An Interview Celebrating the Release of “Reincarnation” by Kaya, the High-Speed OP for ‘Mushoku no Eiyuu’!

The magazine “Megami Magazine” features an interview series called “Megami’s Voice,” where artists who sing anime and game theme songs talk about their music. In the December 2025 issue, Kaya, who released “Reincarnation,” makes an appearance.

With Feelings of Carving Out a New World

――Since this is your first appearance in Megami Magazine, please introduce yourself!

I’m Kaya, an artist from Minami-Alps City, Yamanashi Prefecture. When I was five, I saw someone singing at the piano class I attended, and I wanted to sing too, so I started singing at age seven. The trigger for aiming to become a singer was when I entered a competition, won a prize, and singing became fun. After auditions, I debuted in 2021. My favorite foods are meat sauce spaghetti and mainly Western sweets. I’m working hard to promote my hometown, Minami-Alps City.

――The title track “Reincarnation” is the OP theme song for the TV anime ‘Mushoku no Eiyuu ~Betsu ni Sukiru Nanka Iranakattanda ga~’ (also known as ‘The Unemployed Hero: I Didn’t Need Skills Anyway’). How did you feel when it was decided to be your first anime tie-up?

Actually, I started watching anime when I began living alone. Since I had no one to talk to, I wanted to distract myself from the loneliness and started watching anime, getting more and more into it. So, I was really happy when it was decided that I could sing the theme song.

――What was your first impression when you heard “Reincarnation”?

I thought it was cool with a sense of speed, but at the same time, I was a bit worried if I could sing such a difficult song. However, it’s such a wonderful song that I thought I’d hate it if someone else sang it. So, I decided to practice as much as I could.

――When you actually sang it, was it as difficult as you thought?

When I started practicing at home before recording, it was too difficult to sing. Also, when the song came to me, the lyrics weren’t finished yet, so I practiced many times as the lyrics were revised.

――Which parts did you find particularly challenging?

The parts where I have to hit the notes accurately despite the fast tempo. Also, since there’s a sense of speed from start to finish, I wanted to pour all my energy into it so that the speed doesn’t drop in the singing. But, I inevitably get tired, so I thought I needed to build up stamina to maintain it until the end. Moreover, anime songs often have passionate lyrics with straightforward words, so I sang with feeling in each word to convey that to the listeners.

――How much did you know about the story of ‘Mushoku no Eiyuu’ during recording?

I heard the title beforehand and was allowed to read the original work. The protagonist, Arel, is a boy who has no “occupation” granted by the goddess and is judged to have no talent, but he works hard to carve out his destiny. I also believe that I have to carve my own path to reach new places, so I was encouraged and could relate to Arel’s actions. I wanted to deliver the feelings that Arel gave me through “Reincarnation,” so I sang with energy.

――Please tell us about the coupling tracks too. “Sazanka” has an impressive flamenco-like melody.

It has that otherworldly feel, right? Actually, all three songs included in this single are types of melodies I haven’t sung before. Among them, “Sazanka” can completely change its impression depending on how it’s sung, so I tried various patterns, like singing passionately or holding back. We did many takes until the entire production team was satisfied, and I think I managed to sing it at a delicate balance—not too forceful but not weak either.

――You also co-wrote the lyrics for it.

The first verse was already completed, and I was asked to think about the second verse onwards. I feel that the flower “sazanka” has a strength that doesn’t wither even when stepped on, so I poured that into the lyrics. Also, since I changed my agency and music label in 2024, this single had a strong feeling of a fresh start. So, I wanted to write about what I’m feeling now and what kind of future I want to move toward, making the lyrics like a declaration of determination.

――Did writing the lyrics take time?

Originally, my mind is romantic and poetic (laughs). During times like waiting for a train, poems often come to mind, so thinking of lyrics itself was smooth. However, I had no experience writing lyrics to fit a melody, so matching words to the melody was tough.

――The other coupling track, “Sayonaka no Rondo,” is dramatic.

