The MTV VMAJ awards, a prestigious event that celebrates outstanding music videos, took place on March 19, 2025, in Yokohama, Japan. Since its inception in 2002, this ceremony has transformed into a festival that recognizes the best works released within a designated period. This year, it covers videos released between October 1, 2023, and December 31, 2024, drawing significant attention to both established and emerging artists.
Among those who graced the red carpet was Kocchi no Kento, who was clearly excited to experience this moment for the first time. "人生で初めてのレッドカーペットなので、一歩一歩かみしめながら歩きたいと思います (It’s my first time on the red carpet, so I want to savor every step)," Kenta expressed, indicating the gravity of the experience. He shared that as he looks forward to 2025 and his performance endeavors, he wishes to remember his roots while singing. The enthusiasm in his voice was palpable, and he received warm cheers from the audience, which helped him ease his nerves.
In addition to Kocchi no Kento, the music festival featured the unit GEMN, comprised of Kento Nakajima (31) and Tatsuya Kitani (29). The duo was also thrilled to be part of this celebrated event. Walking down the red carpet, Nakajima shared his determination to shine brightly in the music industry. He stated, "世界で一番輝きを放つタイミングをどんどん増やしていきたい。唯一無二の宝石になりたい (I want to create more moments when we shine the brightest in the world. I want to become a one-of-a-kind jewel)." The aspirations of Nakajima reflect a deep commitment to his craft and a desire to stand out in a competitive landscape.
GEMN’s theme song, "Fataru," which serves as the opening theme for the popular anime "Oshi no Ko," won the award for the Best Trending Video at the ceremony. Nakajima expressed his gratitude on stage about the recognition, saying, "僕らGEMNで本当に汗水流して心を込めてつくった『ファタール』が世界中に届いた事がとてもうれしいです (I am very happy that our hard work and dedication in creating 'Fataru' has reached audiences around the world)." This acknowledgment shows the impact of their work on a global scale, highlighting just how hard they have worked to bring their artistic vision to life.
Meanwhile, Kitani echoed these sentiments and added his thoughts on being a new artist. He remarked, "2人としては新人アーティストで、処女作 (As new artists, this is our debut work). Many people have welcomed us, so I think we are fortunate, but it also adds pressure to continue improving and creating even better works in the future." Kitani's reflection provides insight into the pressures faced by new artists in the entertainment industry, as they strive to maintain relevance while also pushing themselves creatively.
The MTV VMAJ awards not only serve to honor the best music videos but also showcase the journeys of talented individuals like Kocchi no Kento and the duo GEMN. For Kocchi no Kento, this event marks a significant turning point, as he moves forward into his artistic journey with a renewed vigor. For GEMN, the recognition of their efforts is new fuel for their ambition and creativity.
As the festival concludes, both Kocchi no Kento and GEMN embody the spirit of this year’s MTV VMAJ: a celebration of creativity, aspiration, and the future of music. With the support of their fans and the industry at large, these artists are set to shine even brighter as they continue their artistic endeavors and make significant contributions to the music landscape.
