From Demon Slayer to the Minions, LiSA’s voice has reached audiences far beyond Japan. As she celebrates her 15th anniversary as a solo artist and embarks on her first European and UK tour, we had the opportunity to sit down with her in Paris to talk about her journey, the fans who sing her songs around the world, and what the next chapter of her career might hold.
Written by Lucie Gougeon
What does this tour mean to you?
This tour is being held to celebrate my 15th anniversary as an artist. It’s my first tour in Europe and the UK, and I’m really happy and proud to be here with you.
How do you see the way French audiences receive your music today?
I’m really looking forward to this first concert in France because I know that French audiences are amazing. Many Japanese artists have already performed in France, and I’ve heard about how passionate the French audience can be. I’m really looking forward to experiencing that audience for myself.
Actually, yesterday, I heard my songs playing in the streets of Paris, which really surprised me. So, I’m really looking forward to performing tomorrow and experiencing this concert with the French audience.
For your first time performing in France, tickets for the Zénith sold out very quickly. Does seeing such enthusiasm from the French audience make you want to come back more regularly, and perhaps even aim for a larger venue?
As I mentioned earlier, it was really a surprise to me that people knew me. Being able to perform at a venue like the Zénith is already a great honor, and I’m sure I’ll come back to France after tomorrow’s concert. I can already promise you that.
And with the French audience, if we can dream even bigger, I’d be more than happy to.
Throughout your career, what was the moment or experience that made you realize just how much your music resonated with a wider audience?
The COVID period was particularly memorable. That was when ‘Homura’ and ‘Gurenge’ were released, and a lot of people listened to them. Through videos and footage, I was able to see people all over the world singing these songs. That’s when I realized they had crossed borders, and I was really pleasantly surprised to discover those videos.
You recently celebrated 15 years as a solo artist. If you had to choose one word to sum up those 15 years, what would it be?
One word is difficult (laughs), but I would say “今日もいい日だっ (Kyō mo ii hi da)” – ‘Today’s another great day.’
Let me explain this phrase. It’s a kind of personal motto, and I tell myself this every day. Even if I have a bad day, I try to think positively, and at the end of the day, I want to be able to tell myself, ‘Today was a good day.’ And it’s this daily effort that brought me here to France after 15 years.
Your career now goes through several generations, many of whom discovered you through anime before exploring your discography. How do you see the evolution of your artistic identity beyond your connection to anime?
I’m really happy that I have so many people of all ages following me. My goal is to be able to keep singing for a very very long time with everyone, and through anime.
Since your debut, Japanese rock has gradually gained more visibility and found an increasingly international audience. How have you experienced this evolution, and what has stood out to you most about the way international audiences have embraced this music?
Japanese music is very easily accessible online today. People can search for and discover music through streaming platforms, social media, YouTube, and Spotify. I also discover many artists from different countries this way. The fact that people all over the world can listen to Japanese music online also allows me to find new inspiration, discover artists I love, and enrich my own vision of music.
Was there a before and after Demon Slayer?
I discovered that many people were singing my songs and posting their covers online rather than simply listening to them, and that made me very happy.
You’ve already lent your voice to the Minions. If you could lend your voice to an anime character, what kind of character would you like to interpret?
I’d love to sing with the Minions and do a collaboration with them. If there’s ever a female singer in the story, I’d love to voice her. Please!
What message would you like to share with the European audience who have waited so many years to see you?
Tomorrow, I’m going to give you all my energy and all the love I’ve built up over these 15 years of my career, so please look forward to it!
Thank you to LiSA and her team for having us at this press conference. Congratulations on an incredible European and UK tour, and thank you for sharing your music, energy, and passion with us.
We hope to see you back here again soon and hopefully welcome you to the US next!
Questions from medias: The A to the pop, BABA TND, Soul Stage Media, Konata Nekoyama, Bragi Media, JaME…
LiSA links
Photo gallery all rights reserved by Lucie Gougeon
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