Following the release of his debut Japanese single, NuNew is planning even more projects to keep his international fans excited.
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NuNew is booked and busy these days, but honestly, he’s been so since he rose to stardom with his breakout role in the Thai BL series Cutie Pie in 2022. In just a few years, the actor and singer has become a familiar name in the industry, with his reach being felt in TV and music. And it’s in the latter that the artist has been making big moves as of late. After finding success in his native Thailand, NuNew is taking his craft overseas, and it began with his Japanese debut last November for the first of many new exciting projects.
A YEAR OF OPPORTUNITY
In partnership with Sony Music Japan, NuNew entered the Japanese music scene with the release of his debut Japanese single, and quite fittingly, the focus is on the iconic Shibuya ward in Tokyo, Japan. Titled First Date at Shibuya, the track is a neo-city pop sound that captures the essence of Shibuya nightlife—a blend of romance, ambition, and the energy of a modern metropolis. “I have always been inspired by Japan’s vibrant music culture and its appreciation for diversity in styles,” NuNew tells NYLON Manila in an interview. “So when I had the opportunity to release a single and hold a concert in Japan, I felt it was the perfect moment to take this step.”
Speaking of the concert, his Japanese debut was also historic in that it also marked his first solo concert outside Thailand with the “NuNew 1st Concert Dream Catcher in Japan” concert being held at the THEATER MILANO-Za last December 6. Playing two sold-out shows, [DAYLIGHT DREAM] and [TWILIGHT DREAM], NuNew looks back on the experience with fondness and appreciation. “The tickets were sold out, and seeing not just Japanese fans but also Thai and international fans who traveled to Tokyo meant so much to me.”
Photo by Maciej Kucia, Sony Music JP
More importantly, the moment, and his recent travels to Japan, only furthered his belief in the power of cross-cultural experiences and building creative bridges with our Asian neighbors. “[The fans’] energy and cheers gave me confidence, and it was a reminder of how powerful music is in bringing people together.”
With an exciting year ahead of him, NuNew is poised to give his international fans even more to enjoy. From working on his Japanese debut to collaborating with different cultures, NuNew chatted with NYLON Manila to talk about this new chapter of his career. Read the full interview with the Thai superstar below.
You’ve been in the industry for a couple of years now. What made you decide to have your Japanese debut now?
I have always been inspired by Japan’s vibrant music culture and its appreciation for diversity in styles. Over the years, I have visited Japan many times and been captivated by its energy, creativity, and love for music. So when I had the opportunity to release a single and hold a concert in Japan, I felt it was the perfect moment to take this step. It is a chance for me to grow as an artist and connect with a new audience in a meaningful way.
Did you have any challenges preparing for your Japan debut? And if so, how did you overcome those?
Preparing for my Japanese debut was both exciting and challenging. Singing in Japanese was a new experience for me, as the language has unique sounds and rhythms that are not present in Thai. I spent a lot of time practicing pronunciation and studying the emotions behind each lyric. With guidance from my producers and support from my team in Thailand and Japan, I was able to build my confidence. The encouragement from fans also motivated me to keep improving every step of the way.
First Date at Shibuya was composed with a mix of Thai and Japanese talent. What was the process like getting to marry the two different cultures into one track?
It was an incredible experience to work with both Miss Amp Achariya, a T-POP icon, and Hisashi Kondo-san, a renowned J-POP producer. Miss Amp brought her unique style and deep understanding of my voice, while Hisashi-san added the signature Japanese flair to the track. The combination of these influences created something truly special. From the melody to the lyrics, we worked closely to ensure the song felt authentic yet relatable to both Thai and Japanese audiences.
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Your Japanese debut single is called First Date at Shibuya. For you personally, what do you think makes for an ideal first date?
For me, a perfect first date does not need to be extravagant. It is all about spending time together in a way that feels comfortable and enjoyable. Whether it is walking through a lively city, sharing a meal, or just talking and laughing, the most important thing is the connection and happiness you share with the other person
You held your first solo concert outside Thailand in Japan last December. What was that experience like and getting to perform for your Japanese fans?
Performing my first solo concert in Japan was an unforgettable experience. It was also my first solo concert outside Thailand, so I was nervous about being on stage alone in a foreign country. But the love and support from fans made me feel so connected. The tickets were sold out, and seeing not just Japanese fans but also Thai and international fans who travelled to Tokyo meant so much to me. Their energy and cheers gave me confidence, and it was a reminder of how powerful music is in bringing people together.
How does it feel whenever you get to meet and interact with your international fans?
It is always so heartwarming to meet international fans. I am constantly amazed by how music and entertainment connect us across languages and cultures. Their passion, creativity, and unwavering support inspire me to keep pushing myself. Every interaction, whether it is in person or online, is a reminder of how lucky I am to have such a supportive fanbase around the world.
What do you think your successful Japanese debut says about cross-cultural collaboration between Asian artists and creatives?
My debut shows how beautiful it is when artists from different cultures come together. Music has no boundaries, and collaborations like this allow us to celebrate our unique traditions while creating something new. I hope my experience encourages more artists across Asia to explore cross-cultural projects and continue building bridges through creativity.
Photo by Maciej Kucia, Sony Music JP
What are you most looking forward to in 2025?
2025 is going to be an incredible year. I am working on new music projects, including my first full album, which I am excited to share with fans around the world. I will also be exploring more acting roles in movies and series which will show very different sides of me. Plus, I am planning more concerts and hope to visit even more countries to connect with fans face-to-face. There is so much to look forward to, and I cannot wait to share it all with everyone.
What message do you have for your international fans who are excited to see more of you in 2025?
I want to say a very big thank you to everyone who has supported me. I would say this is really only just the beginning and to look out for more news coming up. Please follow me on my socials for all updates 😀
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