Editor’s Note
Japanese actor Kento Nakajima has been named a brand ambassador for Italian luxury jeweler Bvlgari. The appointment was announced at a press event in Tokyo on January 9.
Ambassador Appointment
Kento Nakajima has been appointed as a ‘Bvlgari Ambassador’ for the high jewelry brand Bvlgari, which originates from Rome, Italy. He took the stage at the appointment press conference held today, January 9, at Bvlgari Ginza Tower in Tokyo.
On the Honor and Connection
Introduced as “someone who sparkles like a jewel,” Nakajima took the stage and said of his ambassador appointment:
“I feel extremely honored.”
He smiled and added, explaining that his connection with the brand has continued for over two years since he served as an ambassador for “Bvlgari Il Cioccolato”:
“I am delighted to have been given this wonderful opportunity to deepen our connection further, and I feel this bond has a brilliance like that of jewelry.”
When asked about his image of Bvlgari, he eloquently stated:
“I sense profound creativity and dignity. The aura and atmosphere of someone wearing Bvlgari have a luxury you don’t usually feel, and at the same time, I really love that it feels refined and shines even in everyday life.”
Memories of Rome and Carbonara
Regarding the charm of Rome, Bvlgari’s birthplace, Nakajima said:
“I think the entire cityscape is beautiful. When walking, every minute and second, the scenery that enters your gaze sparkles like jewelry, and it’s a joy that those scenes are stored in your memories. It’s a wonderful city where you can feel discovery and brilliance.”
He had stayed in Rome for about a month during the filming of the overseas drama “Concordia.” When asked to recall that memory, he joked, eliciting laughter:
“I only ate carbonara. Sorry, this is the real me. I came here with a super luxurious feel, but (laughs).”
He happily looked back on this memory:
“It had already gotten through to the drama team that I really love carbonara, so they welcomed me with carbonara. But since I ate it for 20 days straight, my manager escaped to Korean food once in the middle… That kind of thing happened (laughs). For me, it was a time of relentlessly pursuing pasta.”
He then asked the host, slightly embarrassed:
“Should it be a bit more… that? Would a more dignified story be better…?”
Personal Connection to Jewelry and Watches
For this celebratory occasion of his ambassador appointment, Nakajima coordinated with a “Serpenti” ring, a pink gold necklace, and a similarly pink gold “Bvlgari Bvlgari” watch. He also shared an episode about purchasing a watch at a Bvlgari boutique on December 31st last year.
“I bought the watch as a self-trophy for myself who worked hard in 2025. I have a desire to wear jewelry and watches that have a connection to me. (What I purchased) was a watch with a navy blue dial, and since it was a watch that matched my sympathy, I wear it with the hope that it will add strength to my life.”
Regarding his criteria for selecting jewelry and watches, he revealed:
“I place particular importance on the meaning. I always make sure to wear items whose meaning is linked to my life goals or what I envision for the future.”
Philosophy on Gifting
The press conference also included questions related to the upcoming Valentine’s Day. When asked, “What do you keep in mind when giving gifts yourself?” Nakajima responded:
“In Japan, it’s standard for women to give gifts, but in the home country (of Valentine’s), it’s standard for men to give. So, when I give, I want to value gentlemanliness.”
He further gave a brilliant answer that drew admiring sighs from the gathered press:
“I want to treat chocolate like jewelry and gift it with care, and I think it would be best if I could add words to it. By accompanying it with words, the carat increases, so to speak, and I think it becomes more memorable.”
TEAM JAPAN Support Song
Nakajima is also serving as the singing artist for the official support song for TEAM JAPAN participating in the “Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics” to be held in February. Regarding the support song named “Kesshō” (結唱), he showed his enthusiasm:
“The recording finished yesterday, so I feel like dancing now, but if I start dancing, the atmosphere might change. I think it would become like the Tokyo Dome atmosphere,” he prefaced, then added, “I sang with a different vocal atmosphere than usual. I think the most beautiful thing is being able to support the athletes’ backs with my own music, so I hope I can support them properly.”
Closing Remarks
Finally, when asked for a closing greeting, he concluded the press conference with witty words:
“As a member of the Bvlgari family, I believe it is my duty to deliver this brilliance. With the resolve to deliver it throughout Japan and the world, I want to strive forward. Grazie!”