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Hyperlinked Verbal and Taku Takahashi - other members of M-Flo referenced in page.
 
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{{Short description|Japanese musician (born 1974)}}
{{Japanese name|Narita}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2021}}

{{Distinguish|Lisa (Japanese musician, born 1987)|Lisa Komine}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
|image=M-flo-lisa-live-tokyorainbowpride-2019-4-28.jpg
|image= <!-- only free-content images are allowed for depicting living people – see [[WP:NONFREE]] --> | <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject_Musicians -->
| name = LISA
| name = Lisa
| native_name = 成田・エリザベス・サクラ
| native_name = 成田・エリザベス・サクラ
| native_name_lang = ja
| native_name_lang = ja
| birth_name = Elizabeth Sakura Narita<ref name="RealSound1">{{cite web|url=http://realsound.jp/2018/02/post-163757.html|title=m-flo LISA、不遇の時代を振り返る 「上手くいかなかった理由はきっと彼らに会うためだった」|publisher=realsound.jp|author=Kota Mukohara|language=Japanese|date=27 February 2018|access-date=23 July 2018}}</ref>
| birth_name = Elizabeth Sakura Narita
| image_size =
| image_size =
| alias =
| alias =
| birth_place = [[Tokyo]], [[Japan]]
| birth_place = [[Tokyo]], Japan
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1974|10|26}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1974|10|26|df=y}}
| occupation = {{flatlist|
| occupation = {{flatlist|
* Singer
* Singer
* songwriter
* producer}}
* producer}}
| module = {{Infobox musical_artist|embed=yes
| module = {{Infobox musical_artist|embed=yes
| background = solo_singer
| background = solo_singer
| genre = {{flatlist|
| genre = {{flatlist|
* [[Contemporary R&B]]
* [[J-pop]]
* [[Pop music|pop]]}}
* [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]]}}
| years_active = 1993–present
| years_active = 1993–present
| label = [[Rhythm Zone]]
| label = [[Rhythm Zone]]
| associated_acts = [[M-Flo]], [[Koda Kumi]], Ram Jam World, Home Grown, Los Kalibres
| associated_acts = [[M-Flo]], [[Koda Kumi]], Ram Jam World, Home Grown, Los Kalibres
| website = [http://www.avexnet.or.jp/lisa www.avexnet.or.jp/lisa]
| website = [https://avex.jp/lisa/ avex.jp/lisa]
| notable_instruments =
| notable_instruments =
}}}}
}}}}


{{nihongo|'''Elizabeth Sakura Narita'''|成田・エリザベス・サクラ|Narita Erizabesu Sakura}}<ref name="RealSound1">{{cite web | url=http://realsound.jp/2018/02/post-163757.html | title=m-flo LISA、不遇の時代を振り返る　「上手くいかなかった理由はきっと彼らに会うためだった」 |publisher=realsound.jp |author=Kota Mukohara | language=Japanese |date=February 27, 2018 | accessdate=July 23, 2018}}</ref> (born October 26, 1974 in Tokyo, Japan<ref name="CdJournalBio">{{cite web | url=https://artist.cdjournal.com/a/lisa/134722 | title=LISA（ex-m-flo） - CDJournal |publisher=CDJournal | language=Japanese | accessdate=July 15, 2018}}</ref>), better known by her stage name '''LISA''', is a Japanese singer, songwriter and producer. In 1998 she debuted as a member of the Japanese urban contemporary group [[M-Flo]] with Verbal and Taku Takahashi. In 2002 she left the band in order to pursue a solo project, and released seven albums as a soloist. In December 2017, she rejoined as a member of M-Flo.
{{nihongo|'''Elizabeth Sakura Narita'''|成田・エリザベス・サクラ|Narita Erizabesu Sakura|born 26 October 1974}},<ref name="CdJournalBio">{{cite web|url=https://artist.cdjournal.com/a/lisa/134722|title=LISA（ex-m-flo） - CDJournal|publisher=CDJournal|language=Japanese|access-date=15 July 2018}}</ref> better known by her stage name '''Lisa''' (stylized as '''LISA'''), is a Japanese singer, songwriter and producer. In 1998, she debuted as a member of the Japanese urban contemporary group [[M-Flo]] with [[Verbal (rapper)|Verbal]] and [[Taku Takahashi]]. In 2002, she left the band in order to pursue a solo project and released seven albums as a soloist. In December 2017, she rejoined as a member of M-Flo.


