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Returning to Malaysia for her first solo show in years, the Japanese star reflects on 15 years of connection through music
Malaysia’s anime community turned out in full force last Sunday as Japanese singer LiSA brought her LiVE is Smile Always tour to Mega Star Arena. Celebrating 15 years since her solo debut, the concert was more than just another tour stop – it was a long-awaited reunion between the artiste and her Malaysian fans.
The excitement was palpable even before the show began. Fans arrived in cosplay, sporting custom LiSA merchandise and waving glow sticks as they filled the venue with anticipation. For many, this marked a special occasion. She had not performed a solo concert in Malaysia since her appearance at Penang Anime Matsuri in 2016.
Speaking to theSun after the show, LiSA shared revisiting Malaysia was an important part of her anniversary tour.
“Since this is my 15th anniversary tour, I wanted to visit places and meet people that I had not been able to during my previous solo concerts. That is why I decided to bring my concert back here again,” she said.
Anime anthems and unforgettable moments
From the moment the lights dimmed and the opening notes rang out, the atmosphere shifted into overdrive. LiSA commanded the stage with the boundless energy that has become synonymous with her performances, moving effortlessly between high-octane rock anthems and emotional fan favourites.
The setlist served as a celebration of her career, featuring beloved tracks such as Crossing Field from Sword Art Online and Gurenge from Demon Slayer – songs that have become defining anthems within anime culture and helped establish LiSA as one of the most recognisable voices in anime songs.
One of the evening’s most memorable moments came during Crossing Field. As LiSA prepared to sing the opening lines, the audience’s voices rose above hers, transforming the arena into a massive singalong.
“There is a song called Crossing Field, which was the third song in the set. During the first part of the song, when I tried to sing, the audience was singing louder than me. So I just ‘passed’ the microphone to the audience and let them sing. It was a very memorable moment,” she recalled.
The connection between LiSA and her fans was evident throughout the night. Reflecting on her previous visit to Malaysia, she noted just how much the local fanbase had grown.
“The obvious difference between 2016 and Sunday was that the heat from the crowd was much bigger this time,” she said.
Living by Yokattane
Beyond the music, LiSA also shared the philosophy that continues to guide her career. At the heart of it is the phrase yokattane, which roughly translates to “it was great”.
“I want people to remember the day and feel that the best moment of that day was being at my concert. When they go home and think back before they sleep, I want them to feel, ‘Today was another great day.’ That is the message I want people to take from my concert,” she said.
That sense of positivity has become a defining characteristic of LiSA, on and off stage. When asked what makes LiSA, LiSA, her answer was simple.
“Energy. That is what defines me. I want to tell myself 15 years from now to keep going. The energy I bring to the crowd when I perform is what defines me,” she said.
Finding connection through music
While her career has taken her around the world, LiSA said one thing remains unchanged: Her desire to continue connecting with new people through music.
“I would like to meet a lot of people that I have not met yet,” she said.
The singer also reflected on the impact of songs such as Crossing Field and Gurenge, admitting she never expected them to resonate so deeply with audiences around the world.
“When I wrote those songs, I did not think they would be loved by so many people,” she said.
For LiSA, creating anime songs involves striking a delicate balance between serving the story and expressing her own artistic voice.
“For Sword Art Online, I try my best to convey the true feelings of the title. I try to find a spot where I can express what is special about the anime while also making it a good LiSA song. I always try to find that sweet spot for both,” she explained.
Looking ahead
As the conversation came to a close, LiSA shared one lighthearted goal for the future.
“Something I am looking forward to is being able to wear my swimsuit and go swimming. I have not worn a swimsuit yet on this trip, so next time I want to wear one,” she laughed.
If Sunday’s concert proved anything, it is that LiSA’s passion for performing remains as strong as ever. Fifteen years into her career, she continues to transform concerts into celebrations, bringing together fans through music, shared memories and an infectious sense of joy.
For one night in Kuala Lumpur, LiSA delivered exactly what her fans had been waiting for: A homecoming filled with energy, nostalgia and a reminder that every day can indeed be a great day.
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