Every LiSA Anime Opening
Japanese singer LiSA has built a strong global fanbase through powerful anime openings. This article explores every LiSA anime opening used in a TV series.
All Lisa Anime Openings*
*Note: This article specifically covers songs designated as anime openings for TV anime series, beginning when LiSA launched her solo career in 2011. Songs are ordered by the newest release date.
Who is LiSA?
LiSA, born Risa Oribe, is a Japanese singer and songwriter from Gifu prefecture.
She first gained popularity in 2010, as the singing voice for the in-show band Girls Dead Monster in the anime Angel Beats!. The following year, she made her solo artist debut with the artist name LiSA.
Since then, LiSA has become a household name through her chart-topping musical contributions to popular anime series. With uplifting songs and powerful vocals, she continues to captivate listeners within and beyond the anime music scene. She lives by her motto, “Today is another great day” (今日もいい日だっ。).
LiSA’s achievements extend internationally, as her hit songs have made her one of the most listened-to Japanese artists outside the country. On Spotify, she also became the first Japanese artist to surpass 3 million monthly listeners and the fourth to exceed 1 billion streams.
Through these accomplishments and more, LiSA has become a major icon in the industry, inspiring fans worldwide.
ReawakeR (feat. Felix of Stray Kids) – From Solo Leveling
“ReawakeR (feat. Felix of Stray Kids)” is the opening theme for Solo Leveling Season 2 -Arise from the Shadows- and was digitally released on January 5, 2025.
Featuring a powerhouse collaboration between LiSA and Felix from Stray Kids, the song is composed by Hiroyuki Sawano.
In their official comments, LiSA shares that “ReawakeR” is about “the determination to carve out the destiny given to those who have been reborn. Felix describes the track as energetic, saying it offers “a dopamine release when you listen.”
LiSA further highlights the song’s cool and danceable energy in a video message, describing its ability to awaken something dormant within—”to let it bloom and release.” She emphasizes, “It’s a song with that kind of power.”
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QUEEN – From Shangri-La Frontier
“QUEEN” is the first opening theme for the second season of Shangri-La Frontier. This LiSA anime opening was released on October 13, 2024.
In her official comment, LiSA reflects on the unshakable resolve of the characters in the series, who clear one stage after another in their journey to the top. She describes “QUEEN” as an anthem for all of us, who fight through “the stages of life” as we strive for happiness.
Black Box – From Nier: Automata Ver1.1a
“Black Box” is the second opening theme (OP) for the anime adaptation of Nier: Automata Ver1.1a. This LiSA anime opening was created by Hiromu Akita of the Japanese rock band, Amazarashi.
In her official comment, LiSA expressed her anticipation and joy when hearing about the anime adaptation, as it is a work that she loves. She states, “I sang with my heart overlapping their pure and truly beautiful emotions, to the point where I felt a tightness in my chest.” She hopes viewers will stay with their story to the very end, together with this song.
Additionally, amazarashi’s Akita praised LiSA’s vocals in his official comment, sharing “With LiSA’s singing voice, I believe the emotions and sentiments of the merciless world seen by 2B can be expressed with more vividness.”
Shouted Serenade – From The Irregular at Magic High School
“Shouted Serenade” is the opening theme for the third season of The Irregular at Magic High School. Released in May 2024, this LiSA anime opening marks a decade since “Rising Hope,” her first collaboration with the TV anime series.
In her official comment, LiSA reflected on her journey over the past decade, reflecting on how 10 years have passed since “Rising Hope.” She shares, “Tightly holding on to the dream I swore back then while making it come true little by little, both [the characters] and I have become a bit more grown up as the 3rd season begins.”
LiSA describes “Shouted Serenade” as a song of shouting out, and hopes that viewers enjoy the song alongside the series.
Akeboshi – From Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
“Akeboshi” (明け星), is used for the first part of the second season, or the Mugen Train arc of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.
Note: This TV anime series is a 7-episode recompilation of the hit movie, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train.
Released in November 2021, this song marks a continuation of her previous hits like “Gurenge” and “Homura,” (the theme song of the Mugen Train movie), maintaining the high energy of these long-standing hits.
In an interview, LiSA shared immense praise for renowned composer Yuki Kajiura, who previously worked with her on “Homura.”