==Biography==
==Biography==
===Early life, M-Flo===
===Early life, M-Flo===
[[File:Seisen International School.JPG|thumb|left|Lisa was inspired to sing in the choir of [[Seisen International School]] (pictured).]]
⚫
Lisa was born in Tokyo in 1974,<ref name="CdJournalBio"/> to a Japanese father and Colombian mother.<ref name="JapanTimesLisa">{{cite web|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2002/06/12/music/message-in-a-pop-song/|title=Message in a pop song|work=The Japan Times|date=June 12, 2002|accessdate=April 23, 2017}}</ref> As a child, Lisa was often bullied due to her mixed race heritage, as mixed race children were still uncommon in the 1970s and 80s in Japan.<ref name="RealSound1"/> She attended two international schools in Tokyo: the [[Seisen International School]] and the [[American School in Japan]].<ref name="JapanTimesLisa"/> Lisa found solace in music in her school choir, which grew her interest in music and was often the only reason she would come to school.<ref name="ArtimageBio">{{cite web | url=http://www.artimage.co.jp/artists/lisa/biography.html | title=Biography |publisher=Artimage | language=Japanese | accessdate=July 15, 2018}}</ref><ref name="RealSound2">{{cite web | url=http://realsound.jp/2018/02/post-163757.html | title=m-flo LISA、不遇の時代を振り返る　「上手くいかなかった理由はきっと彼らに会うためだった」 |publisher=realsound.jp |author=Kota Mukohara | language=Japanese |date=February 27, 2018 | accessdate=July 23, 2018}}</ref>

⚫
Lisa was born in Tokyo on October 26, 1974,<ref name="CdJournalBio"/> to a Colombian mother and Japanese father.<ref name="JapanTimesLisa">{{cite web|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2002/06/12/music/message-in-a-pop-song/|title=Message in a pop song|work=The Japan Times|date=12 June 2002|access-date=23 April 2017}}</ref> As a child, Lisa was often bullied due to her mixed race heritage, as mixed race children were still uncommon in the 1970s and 80s in Japan.<ref name="RealSound1"/> She attended two international schools in Tokyo: the [[Seisen International School]] and the [[American School in Japan]].<ref name="JapanTimesLisa"/> Lisa found solace in music in her school choir, which grew her interest in music and was often the only reason she would come to school.<ref name="ArtimageBio">{{cite web | url=http://www.artimage.co.jp/artists/lisa/biography.html | title=Biography |publisher=Artimage | language=Japanese | access-date=15 July 2018}}</ref><ref name="RealSound2">{{cite web | url=http://realsound.jp/2018/02/post-163757.html | title=m-flo LISA、不遇の時代を振り返る 「上手くいかなかった理由はきっと彼らに会うためだった」 |publisher=realsound.jp |author=Kota Mukohara | language=Japanese |date=27 February 2018 | access-date=23 July 2018}}</ref>


