In January, Sexy Zone announced that they would be changing their name on March 31. That same day, group member Kento Nakajima will graduate from the group. Today’s farewell ceremony was livestreamed on Family Club Online, YouTube, and Instagram for all to see.
In the livestream, which ran a little over an hour, the group performed ten songs, and reminiscenced over their past as a group. During this period of reflection, various archive footage was shown, including trips the group made to Dubai and Hawaii. Fitting this flashback theme, former member Marius Yo also appeared (via videocall) to reflect on the group, but also to give an update on his current life.
At the end of the livestream, the members of Sexy Zone spoke individually for the final time as Sexy Zone. Each member thanked the fans for their support of the group as Sexy Zone, with Fuma Kikuchi noting that this in fact not just Kento’s graduation, but all five members of Sexy Zone’s graduation seeing as how their group name is being retired.
Kento spoke last, addressing each of his groupmates individually. He spoke to So Matsushima about how he’s grown up to be this artist that holds exhibitions, to Shori Sato about how he was the center of the group, but should try to be the center of the world.
Kento spoke the most to Fuma in his addresses, seeing as how they have known each other the longest, for about 15 years. Kento said that Fuma being there with him over the years made him strong. Fuma then admitted that if it wasn’t for Kento, he feels as if he couldn’t have debuted. Fuma then congratulated Sexy Zone on their graduation from their name, leading to their performance of “Congratulations.”
The livestream ended with Kento, Fuma, Shori, and So joining hands, and shouting, “We Are Sexy Zone!” Fuma then said, “Bye bye Sexy Zone,” after which Kento gave his final signature “Sexy Thank You!”
There is no word yet on when the new name for Sexy Zone when will be revealed.
The livestream is now available for viewing below!
1. Sexy Zone
2. RUN
3. ぎゅっと (Gyutto)
4. puzzle
5. With you
6. バィバィDuバィ~See you again~ (Bye Bye Dubai ~See you again~)
7. 夏のハイドレンジア (Natsu no Hydrangea)
8. 本音と建前 (Honne to Tatemae)
9. Sexy Summerに雪が降る (Sexy Zummer ni Yuki ga Furu)
10. Congratulations