Japanese rock icon and anime theme queen LiSA delivered an unforgettable night of adrenaline, emotion, and celebration at the YouTube Theater in Los Angeles on June 24. Backed by a setlist packed with beloved anime hits and high-energy bangers, the concert not only showcased LiSA’s powerhouse vocals and boundless charisma, but also turned into a surprise birthday bash that left fans grinning ear to ear.
LiSA Opening with Legends: Fate, Sword Art Online, and My Hero
From the very first note of “Oath Sign” (Fate/Zero), the crowd knew they were in for something special. LiSA followed up with “Catch the Moment” (Sword Art Online) and “Datte Atashi no Hero” (My Hero Academia), igniting wave after wave of nostalgia among her devoted anime-loving fans.
Beaming as she introduced herself, LiSA shared that it was her second time performing in LA and that she was “so happy to see everyone.” Wasting no time, she divided the crowd into two teams and led them through a fun light stick rhythm battle, transforming the theater into a pulsing ocean of coordinated color.
Fan Battles, Stage Surprises, and Dance Breaks
The set took a playful turn with “Wild Candy” and the infectious “Make a Miracle”, where LiSA had the entire crowd crouch down before jumping in unison—pure joy in motion. Team B appeared to win the round, and as a reward, she scouted the crowd for a lucky fan to join her on stage.
During “GL” (Back Arrow), a thrilled fan got their moment in the spotlight, joining LiSA for a celebratory jam. The energy never dipped, even through the harder-hitting “Red Zone,” before LiSA slipped into a dramatic on-stage costume change, complete with an umbrella for theatrical flair.
From Fiery to Fragile: A Moment for Ballads
The mood turned contemplative with a stunning trio: “Akeboshi” and “Homura” (Demon Slayer), and “Unlasting” (Sword Art Online). These emotionally rich performances gave fans a moment to breathe, sway, and soak in the depth of LiSA’s artistry. She thanked the crowd for loving Japanese anime and music so passionately, then changed costumes once more before launching into the night’s final sprint.
Full Throttle to LiSA Finale
The second half of the set was a turbo-charged mix of anime blockbusters and new hits: “Isseino Kassai,” “Queen” (Shangri-La Frontier), “REALiZE”” (Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Japan release), “ReawakeR” (Solo Leveling), and “Adamas” (Sword Art Online). Each track hit with renewed vigor, and by the time she launched into the explosive “Gurenge” (Demon Slayer), the crowd was electrified.
She bid farewell with that as her “last song”—but of course, the fans weren’t ready to let go.
Encore: Birthday Wishes and One Final Song
LiSA returned in a tour T-shirt, joking that she only came back because the audience yelled loud enough. But then, she needed more energy, dramatically laying down on stage until the screams reached her standards. It was pure LiSA—cheeky, chaotic, and beloved.
After introducing her band, a surprise erupted: the entire audience broke into a rendition of “Happy Birthday,” and her team brought out Sprinkles cupcakes, her favorite. As she laughed and munched onstage, the screen behind her flashed with birthday messages. She snapped a photo with the crowd, capturing the perfect, chaotic joy of the moment.
The encore featured her iconic “Crossing Field” (Sword Art Online), the song that launched her into global stardom, and the uplifting “Best Day, Best Way” to close the night with a final note of hope, warmth, and gratitude.
From lightstick battles to vulnerable ballads and birthday cupcakes, LiSA gave her all—and LA gave it right back. It was, quite literally, the best day, best way to experience LiSA.
Photo Credit: LiSA_OLiVE on X