At the age of 18, Lisa debuted as a singer,<ref name="ArtimageBio"/> with the single "Out of Cry" (1993) released through [[Tokuma Shoten|Tokuma Japan Communications]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://7net.omni7.jp/detail/1300216928 | title=OUT　OF　CRY |publisher=Seven Net Shopping | language=Japanese | accessdate=July 21, 2018}}</ref> In 1994, Lisa collaborated with former [[Mute Beat]] keyboardist and producer Hiroyuki Asamoto's project Ram Jam World under the moniker Chica Colombiana, releasing an album of Latin and reggae inspired music in Spanish, English and Japanese.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://columbia.jp/prod-info/CORR-10432/ | title=R.J.W meets CHICA COLOMBIANA / R.J.W meets CHICA COLOMBIANA |publisher=[[Nippon Columbia]] | language=Japanese | accessdate=July 21, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.yodobashi.com/product/100000009000754639/ | title=R.J.W meets CHICA COLOMBIANA |publisher=Yodobashi Camera | language=Japanese | accessdate=July 21, 2018}}</ref> Later in 1994, Lisa changed labels for her solo career to [[Kitty Films|Kitty Enterprises]] and released the single "Sea of the Stars", which was used as the third opening theme song for the anime ''[[Legend of the Galactic Heroes]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.suruga-ya.jp/product/detail/121014126001 | title=LISA / SEA OF THE STARS OVA「銀河英雄伝説」第三期OP |publisher=Suruga-ya | language=Japanese | accessdate=July 21, 2018}}</ref> Lisa continued to work with Ram Jam World,<ref name="ArtimageBio"/> including on their album ''Rough and Ready'' (1997),<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.kinokuniya.co.jp/f/dsg-10-4943674836628 | title=ｒａｍ　ｊａｍ　ｗｏｒｌｄ／ｒｏｕｇｈ　ａｎｄ　ｒｅａｄｙ |publisher=Kinokuniya | language=Japanese | accessdate=July 21, 2018}}</ref> and [[extended play]] ''Sekai'' (1998).<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.suruga-ya.jp/product/detail/220071892000 | title=ram jam world / 世界 |publisher=Suruga-ya | language=Japanese | accessdate=July 21, 2018}}</ref> Between 1993 and 1998, Lisa changed management companies and music labels 10 times, and found that the companies were more interested in providing her songs written by veteran songwriters than showing any interest in the music she wrote, which Lisa found disheartening.<ref name="RealSound2"/>
At the age of 18, Lisa debuted as a singer,<ref name="ArtimageBio"/> with the single "Out of Cry" (1993) released through [[Tokuma Shoten|Tokuma Japan Communications]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://7net.omni7.jp/detail/1300216928 | title=OUT OF CRY |publisher=Seven Net Shopping | language=Japanese | access-date=21 July 2018}}</ref> In 1994, Lisa collaborated with former [[Mute Beat]] keyboardist and producer Hiroyuki Asamoto's project Ram Jam World under the moniker Chica Colombiana, releasing an album of Latin and reggae inspired music in English, Spanish and Japanese.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://columbia.jp/prod-info/CORR-10432/ | title=R.J.W meets CHICA COLOMBIANA / R.J.W meets CHICA COLOMBIANA |publisher=[[Nippon Columbia]] | language=Japanese | access-date=21 July 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.yodobashi.com/product/100000009000754639/ | title=R.J.W meets CHICA COLOMBIANA |publisher=Yodobashi Camera | language=Japanese | access-date=21 July 2018}}</ref> Later in 1994, Lisa changed labels for her solo career to [[Universal Music Group|Kitty Enterprises]] and released the single "Sea of the Stars", which was used as the third opening theme song for the anime ''[[Legend of the Galactic Heroes]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.suruga-ya.jp/product/detail/121014126001 | title=LISA / SEA OF THE STARS OVA「銀河英雄伝説」第三期OP |publisher=Suruga-ya | language=Japanese | access-date=21 July 2018}}</ref> Lisa continued to work with Ram Jam World,<ref name="ArtimageBio"/> including on their album ''Rough and Ready'' (1997)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.kinokuniya.co.jp/f/dsg-10-4943674836628 | title=ram jam world/rough and ready |publisher=Kinokuniya | language=Japanese | access-date=21 July 2018}}</ref> and [[extended play]] ''Sekai'' (1998).<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.suruga-ya.jp/product/detail/220071892000 | title=ram jam world / 世界 |publisher=Suruga-ya | language=Japanese | access-date=21 July 2018}}</ref> Between 1993 and 1998, Lisa changed management companies and music labels 10 times, and found that the companies were more interested in providing her songs written by veteran songwriters than showing any interest in the music she wrote, which Lisa found disheartening.<ref name="RealSound2"/>