LiSA shares, “When I received the completed “Akeboshi”, I was very surprised. The guitar riff at the beginning sounded like a train running, and the chorus had a floating sound like being in a dream…I thought, ‘Kajiura-san came with all her might’ for ‘Akeboshi.’”
In LiSA’s official comment, she shares, “Yuki Kajiura has entrusted me with the blade to protect what is important.” Indeed, “Akeboshi” is another fitting addition to the iconic saga.
With “Akeboshi,” LiSA makes another powerful return to the Demon Slayer universe (be sure to check out some of LiSA’s other Demon Slayer anime openings below).
dawn – From BACK ARROW
“dawn” is the first OP for the anime BACK ARROW. Released in January 2021, this LiSA anime opening encapsulates the journey—and hope—toward a brighter time to come.
In her official comment, LiSA shares her hope for the song, stating, “May both the characters and us move forward towards a new, radiant ‘dawn,’ believing in ourselves as we move towards any future.”
Gurenge- From Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
“Gurenge” (紅蓮華) is the opening theme song for the first season of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. This popular LiSA anime opening was released in April 2019.
In her official comment, LiSA expressed her admiration for the main character, Tanjiro Kamado. She shares, “I sang the song with great courage from the sight of Tanjiro strongly living while wishing for hope for the future, no matter what tragedies befall him.”
She shared her excitement for Demon Slayer being brought to life in the anime adaptation, adding, “I would be delighted if you enjoy the theme song alongside the story.”
Gurenge’s Global Success
The immense success of “Gurenge” is undeniable. On the Oricon music rankings, this iconic LiSA anime opening became the third song in history, and the first by a female artist, to surpass 1 million digital downloads.
On Oricon’s streaming charts, “Gurenge” propelled LiSA to become the second female artist to exceed 100 million streams. The song has also been certified Million in paid streaming downloads by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ).
Internationally, its impact is even more impressive. On Spotify, “Gurenge” became the most-played song by a Japanese artist overseas in 2020. This success also helped LiSA become the most listened-to Japanese artist overseas in 2020 (a jump from fourth place the prior year.)
The long-standing success of this LiSA anime opening continues to be apparent. Over five years since its release, the song continues to chart on Billboard JAPAN’s Global Japan Songs Excl. Japan, which ranks the top Japanese songs based on streaming and sales from more than 200 overseas countries/territories.
“Gurenge” has maintained its record-breaking presence on this chart since its inception, solidifying its status as one of Japan’s most popular hits overseas.
Check out LiSA’s performance of “Gurenge” on the popular YouTube Channel, THE FIRST TAKE.
ADAMAS – From Sword Art Online Alicization
“ADAMAS” is the first anime OP for Sword Art Online Alicization, season three of the Sword Art Online series. Released in December 2018, this LiSA anime opening song is powerful and energetic, capturing the intensity of the Alicization arc.
In her official comment, LiSA expressed her happiness about being part of the new Sword Art Online series. She states, “I hope ‘ADAMAS’ will shine as a song for a story that cannot be conquered by anyone.”
The song’s title comes from the Ancient Greek term for “indestructible,” and is also the origin of the word “diamond.”
ASH – From Fate/Apocrypha
“ASH” is the second anime opening theme song for Fate/Apocrypha. This LiSA anime opening was first released digitally in October 2017, with a CD release in November 2017.
In her official comment, LiSA expressed her joy about being involved with the Fate series again, as her first anime collaboration was for Fate/Zero with the song “oath sign” six years prior.
LiSA describes “ASH” as a song about determination; she explains, “‘ASH’ is about the resolve to carry out one’s thoughts and wishes.”
She hopes everyone enjoys the song, along with the story of the Holy Grail War.
Brave Freak Out – From Qualidea Code
“Brave Freak Out” is the opening theme song for the anime Qualidea Code. Released in August 2016, this LiSA anime opening delivers a powerful and energetic vibe that matches the intensity of the series.
In her post about the song on LiSA’s official blog, LiSA explained the meaning behind the song’s title as “a brave, crazy person.” She emphasizes, “Even if you’re called strange, uncool, or wrong, only you can turn someone’s mistake into a correct answer.”
