Kento Nakajima, the multifaceted Japanese entertainer, is set to captivate anime fans with his performance of the opening theme song for the upcoming anime series, The Dinner Table Detective. This marks a significant milestone in Nakajima’s career, adding to his already impressive repertoire as a singer, actor, and television personality. The anime is scheduled to premiere on April 4, 2025, on Fuji TV’s esteemed Noitamina programming block, promising a delightful blend of mystery and culinary charm.
What is The Dinner Table Detective?
The Dinner Table Detective (Nazotoki wa Dinā no Ato de) is a Japanese mystery novel series written by Tokuya Higashigawa and illustrated by Yūsuke Nakamura. The series follows Reiko Hosho, heiress to the globally renowned Hosho Group, who also works as a rookie detective in Kunitachi City, Tokyo. She tackles challenging cases alongside Inspector Kazamatsuri, heir to Kazamatsuri Motors, and her sharp-tongued butler and driver, Kageyama. Kageyama often critiques Reiko’s deductive skills but brilliantly solves the mysteries at hand after dinner, offering biting remarks like, “Are your eyes merely decorative, my lady?”
Anime Adaptation Details
The anime adaptation is produced by Madhouse and directed by Mitsuyuki Masuhara (Ace of the Diamond). Mariko Kunisawa (Bartender Glass of God) is overseeing the scripts, Izumi Kawata is adapting the character designs for animation, and Takeshi Hama (Maoyu) is composing the music. The series is planned for a single cour (a three-month block of episodes).
The confirmed cast includes:
- Kana Hanazawa as Reiko Hosho
- Yuki Kaji as Kageyama
- Mamoru Miyano as Inspector Kazamatsuri
Kento Nakajima: From Idol to Anime Theme Singer
Kento Nakajima, born on March 13, 1994, is a prominent figure in the Japanese entertainment industry. He gained fame as a member of the idol groups Sexy Zone (now known as timelesz) and Yuma Nakayama w/B.I.Shadow. Nakajima’s talents extend beyond singing, as he has also made a name for himself as an actor, voice actor, and television personality.
A Versatile Career
Nakajima’s career highlights include:
- Music: Contributing to 26 chart-topping singles and 9 chart-topping albums with Sexy Zone.
- Acting: Appearing in various films and television dramas, including the Japanese dub of Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.
- International Exposure: Starring in the Hulu/SkyShowtime drama Concordia, signifying a transition to international acting roles.
In March 2024, Nakajima departed from Sexy Zone to pursue solo endeavors while remaining with Starto Entertainment. He expressed his desire to take on diverse challenges as an idol and actor, both in Japan and abroad.
Recent Solo Activities
Since embarking on his solo career, Nakajima has been actively involved in various projects:
- GEMN Collaboration: Teaming up with Tatsuya Kitani as the unit GEMN to perform “Fatal,” the opening theme song for the second season of the anime series Oshi no Ko.
- “Hitogoto Project”: Releasing “Hitogoto feat. Kento Nakajima” as the theme song for the TV Tokyo drama series Shosen Hitogoto desu kara: Toaru Bengoshi no Honne no Shigoto.
- Solo Debut Album: Launching his solo debut album, N/bias, on December 25, 2024, accompanied by his first solo live concert series, “KENTO NAKAJIMA 1st Live 2025 N/bias,” held at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo in January 2025.
- YouTube and TikTok: Opening official YouTube and TikTok accounts to connect with fans and share his creative journey.
The Buzz Around the Opening Theme
The announcement of Kento Nakajima performing the opening theme for The Dinner Table Detective has generated considerable excitement among fans.
Hiroyuki Sawano’s Involvement
Adding to the anticipation, it has been revealed that Hiroyuki Sawano is providing the opening theme song for “Nazotoki wa Dinner no Ato de”. Sawano is a highly acclaimed composer known for his work on numerous popular anime series, including Attack on Titan, Kill la Kill, and Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn. This marks Nakajima’s first solo anime theme song with Sawano.
Fan Reactions
Anime enthusiasts have expressed their enthusiasm for Nakajima’s involvement in The Dinner Table Detective:
- Many fans are excited to see Nakajima take on another anime theme song, following his successful collaboration with Tatsuya Kitani on Oshi no Ko.
- Some have lauded Nakajima’s versatility and ability to tackle diverse musical styles.
What to Expect From The Dinner Table Detective Anime
The Dinner Table Detective promises to be a captivating anime series with its intriguing blend of mystery, comedy, and heartwarming character interactions. The series follows Reiko Hosho, a rookie detective and heiress to a global conglomerate, as she solves baffling cases with the help of her sharp-tongued butler, Kageyama.
Story and Characters
The story is set in Kunitachi City, Tokyo, where Reiko balances her detective work with her privileged background. She often finds herself stumped by challenging cases, relying on Kageyama’s keen observations and deductive skills to crack the mysteries after dinner. The dynamic between Reiko, Kageyama, and Inspector Kazamatsuri, the bumbling heir to Kazamatsuri Motors, adds a comedic element to the series.
Production Quality
With Madhouse at the helm, known for its high-quality animation and attention to detail, The Dinner Table Detective is expected to deliver a visually stunning and engaging experience. The series composition by Mariko Kunisawa and music by Takeshi Hama further contribute to the overall quality and appeal.
Release Information
The Dinner Table Detective is scheduled to premiere on April 4, 2025, at 23:30 JST on Fuji TV’s Noitamina programming block. The series will also be available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video starting April 5, 2025.
Final Thoughts
Kento Nakajima’s performance of the opening theme song for The Dinner Table Detective is poised to be a highlight of the upcoming anime season. With his versatile talent and growing international presence, Nakajima is sure to bring a unique flair to the series. As fans eagerly await the premiere, the collaboration between Nakajima and the talented production team promises a delightful and captivating anime experience.