In 1998, Lisa began collaborating with [[Taku Takahashi]] and [[Verbal (rapper)|Verbal]], two former classmates of hers from high school. Takahashi and Verbal held dance parties, which Lisa used to attend and improvise vocals during Takahashi and Verbal's performances.<ref name="Metropolis">{{cite web|url=http://archive.metropolis.co.jp/tokyointerview/359/tokyointerviewinc.htm |title=Play that funky music |work=Metropolis Magazine|year=2001|accessdate=April 23, 2017}}</ref> In 1998, Takahashi began professionally working as a producer and a remixer, after being pushed towards making music by entering a TV music competition.<ref name="Metropolis"/> Takahashi's first project was to release a cover of [[Barbra Streisand]]'s "[[The Way We Were (song)|The Way We Were]]", featuring vocals by Ceybil Jeffries and Verbal.<ref name="M-FloBio">{{cite web | url=http://www.artimage.co.jp/artist/mflo/mflo_bio_e.htm | title=Biography |publisher=Artimage | language=Japanese |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20080916154715/http://www.artimage.co.jp/artist/mflo/mflo_bio_e.html |archivedate=September 16, 2008 | accessdate=July 17, 2018}}</ref> One of the group's early songs was "Been So Long", which included Lisa as a featured vocalist, was highly praised by Masaji Asakawa from the DJ group GTS, which lead to the formation of M-Flo as a three person group.<ref name="Musicman">{{cite web|url=http://www.musicman-net.com/relay/37/a_5.html|title=m-floとの出会い～been so longの奇跡|author=Musicman-NET|accessdate=2009-04-22|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090507162014/http://www.musicman-net.com/relay/37/a_5.html|archivedate=2009-05-07|df=}}</ref> "The Way We Were" was released as an independent single and sold out almost immediately.<ref name="Metropolis"/> Because of the strong response to the single, they asked Lisa if she wanted to join their project as a full-time member,<ref name="Metropolis"/> "Been So Long" was released as an independent single in December 1998. After promotion though radio stations such as [[J-Wave]], the single was even more successful,<ref name="Musicman"/> which lead to the band singing a contract with [[Avex Trax]], and in 1999 the group released their major label debut single ''The Tripod E.P.'' (featuring "Been So Long" as one of the single's A-sides). The single was a success, reaching number nine on the [[Oricon]] singles chart.<ref name="M-FloBio"/>
In 1998, Lisa began collaborating with [[Taku Takahashi]] and [[Verbal (rapper)|Verbal]], two former classmates of hers from high school. Takahashi and Verbal held dance parties, which Lisa used to attend and improvise vocals during Takahashi and Verbal's performances.<ref name="Metropolis">{{cite web|url=http://archive.metropolis.co.jp/tokyointerview/359/tokyointerviewinc.htm|title=Play that funky music|work=Metropolis Magazine|year=2001|access-date=23 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110515005622/http://archive.metropolis.co.jp/tokyointerview/359/tokyointerviewinc.htm|archive-date=15 May 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 1998, Takahashi began professionally working as a producer and a remixer, after being pushed towards making music by entering a TV music competition.<ref name="Metropolis"/> Takahashi's first project was to release a cover of [[Barbra Streisand]]'s "[[The Way We Were (song)|The Way We Were]]", featuring vocals by Ceybil Jeffries and Verbal.<ref name="M-FloBio">{{cite web | url=http://www.artimage.co.jp/artist/mflo/mflo_bio_e.htm | title=Biography |publisher=Artimage | language=Japanese |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080916154715/http://www.artimage.co.jp/artist/mflo/mflo_bio_e.html |archive-date=16 September 2008 | access-date=17 July 2018}}</ref> One of the group's early songs was "Been So Long", which included Lisa as a featured vocalist, was highly praised by Masaji Asakawa from the DJ group GTS, which lead to the formation of M-Flo as a three-person group.<ref name="Musicman">{{cite web|url=http://www.musicman-net.com/relay/37/a_5.html|title=m-floとの出会い～been so longの奇跡|author=Musicman-NET|access-date=22 April 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090507162014/http://www.musicman-net.com/relay/37/a_5.html|archive-date=7 May 2009}}</ref> "The Way We Were" was released as an independent single and sold out almost immediately.<ref name="Metropolis"/> Because of the strong response to the single, they asked Lisa if she wanted to join their project as a full-time member,<ref name="Metropolis"/> "Been So Long" was released as an independent single in December 1998. After promotion though radio stations such as [[J-Wave]], the single was even more successful,<ref name="Musicman"/> which lead to the band signing a contract with [[Avex Trax]], and in 1999 the group released their major label debut single ''The Tripod E.P.'' (featuring "Been So Long" as one of the single's A-sides). The single was a success, reaching number nine on the [[Oricon]] singles chart.<ref name="M-FloBio"/>


