Kaya (迦夜) is a Japanese visual kei musician, a vocalist of the electro/darkwave duo Schwarz Stein, and a former vocalist of the bands Meties and Isola under the alias of Hime. He is also known for his androgynous appearance.

Career

In 1997, Kaya debuted under the name Hime as a vocalist of the visual kei band Meties, before later joining Isola. When Isola disbanded in 2001, Kaya became the vocalist for the darkwave duo Schwarz Stein, produced by Mana and signed to his label Midi:Nette. He also has been a solo artist since 2006, and in 2008 he made a major solo debut with the single "Chocolat". Originally on Mana's record label, Midi:Nette, Kaya later signed to Next Music Inc., and the label's name was changed to Next Media Communications Inc. The label however went bankrupt in the summer of 2009 resulting in Kaya having to go back to an indie label. On July 13, 2016, he held a special 10th anniversary performance at Shinjuku ReNY, titled "The Birth of DIVA", with Kamijo as a special guest. Meties was revived for one-night only as part of the celebrations. In 2017 Schwarz Stein released a 15th anniversary album of their greatest hits.

Influences

Kaya covered Laputa's song "揺れながら… (Yurenagara...)" on the compilation album "CRUSH!-90’s V-Rock best hit cover songs-", and have had a friendly relationship with ex-members of Laputa.

Discography

Albums

Singles

with Node of Scherzo