Until high school, I was immersed in classical music, so I’ve always loved the style of music played at balls. “Sayonaka no Rondo” was exactly that kind of melody I love, so I told the staff that I absolutely wanted to sing it. For this song, I decided not to plan how to sing it but to use the voice that naturally came out when I listened to the song.

――The singing style changes between the first and second verses, so I thought it was two people singing.

I didn’t consciously try to change it, so it’s surprising to hear that (laughs). But, I have experience learning musicals when I was young, so changing my voice according to the atmosphere was normal. Maybe it happened naturally. This song has a dark melody, and the harmony playing behind the singing is really beautiful, so if you check that out, I think the world of the song will be conveyed more deeply.

――The jacket features a close-up of you, Kaya. Can you share memories from the shoot?

Since the image color for “Reincarnation” is white, I had a pure white outfit made. Since it would show my stomach, I did personal training for about a month until the shoot day, putting in a lot of effort (laughs). Also, the photographer was someone who saw me singing on TV during my high school days and said they were drawn to my singing. Since then, we’ve worked together several times, and I asked the staff if we could have them do this jacket, which was granted, so it became a shoot that made me want to try even harder. Moreover, as my name includes “flower” (花), I love flowers very much. This time, I was happy to be able to hold flowers during the shoot. Photos are also used in the photobook included in the first-press limited edition, which has very rich content, and on the last page, there’s a handwritten message, so I hope you’ll receive it.

――Listening to you, it seems you communicate closely with the staff.

I’m not very good at expressing my thoughts, but I know that keeping to myself won’t work, and I have to carve my way forward, so I try to convey my hopes and requests as much as possible. The staff accepts them, considers them, and even gives advice, so I’m very grateful.

――What are your goals as an artist going forward?

First, I want to keep singing. And, I want to stand on big stages. Because when I decided to become a singer at age seven, the image of artists singing was from TV. And those were in large venues like Nippon Budokan or Tokyo Dome. That was the start of aiming to be a singer, so I have a strong desire to deliver songs to as many people as possible. Even if I’m not good with words, I can convey feelings through singing, and I feel most alive on stage. From now on, I want to sing various genres of songs and write lyrics, but first, I hope to be known by many people and continue singing.

――Finally, a message for the readers.

This single has become one where everything—my feelings, the songs, and the environment—is new. I’ve been helped by music many times, and I believe music can be people’s hope and support, so I want to continue carving out new worlds. I have live shows scheduled for December, February 2026, and April, so for those who have supported me so far, I want to show an upgraded version of myself. For those who got to know me through “Reincarnation,” I’ll make it a live show you’ll be glad you came to, so I’d be happy if you could come visit.

Profile

Kaya – Born April 26. From Yamanashi Prefecture.
In her second year of high school, she appeared on ‘NHK “Nodojiman” Champion Tournament’ and won first place in TV Asahi’s ‘Ongaku Champ ~The Best Singer in Japan Decision Battle~’ the same year. She debuted in January 2022 with the single “Shiro no Ouji to Barairo no Watashi.” In ‘Uta Hime Dream,’ she plays the role of HiREN.

Information

A live show will be held at Tokyo’s Aoyama Tsukimiru Kimiomofu on February 14, 2026. For details on performances and ticket purchases, check the official website https://kaya.bitfan.id/.

“Reincarnation”
Now on Sale
Earth Star Entertainment

First Press Limited Edition: 2,420 yen (tax included)
Regular Edition: 1,870 yen (tax included)

The title track is the OP theme song for the TV anime ‘Mushoku no Eiyuu ~Betsu ni Sukiru Nanka Iranakattanda ga~.’ It’s a song with a speedy melody where Kaya’s expansive singing voice shines. The coupling tracks include “Sazanka,” the theme song for the full-voice visual novel app ‘Sengoku Komachi Kurou Tan Katariemaki,’ and “Sayonaka no Rondo.”

– Megami Magazine Editorial Department

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