Between 1999 and 2001, the band saw great success with their albums ''[[Planet Shining]]'' (2000) and ''[[Expo Expo]]'' (2001) and singles such as "LOT (Love or Truth)" (1999) (the theme song of the [[Ai Kato]]-starring drama ''Best Friend''), "How You Like Me Now?" (2000) and "Come Again" (2001).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp:80/artists/27559/full/|title=m-flo profile|publisher=Oricon |accessdate=July 21, 2018 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20091031052257/http://www.oricon.co.jp:80/artists/27559/full/ |archivedate=October 31, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/27559/rank/single/ |title=m-floのランキング シングル売上ランキング|publisher=Oricon |accessdate=July 21, 2018}}</ref> Songs from the sessions of these albums featured vocals by Lisa on most songs, including three songs featuring Lisa alone without rap from Verbal ("Come Back to Me" (1999), "One Sugar Dream" (2000) and "Yours Only," (2001)).
Between 1999 and 2001, the band saw great success with their albums ''[[Planet Shining]]'' (2000) and ''[[Expo Expo]]'' (2001) and singles such as "LOT (Love or Truth)" (1999) (the theme song of the [[Ai Kato]]-starring drama ''Best Friend''), "How You Like Me Now?" (2000) and "Come Again" (2001).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp:80/artists/27559/full/ |title=m-flo profile |publisher=Oricon |access-date=21 July 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091031052257/http://www.oricon.co.jp/artists/27559/full/ |archive-date=31 October 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/27559/rank/single/ |title=m-floのランキング シングル売上ランキング|publisher=Oricon |access-date=21 July 2018}}</ref> Songs from the sessions of these albums featured vocals by Lisa on most songs, including three songs featuring Lisa alone without rap from Verbal ("Come Back to Me" (1999), "One Sugar Dream" (2000) and "Yours Only," (2001)).


===Solo debut===
===Solo debut===
[[File:Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra mg 6142.jpg|thumb|Lisa collaborated with [[Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra]] for her single "[[Babylon no Kiseki]]" (2003).]]


In January 2002, Lisa released her solo debut single "Move On", which reached number seven on [[Oricon]]'s single charts,<ref name="ArtimageBio"/> and is currently Lisa's most sold single.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/14529/rank/single/ |title=LISAのランキング シングル売上ランキング|publisher=Oricon |accessdate=July 21, 2018}}</ref> In April of the same year she announced that she was leaving M-Flo to focus on herself as an artist and as a singer-songwriter,<ref name="ArtimageBio"/> deciding to do this at the peak of M-Flo's popularity.<ref name="JapanTimesVerbal">{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2009/10/30/music/m-flos-verbal-spreads-the-love/ |title=m-flo’s Verbal spreads the love |work=The Japan Times |author=Poole, Robert Michael|date=October 30, 2009|accessdate=April 23, 2017}}</ref> In late May, Lisa released her first single away from M-Flo, "[[Babylon no Kiseki]]", a rock collaboration with [[Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra]].<ref name="JapanTimesLisa"/> In April of 2003, Lisa released her debut album ''[[Juicy Music]]'', which reached number five on Oricon's albums chart.<ref name="ArtimageBio"/> Between 2003 and 2004, Lisa wrote three songs for R&B singer [[Koda Kumi]]'s albums ''[[Grow into One]]'' (2003) and ''[[Feel My Mind]]'' (2004).<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.artimage.co.jp/artist/lisa/top.html | title=Works |publisher=Artimage | language=Japanese |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071120041058/http://www.artimage.co.jp/artist/lisa/top.html |archivedate=November 20, 2007 | accessdate=July 15, 2018}}</ref> Koda, alongside pop/rap group [[Heartsdales]], was also featured on Lisa's single "[[Switch (Lisa song)|Switch]]", which was the leading single from Lisa's second album ''[[Gratitude (Lisa album)|Gratitude]]'' (2004).
In January 2002, Lisa released her solo debut single "Move On", which reached number seven on [[Oricon]]'s single charts,<ref name="ArtimageBio"/> and is currently Lisa's most sold single.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/14529/rank/single/ |title=LISAのランキング シングル売上ランキング|publisher=Oricon |access-date=21 July 2018}}</ref> In April of the same year she announced that she was leaving M-Flo to focus on herself as an artist and as a singer-songwriter,<ref name="ArtimageBio"/> deciding to do this at the peak of M-Flo's popularity.<ref name="JapanTimesVerbal">{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2009/10/30/music/m-flos-verbal-spreads-the-love/ |title=m-flo's Verbal spreads the love |work=The Japan Times |author=Poole, Robert Michael|date=30 October 2009|access-date=23 April 2017}}</ref> In late May, Lisa released her first single away from M-Flo, "[[Babylon no Kiseki]]", a rock collaboration with [[Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra]].<ref name="JapanTimesLisa"/> In April 2003, Lisa released her debut album ''[[Juicy Music]]'', which reached number five on Oricon's albums chart.<ref name="ArtimageBio"/> Between 2003 and 2004, Lisa wrote three songs for R&B singer [[Koda Kumi]]'s albums ''[[Grow into One]]'' (2003) and ''[[Feel My Mind]]'' (2004).<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.artimage.co.jp/artist/lisa/top.html | title=Works |publisher=Artimage | language=Japanese |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071120041058/http://www.artimage.co.jp/artist/lisa/top.html |archive-date=20 November 2007 | access-date=15 July 2018}}</ref> Koda, alongside pop/rap group [[Heartsdales]], was also featured on Lisa's single "[[Switch (Lisa song)|Switch]]", which was the leading single from Lisa's second album ''[[Gratitude (Lisa album)|Gratitude]]'' (2004).


