Dai and Shun share dating in the spotlight, relationship changes, and more at their first press conference in Manila.
Japanese couple Dai Nakai and Shun Nakanishi held their press conference for their Valentine’s Fansigning Event in Manila on February 15, 2025, at Monet 1, Novotel Manila Araneta City, presented by Wish Us Luck.
The couple was warmly welcomed by the media, introduced themselves in Tagalog, and expressed their gratitude for the media’s presence and for having them in the Philippines.
Dai and Shun Share How They Have Changed Since Dating
Pop Journal congratulated both Dai and Shun on their first anniversary and asked what aspects of their relationship they think have changed or improved since their one-year celebration last December.
Shun Nakanishi shared:
I stopped blaming other people and learned to forgive,” while Dai mentioned that, although it’s been more than a year, not much has changed. “I think we’ve learned how to communicate and how important it is to communicate.
Dai shared that Shun tends to stay quiet when he talks, but lately, Shun has been opening up about how he feels so that Dai can understand what he can do about it. They have both become better communicators, as Dai, aware that he is also very hard-headed, has learned the importance of keeping his mind flexible so he can listen better.
Read Also: Japanese Couple Dai and Shun To Hold a Valentine’s Fansigning Event In Manila
Reasons and Expectations Before Joining The Boyfriend
Shun joined the show seeking new experiences and was happy to meet someone without any specific expectations. Meanwhile, Dai, drawn to diverse backgrounds and histories that he would never know without meeting them, shared:
I didn’t expect to meet someone I could fall in love with, especially since it had been hard for me to find love for a long time, but somehow, it happened.
The Moment They Realized They Were Falling in Love and What They’re Most Proud of in Each Other
They both shared that there was no specific moment when they fell in love with each other. Instead, Shun said, “It was a gradual process where they learned to understand each other’s hearts through fighting and making love after, and “I realized that this person is nice and I want to be with him.”
Dai agreed, saying, “Everything fell into place as we communicated, and through that, we started understanding each other little by little.
They were also asked what they are most proud of about each other:
Shun: “First, he’s cute. He’s always thinking of a lot of things for us, so he’s very considerate of me, and I like that he works hard. I think it’s a very cute part of him.”
Dai: “I love that he has this ability to believe in himself. He’s very confident in what he’s capable of, and that’s something I’m starting to get.”
You Might Also Like: GOT7 Jay B to Bring His [TAPE:RE LOAD] Concert in Manila
How Dai and Shun Navigate Their Relationship in the Spotlight and Decide What to Share with Fans
Shun shared that he didn’t expect the show to become such a big deal or generate so many reactions, which allowed him to show his true self and life as it is.
Dai, on the other hand, shared, “I wasn’t expecting anything. I’ve been like this my entire life, and suddenly there’s so much attention, which is very weird, but at the same time, I’m very grateful for everyone’s support.” He added that he is enjoying this moment with the support of everyone and appreciates having the freedom to embrace it.
Shun shared that when they go on dates, they try to stay out of sight of others and often have dates at home. He also used to have many public fights, but after the show aired, he stopped fighting in public.
As they do vlogs, when it comes to deciding what to share with their fans, Shun said it depends on whether he feels he looks good or not. Dai, on the other hand, emphasized the importance of having private time with Shun and also spending time with family members. He ensures that they don’t film when they are with family to keep those moments private.
Read Also: Catch The Young Drops New Single “You, Always (2025)
Shun’s Musical Journey and Dai’s Acting Career
Shun shared that he learned to play the piano during his elementary years but didn’t pursue music until he was 18. At that age, he began composing his own songs, and he continues to do so today, under the artist name Haze Glitch.
Dai, on the other hand, shared that he wants to pursue more acting opportunities. “But for now, I don’t have anything I can share. As long as I get the opportunities, or even if I find auditions, I would love to,” he said.
He also expressed his enjoyment for creations that focus on real-life situations, hoping to someday play roles in such projects. Meanwhile, Shun shared his aspiration to be a protagonist in a large-scale movie or production.
Recommended Read: GeminiFourth Excites Fans at the Run The World Concert in Manila
Opportunities for Dai and Shun After the Show
Since The Boyfriend, the couple has embraced new opportunities. As Shun shared, “There have been a lot of different experiences that we were able to have after the show, like being in magazines, releasing our own songs, or advertising merchandise. We want to work harder to be able to have more opportunities and experiences even after the show.”
Dai echoed this sentiment, saying, “We get a lot of opportunities to share our thoughts with people, which is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. To be able to do that, you have to be lucky enough, and I’m grateful that I get to do that.”
He also shared his love for singing and expressed how amazing it was to release their own song, “Last Person.” Dai revealed that while acting wasn’t his initial dream, it was something he had always wanted to do. After receiving an offer, he played a guest role in a Japanese TV series “𝐉𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐍𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐉𝐞𝐫𝐤 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐲𝐦𝐚𝐧.” He added, “I need to keep working hard and hopefully get another role in some creations.”
You Might Also Like: WATERBOMB Manila 2025 Brings First Splashdown
Their Views on the Representation of Queer Shows
The Japanese couple emphasized the importance of having queer shows like The Boyfriend. Dai explained,
Shows like this show how nothing is special about it. Sometimes queer love is special, but I think it’s not special—it’s just different, like everything else. It shows that it’s just a part of humanity, and there’s nothing to be afraid of.
He genuinely hopes that shows like this make it easier for everyone to talk about queer issues and for people to watch and understand. “It’s difficult, but very important.”
Shun highlighted the need for more accessible LGBTQ+ stories in media, stressing the importance of platforms where everyone’s stories can be told to promote greater understanding and inclusivity.
Also Read: PondPhuwin Set to Sail into 2025 with Me and Thee
Dai & Shun Valentine’s Fansigning Mini Show RECAP
Japanese couple Dai & Shun delighted fans at their mini show, expressing their love for the Philippines, playing fun games, and showing heartfelt gratitude. One of the games, Sketch It, Guess It, saw a Filipino fan win a special prize from Japan. Shun also serenaded the crowd with a short cover of “First Love” by Hikaru Utada.
Talk with Dai and Shun
What were their first impressions of one another? Dai initially thought Shun was “too handsome, like a prince” but assumed they wouldn’t click because Shun seemed too handsome for him. Dai later admitted that after learning more about Shun’s story, he became even more interested in getting to know him. Meanwhile, Shun found Dai “too loud and extroverted” at first but later realized he was “super cute and sweet.”
Their advice for singles? Dai encouraged everyone to “focus on loving yourself first and know your worth to meet someone with the same confidence,” while Shun simply said, “You don’t have to look for someone.”
Recommended Read: Hallyu Star Taeyang to Hold a Solo Concert in Manila
When a fan asked what color Dai and Shun represented, Dai chose purple for Shun, describing him as cool, cute, and a safe place. Meanwhile, Shun picked white for Dai, who can adapt and change into any color.
Dai and Shun were deeply moved by the fan projects, and Dai teared up as he thanked fans for their unwavering support. He shared how their encouragement helped him overcome challenges, admitting that he had felt lost at times but expressing gratitude for Shun, his agency, and the fans who inspired him to keep going.
Ending the mini show with Dai and Shun’s “Mahal ko kayo,” the couple surprised everyone with their own song “Last Love” live performance.
Also Read: Dilaw Releases Latest Single, “Mahal”
Special thanks to Wish Us Luck for inviting Pop Journal to the Dai and Shun Valentine’s Fansigning in Manila.
Photos: Paula De La Cruz, Wish Us Luck
