From the vibrant streets of Thailand to international stardom, NuNew (นุนิว), has been captivating fans with his talent, charm, and undeniable charisma. Thanks to his diverse range of skills, the 23-year-old star has firmly established himself as a multifaceted star in Thailand’s entertainment industry.
NuNew (real name: Nuttapong Kittikhun)’s talents extend beyond the screen. With a natural flair for music and performance, he has proven himself to be a versatile artist. His soothing voice and stage presence have also earned him recognition in the music scene, where he’s building a dedicated fanbase. In this interview, NuNew talks about his Japanese single, the significance of Shibuya, dating activities and plans for 2025.
What was the biggest challenge for your Japanese debut? Was it very different from producing a Thai record?
The biggest challenge was definitely the language. While I have always loved Japanese music, singing in Japanese required a lot of practice to get the pronunciation and intonation just right. Every detail mattered to convey the right emotions in the song. Producing a Japanese record was also a unique experience because it involved working with a new team, including amazing Japanese producers and songwriters, which brought fresh perspectives to the process. Compared to producing a Thai record, I had to adapt to a slightly different style and workflow, but it was a great learning experience that helped me grow as an artist.
How did you prepare yourself to sing in Japanese? Have you always been fluent in the language?
I am not fluent in Japanese, but I have always loved watching anime and listening to Japanese songs, so I already knew some words, phrases, and basic pronunciation. When I sing in a foreign language, I put a lot of effort into understanding the meaning behind every lyric and perfecting the pronunciation.
Japanese has certain sounds, like “tsu” and “zu,” that don’t exist in Thai, so it was a challenge to get them just right. Luckily, the Japanese team sent me a demo sung by a Japanese singer, which helped me familiarize myself with the nuances of the language. During the recording session in Tokyo, Hisashi-san, the Japanese producer and the team worked closely with me, teaching me the correct pronunciation and guiding me on how to convey the emotions in the lyrics with precision. Their detailed feedback was invaluable and really helped me understand the language better.
My goal was to deliver the song in a way that feels authentic and connects with the audience. It was definitely challenging, but I loved the process because I enjoy learning new languages and exploring different cultures.
What is the biggest inspiration for this song?
The biggest inspiration for “First Date at Shibuya” is the excitement and nervousness of experiencing something new—whether it is a first date or starting a new chapter in life. The song captures those emotions beautifully and encourages listeners to embrace new opportunities with an open heart. It is about enjoying the moment and finding joy in even the simplest things.
Why does Shibuya hold a special place in your heart? Can you share a personal experience there?
Shibuya is such an iconic and lively place—it is the perfect setting for a song like this. I have visited Shibuya many times, and it is one of the places I always make sure to go to whenever I am in Tokyo. Each visit feels like a new adventure because there is always something fresh to discover.
On my last trip, I went shopping on Cat Street, which is also mentioned in the lyrics and featured in the music video. I love being surrounded by the energy and charm of the city—it is so vibrant and inspiring. Filming the music video in Shibuya made it even more special because I got to experience its magic in a completely new way.
Are there any cultural elements of Japan that influenced your music or performance?
Definitely. Japanese music has a beautiful way of blending emotion and storytelling, which inspired me a lot. I also admire the attention to detail in Japanese culture, and I tried to bring that into my performance. From the lyrics to the visuals in the music video, we worked hard to make sure everything reflected the charm of Japan while staying true to my style.
What message do you want your fans to take away from this single?
I want this song to remind everyone that it is okay to feel nervous or excited when starting something new, whether it is a first date or a new chapter in life. It is about embracing those emotions and enjoying the journey. I hope this song makes listeners feel happy, encouraged, and maybe even a little braver to take their next step forward.
What was your favourite part of creating “First Date in Shibuya”?
My favorite part was recording the song and seeing how all the elements—melody, lyrics, and production—came together to create something special. Working with talented producers like Amp Achariya and Hisashi Kondo made the process even more enjoyable. Filming the music video in Shibuya was also unforgettable. It was amazing to bring the story to life in such an iconic location.
Do you have a favourite lyric in “First Date in Shibuya”?
I love all the lyrics because they are so cute in a really good way, but if I had to choose, it would be the part where I sing, “Komacchau ne” (It is so confusing). It follows the lyrics, “Otona-ni naritai, iya, demo naritaku-nai (I want to grow up, but I do not want to),” which gives off this feeling of, “What should I do?” I think that nuance is so adorable and has a very Japanese vibe to it. I really focused on capturing that feeling while recording the song.
What would your ideal first date be? (eg: Top 3 activities to do)
A perfect first date does not have to be complicated. I am a simple person—just being together and happy is enough. Maybe having a meal or walking somewhere nice. As long as we enjoy each other’s company and have a good time, that is perfect for me.
Can fans expect a full length Japanese album? Or an EP?
I would love to release more songs in Japanese, and it would be wonderful if that eventually leads to a full-length Japanese album or EP in the future. There is so much I want to share with my fans in Japan and around the world, and I hope to keep growing as an artist so I can continue to bring more music to everyone.
What can fans expect from you in 2025?
In 2025, I have many exciting projects coming up. Two movies I am really looking forward to are ‘Zomvivor’ and ‘Beauty and the Beat’. In ‘Zomvivor’, I play a character who is completely different from anything I have done before, while ‘Beauty and the Beat’ will be my first full comedy, which was so much fun to film. I hope everyone will enjoy these two very different roles!
I will also be in the series ‘The Next Prince’, which I am really excited for fans to see. On the music side, I will release more songs and work on my first full album. I hope everyone will support all these projects!