M-Flo's albums subsequent to Lisa's departure were inspired by American hip-hop group [[The Neptunes]]' method of collaborating with vocalists, while continuing to release music under their own name.<ref name="JapanTimesVerbal"/> Even after Lisa left the group, the trio remained friends, and in 2005 for the group's album ''[[Beat Space Nine]]'', Lisa returned to work with M-Flo on the song "Tripod Baby".<ref name="BS9Kansai">{{cite web|url=http://blog.kansai.com/buzzmusic/163 |title=m-floインタビュー |author=buzzmusic |publisher=Kansai.com.Inc. |date=December 7, 2005 |accessdate=July 23, 2018|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20060523220406/http://blog.kansai.com/buzzmusic/163 |archivedate=May 23, 2006}}</ref> Lisa agreed to sing on the album due to a gap in her schedule, and recorded the song together with Takahashi and Verbal in June 2005, two months before the album's release. For the song, Verbal stated that they had wanted to recapture the "groove" of working together as a three person band.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ent2.excite.co.jp/music/interview/2005/mflo/interview02.html |title=Interview with M-Flo |author=Koichi Kamiya |year=2005 |accessdate=July 21, 2018}}</ref>
M-Flo's albums subsequent to Lisa's departure were inspired by American hip-hop group [[The Neptunes]]' method of collaborating with vocalists, while continuing to release music under their own name.<ref name="JapanTimesVerbal"/> Even after Lisa left the group, the trio remained friends, and in 2005 for the group's album ''[[Beat Space Nine]]'', Lisa returned to work with M-Flo on the song "Tripod Baby".<ref name="BS9Kansai">{{cite web|url=http://blog.kansai.com/buzzmusic/163 |title=m-floインタビュー |author=buzzmusic |publisher=Kansai.com.Inc. |date=7 December 2005 |access-date=23 July 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060523220406/http://blog.kansai.com/buzzmusic/163 |archive-date=23 May 2006}}</ref> Lisa agreed to sing on the album due to a gap in her schedule, and recorded the song together with Takahashi and Verbal in June 2005, two months before the album's release. For the song, Verbal stated that they had wanted to recapture the "groove" of working together as a three-person band.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ent2.excite.co.jp/music/interview/2005/mflo/interview02.html |title=Interview with M-Flo |author=Koichi Kamiya |year=2005 |access-date=21 July 2018}}</ref>


