol identity that Kento has always embraced. He is no longer trying to prove who he is; instead, he is affirming what he wants to convey: dreams, hope, and moments of happiness to those who follow him. This evolution naturally translates to the stage.
While “N / bias” chronicled the first steps of his solo journey, the “IDOL1ST LIVE TOUR 2026” embodies its blossoming. More colorful, ambitious, and driven by infectious energy, this tour contrasts with the previous one while maintaining the same common thread: telling the story of Kento Nakajima’s journey as a solo artist.
More than just a series of concerts, the “IDOL1ST LIVE TOUR 2026” marks a new milestone in his solo career, confidently asserting the artistic identity he has been building for the past two years.
An Experience That Begins Before the Show
Before each performance, Okentosama, a plush character representing Kento, comes out to greet the fans. This appearance quickly became a highly anticipated moment for the U:nity (his fans), keeping the audience entertained while gradually setting the mood for the concert.
The show then kicks off with a video establishing his universe: an archaeologist discovers the ruins of an ancient "Idolist," a 3,000-year-old legend. But this story cannot progress without the fans. The U:nity are invited to use their lightsticks, called “IDOLIC no Mahō” (the magic of IDOLIC), to awaken Kento from his long slumber. From the very first minutes, the audience isn't just watching a concert, they are directly participating in the storyline.
When Kento finally appears on stage for SOL1ST, wearing a white, antiquity-inspired outfit and a mask, the lasers, lighting effects, and massive statues on stage instantly create a spectacular atmosphere.
A Setlist Crafted Like a Narrative
One of the greatest strengths of IDOL1ST is its carefully thought-out setlist. The songs aren't just strung together randomly. They follow a logical progression, alternating between intense moments, intimate passages, and sequences full of humor. Each track adds a new piece to the story unfolding on stage and showcases different facets of Kento Nakajima.
Naturally, tracks from the IDOL1ST album are featured, alongside a few additions that echo Kento’s current projects. For example, Fiction Love, the theme song from his brand-new movie Love Not Comedy, was added to the setlist after the film's release, creating a lovely connection between his acting career and his live shows
Sets That Bring the Songs to Life
The stage design is never there just to look pretty; it is fully integrated into the storytelling and direction.
Ancient Ruins: The two giant antiquity statues from the opening return frequently throughout the show, serving as a canvas for various visual effects and reinforcing the feeling of an adventure set in an ancient world.
Suspended Moments: During Celeste, a single blue rose is enough to create a magical, time-stopping moment.
Fan Euphoria: Conversely, during She is… LOVE, Kenty descends into the audience, sending fans into an absolute frenzy.
A Pink Tea Room: My Sweet Tea completely transforms the stage. A table, chairs, props, and a pink atmosphere recreate a real tea salon. This performance directly references the Strawberry Jasmine Tea released in collaboration with FamilyMart, a sweet touch that instantly brought a smile to fans following his various projects.
Although this tour took place in smaller, more intimate venues, the scenography and set designs were worthy of the biggest arenas. Kento and his team, N Staff, brilliantly leveraged the venue layouts to create true immersion. Each set plunges the audience into a different universe. Far from limiting the spectacle, the proximity to the audience actually heightened the intensity of the experience, highlighting all the creativity deployed throughout the concert.
Personal References That Make the Show Unique
What makes this tour even more personal is how Kento integrates his own passions into it. Yu-Gi-Oh! fans will notice several references in the videos and certain staging elements. Without ever being overbearing, they show that he loves sharing the worlds he holds dear with his audience. This same attention to detail is found throughout the show, giving the impression that every element was chosen for a specific reason.
A Tour Made For and With the Fans
More than a concert, IDOL1ST is an experience built with the fans. Kento personally designed several fan call so the audience could actively participate. These moments generate incredible energy and reinforce the feeling that the U:nity are an integral part of the show.
The most memorable fan chant was undoubtedly for “Kesshou”. Before even starting the song, Kento took the time to conduct a real "training session," practicing the chorus with the audience. Once the song began, the lyrics were displayed on the giant screen alongside a live video of the fans in the venue. It felt less like a simple chant and more like a shared celebration.
And one of the most fun fan chants is, without a doubt: Saisho ha Kyun!.
Kento also hosted an original quiz centered around his FAMILY CLUB Web. He had to answer questions about old posts, some published years ago. If he got two correct answers, he won a bonus.
To answer, Kento wasn't alone: he got the U:nity involved by asking them to vote with their lightsticks. He then relied on the audience's reactions to choose his answer, creating a fun, spontaneous exchange. This interaction made each performance slightly different and further strengthened his bond with the fans. Another nice touch: the bonus awarded to Kento changed depending on the tour city. In Nagoya, as in other stops, it was a local specialty, a simple but effective way to make each concert unique.
Une nouvelle chanson dévoilée lors de la finale
For the final date of the tour, Kento treated fans to the very first live performance of 鬼事 (Onigoto), his new single releasing on August 19, which serves as the opening theme for season 2 of The Elusive Samurai. Dressed in a magnificent Japanese costume, he delivered an elegant and darker performance, revealing yet another facet of his artistry.
The Tokyo Dome Dream
Beyond the spectacle itself, Kento used this tour to share his ambitions. On several occasions, he reiterated that his biggest dream is to one day perform on the stage of the Tokyo Dome. He explained that he is ready to work tirelessly to achieve this and promised his fans that he would take them there with him. Seeing the incredible work put into IDOL1ST, it is hard not to believe that this dream will eventually become a reality.
Our Verdict on the "IDOL1ST Kento Nakajima" LIVE TOUR 2026
After attending the Nagoya concerts, we had only one desire: to go back. IDOL1ST is a show thought out down to the smallest detail, where every element has its place, from the sets and videos to the audience interactions.
We particularly appreciated the importance placed on the fans. The fan chants, lightstick games, interactive quiz, and numerous references that only longtime fans would recognize make it feel like a unique experience rather than a standard concert. And, of course, the fan service Kenty offers: waves, smiles, and even little personal phrases for his fans (which we were lucky enough to receive after he spotted us in the crowd!).
Another highlight for us was seeing the dancers who have accompanied Kento since his early MVs and the beginning of his solo career. Over the years, a genuine bond has formed between them, and it shows. They chat, joke around, and have fun together very naturally. Kento also gives them a real place in the show: they are never just background dancers, but fully participate in the staging and the concert's atmosphere. This good mood is infectious and makes the show even more enjoyable to watch.
Ultimately, what struck us the most, beyond Kenty's closeness with his fans, was the immense amount of work required to create a tour of this caliber. One thing is certain: if this tour is a glimpse of what Kento envisions for the rest of his solo career, we already can't wait to discover his next chapter.
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