Regarding the song, LiSA also spoke to her personal experience; while she can’t irresponsibly say that dreams will come true and that hard times are only temporary, she believes that staying true to one’s beliefs and persevering can gradually lead to recognition.
AxxxiS – From Qualidea Code
“AxxxiS” is the second anime OP for Qualidea Code. This LiSA anime opening replaces the above-mentioned “Brave Freak Out,” beginning from episode 9. This song was released in August 2016, as a part of the “Brave Freak Out” single.
In an interview, “AxxxiS” was discussed as having a similar style and energy to “Brave Freak Out.” The song’s theme is about staying true to oneself and not being swayed by the noise of others’ reasons or common sense.
In her blog post, LiSA praised the individuals who created the song, highlighting the catchy melody, cool arrangement, and beautifully crafted lyrics. She writes, “I am moved by no matter how many times I sing [the song].” Each of these pieces blends to create a powerful track.
Rally Go Round – From Nisekoi: False Love
“Rally Go Round” is the opening theme song for season 2 of the anime Nisekoi: False Love This LiSA anime opening was released in May 2015.
In an interview, LiSA expressed her excitement about working on a song for Nisekoi, as she had been a fan of the original series before the offer came in.
LiSA describes “Rally Go Round” as an encouraging anthem. She shared an imaginative vision of playful angels and devils, putting mischief on our fates: “It’s a song that cheers you on, saying ‘Don’t lose to those mischievous [beings]!’”
Rising Hope – From The Irregular at Magic High School
“Rising Hope” is the first anime opening theme song for The Irregular at Magic High School. This LiSA anime opening was the first time LiSA had written lyrics for an anime song.
Released in May 2014, this LiSA anime opening delves into themes of inferiority and frustration while carrying a belief in the future and one another.
In an interview, LiSA shared her appreciation of how closely the song matched her music style. She commented, “’ Rising Hope’ is a full-on LiSA song, but it also perfectly expresses the world of the anime, which is a miraculous match. It fits both perfectly, but I think it is a song with no compromises.”
träumerei – From Day Break Illusion
“träumerei” is the opening theme song for the anime Day Break Illusion. Released in August 2013, the title of this LiSA anime opening comes from the German word for “dreaming”–mirroring the song’s introspective and motivational nature.
In an interview, LiSA explains that “träumerei is about the hidden strength within oneself and how to live while confronting fate facing.” She shares her hope that the song becomes one of encouragement to everyone.
In her official comment, LiSA shared that she sang ‘träumerei’ while deeply feeling the loneliness and struggles each character carries in the story. She comments, “I will do my best to make this song one of the reasons why people love the [anime] even more, and one of the reasons why viewers can look forward to it every week.”
crossing field – From Sword Art Online
“crossing field” is the first anime OP for Sword Art Online, specifically for the Aincrad arc in Season 1. Released in August 2012, this LiSA anime opening song is known for its intensity, a reflection of the battles in the storyline.
In an interview, LiSA shares that “crossing field” revolves around themes of “belief” and “trust.” She shares, “In ‘Sword Art Online’, characters form parties and make friends in the game, fighting while trusting each other. In the real world, I believe in my fans who also believe in me.”
oath sign – From Fate/Zero
“oath sign” is the first anime opening theme song for the critically acclaimed series Fate/Zero. Released in November 2011, this song marks a significant milestone as the first LiSA anime opening in a TV series.
In an interview, LiSA shared her honest thoughts on the song, stating, “I think there are many people who would suit this song better than me. But I hope that by singing such a song myself, it will create a good chemical reaction that’s never been seen before.”
She further elaborated on the characters who are desperately fighting to win the war, describing the anxieties and doubts that are born as they move towards a single goal. She adds, “I hope this song can inspire listeners to believe in their ‘now.'”
For LiSA, recording for “oath sign” took twice as long as prior songs, describing the process as a new challenge. The hard work paid off; she shares, “In the end, I was able to create something satisfying, while properly visualizing the anime’s images and putting my feelings into it.”
LiSA Anime Openings Playlist
Listen to the LiSA anime openings mentioned above in the Spotify playlist below:
Follow LiSA
Follow LiSA’s incredible journey (and check out any upcoming LiSA anime openings) through the links below:
Official Website:
Social Media Links:
Check out other anime song lists and articles on utatune.
