[【My Buddy 996] The New Balance 996: A Trusted Companion for Every Day. Soya Kaya (Comedian) from Kagaya

New Balance has produced many iconic models, but among them, the “996” stands out as a perennial favorite. Since its debut in 1988 as the third generation of the 900 series, it has continued to be loved across generations thanks to its timeless design and cutting-edge comfort, becoming a staple in people’s daily lives. ABC-MART is running a series titled “My Buddy 996” that explores the lives of enthusiasts, and as a spin-off of that series, Fuinam is alsoYatarō Matsuura from the previous episodeFollowing up on that, this time we spoke with Soya Kaya of the comedy duo “Kagaya.” He shares the pleasant moments found in the unassuming routines of daily life—moments that resonate with the “996” concept.
ABC-MART Special Feature Page “My Buddy 996”

• Photo_Kanta Nakamura
• Movie_Kanta Nakamura & Ryo Oguma
• Styling by Akari Takagishi
• Hair & Makeup: Kaco (ADDICT_CASE)
• Text_Shogo Komatsu
• Edit_Kazuki Sakaguchi

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A special time to refresh your mind.

—First, let’s talk about New Balance. I hear you usually wear the “990v6.”

Kaya:I go for walks a lot, and when I do, I wear my New Balance “990v6.” Actually, it’s not just for walks—I wear them every day. Before that, I used to wear the “990v4.”

—I see. What led you to buy the “990v4”?

Kaya:The first pair of nice shoes I bought after I started getting paid as a comedian were the “990v4.” They were so comfortable that I loved them and wore them until they were completely worn out. When Mr. Kishi from “Kishitaka” noticed this, he gave me a pair of “990v6” as a birthday present.

—You were just looking at the sneakers your junior was wearing, and then you decided to give them to him as a gift—that’s so thoughtful.

Kaya:It went from a pair I bought myself—one that held special memories—to a pair that a fellow comedian gave me as a gift.

—That’s a really great story. Is the “990v4” your first pair of New Balance?

Kaya:That’s right. I was seriously surprised at how comfortable New Balance shoes are to walk in. I thought, “No wonder everyone wears these!” and I’m really glad I bought them. Comedians actually walk a lot—from one live show venue to another, and we travel to other regions quite often, too. Ever since I started wearing New Balance, I’ve been getting more excited about traveling.

—I imagine you’re very busy these days, but even so, are there any seemingly ordinary moments in your daily life that you cherish?

Kaya:My daily schedule is pretty irregular because of recordings and interviews. But I want to live a regular life, so I wake up a little earlier—around 7:00 a.m.—and go for a walk to the convenience store to buy coffee. Then, on the way back, I take my time and sometimes even take a detour. I really love that time of day.

—I had this preconceived notion that comedians sleep until around noon if they don’t have work.

Kaya:I used to sleep a ton. But once I turned 30, I couldn’t sleep that much anymore (laughs). Once I started waking up early, I realized how wonderful that time of day feels. It’s like a cleansing experience. It really feels like I’m spending some special time, doesn’t it?

—For example, if you start work at noon, what do you do when you get home?

Kaya:Like making breakfast. I started cooking for myself because I wanted to live a healthier lifestyle. For example, I make a huge serving of peperoncino. I realized that using fresh garlic makes a world of difference in the flavor. It’s so much fun to discover little differences like that in my daily life.

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Every day, I carefully tackle each task one by one.

—Getting up early and cooking your own meals. What led you to start living that kind of life?

Kaya:Moving was a big factor. I really wanted a fresh start.

—It sounds like your mental health is improving, too.

Kaya:Every day, I feel like my mind gets reset. Just by getting up early, I feel like I’m really putting in the effort, and I think I might even like the sense of superiority that comes from getting a head start on the day compared to others. Sometimes I come back from the convenience store and end up falling back asleep, but that’s fine too. I’m able to enjoy my days in a good mood.

—Is there anything else you do to make sure you have a comfortable daily life?

Kaya:I wonder... Maybe it's about praising myself. I say things out loud like, "You're so great for taking a bath even though you're tired today," "You're amazing for mustering up the energy to run the washing machine," or "Ah, you're sooo great. You're really great" (laughs).

—I wouldn’t want anyone to see me doing that (laughs). But it seems like it could boost my self-esteem.

Kaya:That's right. Since I moved, I might have started talking to myself more (lol). Also, since moving, I've started taking evening walks, and even though it's nothing special, I really enjoy that time.

