Kazuya Kamenashi's 'watermelon rind' scooter ride on Taipei Bridge goes viral

A resurfaced video from 2018 showing Japanese idol Kazuya Kamenashi navigating Taipei Bridge on a shared scooter has taken the internet by storm. The clip, originally filmed during a variety show recording in Taiwan, features Kamenashi, then a member of the popular group KAT-TUN, wearing a distinctive helmet resembling a watermelon rind. He is seen riding through bustling Taipei traffic alongside his bandmates, Maruyuu Yuichi and Tatsunari Ueda.

“

What a sight! I've lived to see Kazuya Kamenashi riding on Taipei Bridge.

The segment, which captured Kamenashi in a white t-shirt and yellow overalls, with a backdrop of a Taiwanese noodle shop sign, has been widely shared on Threads. It has garnered close to a million views, with many Taiwanese netizens expressing surprise and amusement at the sight of the idol in such an unpretentious setting. Comments ranged from praise for the creative planning of the segment to humorous remarks about the speed of their ride.

Fans and netizens alike have marveled at the clip, with many calling it a rare and memorable moment. The footage shows the trio weaving through traffic alongside local motorcyclists, prompting reactions like "Who thought of having them ride on Taipei Bridge? 100 points for the planning!" and "Help! I've lived to see Kazuya Kamenashi riding on Taipei Bridge."

“

Who thought of having them ride on Taipei Bridge? 100 points for the planning!

While some viewers questioned the legality of their ride, the shared scooter brand involved had previously confirmed that all users undergo a vetting process, ensuring their actions were compliant with regulations. The resurgence of this video comes as KAT-TUN is set to disband in 2025, but Kamenashi continues his active career. The viral clip underscores his enduring popularity in Taiwan, with over 993,000 views, proving his fan base remains strong.

“

If I encountered them during my commute, I would definitely be late for work.