—Is there a difference between morning and evening walks?

Kaya:At night, I just walk without thinking about anything. I want to work up a sweat. I might even go for a little run. It makes me super happy when sweat’s pouring off me. And since I have to take a bath after working up a sweat, I praise myself like a local old lady would, saying, “Good job! Take a bath—you’re really doing great!” (laughs). Then I sleep soundly. It feels so good to keep up that kind of daily routine, doesn’t it?

—〈New Balance〉 places great importance on craftsmanship in its manufacturing. What does craftsmanship mean to you, Mr. Kaya?

Kaya:I've never really thought about it... If I had to say, maybe it's attention to detail? We mainly do comedy sketches, but before our solo live shows—which we put a lot of effort into—we've made it a point to always do vocal warm-ups. Since last year, I've become more conscious of taking care with every little detail.

—You’ve come to value the basics.

Kaya:I think the most important thing is that doing it builds your confidence. Actually, soccer player Kamata said this (laughs). But since I was thinking the same thing, I just had to say it.

—Ms. Kaya posts comics on her Instagram and also has a serialized series on “Commune H,” a members-only community on Fuinam. Your work focuses on the casual moments of daily life—what kind of perspective do you bring to your daily life?

Kaya:It’s not that I’m constantly thinking about it—I just reflect on my daily life when I’m drawing. I like to draw the things everyone thinks but doesn’t say out loud, or those moments that just feel good. For example, during the 15-minute walk home from the station, even if I’m thirsty, I hold off. I’ll stop at a convenience store along the way to buy a Coke and some ice, but I don’t drink it right there—I hold off even longer. In fact, I’ll even take a detour on my way home to make myself want it even more. Then, once I get home, I crack it open. That’s one of my little daily pleasures.

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I'm not looking for anything special.

—This time, we took the photos around Ueno. I hear you have a special connection to this area.

Kaya:When I first moved to Tokyo, I lived there with my younger brother, and it’s still one of my favorite places. I used to visit Ueno Park with my family when I was a kid—we’d go to the zoo and the Science Museum. That’s why, when it came time to live with my brother, I naturally chose the Ueno area.

—It’s a great area, isn’t it? It even has “Yanesen,” which is the nickname for Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi.

Kaya:It's just the right place for a walk. There are lots of really cheap bento shops and small independent stores, so it's fun to walk around.

—The theme this time is “My Buddy 996,” and when it comes to your buddy, Mr. Kaya, Mr. Kaga immediately comes to mind. What does Mr. Kaga mean to you?

Kaya:I wonder. We’re together every day, but we’re not siblings, and we’re not exactly in a romantic relationship either. Still, I think we’re more than just family. Since we met on the path I chose for myself, there’s definitely something special about it. There are skits that only Kaga can write, and I love performing them. Sure, there are tough times, and things that get on my nerves, but…

—What do you look for in a buddy?

Kaya:After all, it’s nice to feel comfortable with someone, isn’t it? With a buddy, you’re going to keep walking side by side, right? It’s not that I’m not really bothered by it or that I’m looking for something special. That kind of relationship is what I like.

—I think the “996” is exactly that kind of shoe. This time, we had you try on a new color.

Kaya:The design has a mature look, and the color scheme is cute, isn't it? It seems like it would go with any outfit. It has a sophisticated vibe, but also a sporty feel.

—It has a strong presence, but isn't too overpowering.

Kaya:Also, I personally love the “look closely” detail. Even the “996” has such meticulous craftsmanship when you look closely. I also love this warm, suede-like feel. It’s plump and has a stepped silhouette, and the heel is cute, too. The “N” design has a nice sheen to it, too. It looks like a matcha parfait—it looks so delicious!

—A woman from Hiroshima complimented me (lol). How do they feel?

Kaya:They fit really well—seriously. I actually thought they were custom-made. They fit perfectly. The cushioning is great, too. It just feels like I'm walking properly.

—On what kind of day do you feel like wearing the "996"?

Kaya:It’s not so much about the occasion—whenever I think, “Which shoes should I wear today?” I end up choosing these. Whether I’m going to work or hanging out with friends. Even when I’m going on a date and agonizing over what to wear, these are the ones that feel just right. You can wear them every day, right? Looking back, I think I’ll end up wearing them every day. That’s what the “996” is all about.

U996 5WP ¥ 16,940 (ABC-MART)