In 2006, Lisa released an R&B concept album ''[[God Sista]]'' (2006), as well as her third original album ''[[Elizabeth (Lisa album)|Elizabeth]]'' (2006). Neither release charted in the top 40 in Japan.<ref name="OriconPositions">{{cite web | title=LISAの作品 |trans-title=LISA Products | url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/14529/products/ | work=[[Oricon]] | accessdate=July 7, 2018}}</ref> In 2007, Lisa's first greatest hits album ''Lisabest: Mission on Earth 9307'' reached number 28 - her first top 40 release since 2004.<ref name="OriconDatabase">{{cite web | title=オリコンランキング情報サービス「you大樹」 |trans-title=Oricon Ranking Information Service 'You Big Tree' | url=http://ranking.oricon.co.jp |at=LISA | work=[[Oricon]] |subscription=yes | accessdate=January 15, 2018}}</ref>
In 2006, Lisa released an R&B concept album ''[[God Sista]]'' (2006), as well as her third original album ''[[Elizabeth (Lisa album)|Elizabeth]]'' (2006). Neither release charted in the top 40 in Japan.<ref name="OriconPositions">{{cite web | title=LISAの作品 |trans-title=LISA Products | url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/14529/products/ | work=[[Oricon]] | access-date=7 July 2018}}</ref> In 2007, Lisa's first greatest hits album ''Lisabest: Mission on Earth 9307'' reached number 28 - her first top 40 release since 2004.<ref name="OriconDatabase">{{cite web | title=オリコンランキング情報サービス「you大樹」 |trans-title=Oricon Ranking Information Service 'You Big Tree' | url=http://ranking.oricon.co.jp |at=LISA | work=[[Oricon]] |url-access=subscription | access-date=15 January 2018}}</ref>


Between 2008 and 2009, Lisa released the ''luxury disco'' series: two [[extended play]]s and one studio album of primarily dance music, culminating in her fourth original album ''Disco Volante''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000055367&page=2 |title=LISA、ラグジュアリー・ディスコ・シリーズ完結編『Disco Volante』リリース大特集 |author=Mikiko Ohashi |date=November 24, 2009 |accessdate=July 23, 2018}}</ref> During this period, Lisa collaborated with the members of M-Flo often: "Bad Men!" (2008) and "Falling for You..." (2009) from the ''luxury disco'' series was co-written with M-Flo member, and Lisa featured on M-Flo's songs "Love Comes and Goes" from ''Award Supernova: Loves Best'' (2008) and "Sound Boy Thriller" from ''MF10: 10th Anniversary Best'' (2009). Lisa was a featured vocalist for a song the [[Ravex]] project (a dance music project collaboration between [[Shinichi Osawa]], [[Fantastic Plastic Machine (musician)|Tomoyuki Tanaka]] and Takahashi), and Lisa and Takahashi worked together co-writing music: "Sweet Rishi Boy" (2009) for rock musician [[Anna Tsuchiya]], and two songs from the 2010 anime ''[[Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt#Music|Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt]]'''s soundtrack.
Between 2008 and 2009, Lisa released the ''luxury disco'' series: two [[extended play]]s and one studio album of primarily dance music, culminating in her fourth original album ''[[Disco Volante (Lisa album)|Disco Volante]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000055367&page=2 |title=LISA、ラグジュアリー・ディスコ・シリーズ完結編『Disco Volante』リリース大特集 |author=Mikiko Ohashi |date=24 November 2009 |access-date=23 July 2018}}</ref> During this period, Lisa collaborated with the members of M-Flo often: "Bad Men!" (2008) and "Falling for You..." (2009) from the ''luxury disco'' series was co-written with M-Flo member, and Lisa featured on M-Flo's songs "Love Comes and Goes" from ''[[Award Supernova: Loves Best]]'' (2008) and "Sound Boy Thriller" from ''MF10: 10th Anniversary Best'' (2009). Lisa was a featured vocalist for a song the [[Ravex]] project (a dance music project collaboration between [[Shinichi Osawa]], [[Fantastic Plastic Machine (musician)|Tomoyuki Tanaka]] and Takahashi), and Lisa and Takahashi worked together co-writing music: "Sweet Rishi Boy" (2009) for rock musician [[Anna Tsuchiya]], and two songs from the 2010 anime ''[[Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt#Music|Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt]]'''s soundtrack.


In 2012, Lisa released her studio album ''Family'', which featured collaborations with Jamosa and [[Kotaro Oshio]], however the release did not chart in the top 300 albums.<ref name="LisaNews">{{cite web | url=http://www.artimage.co.jp/artists/lisa/news.html | title=LISAサイト終了のお知らせ |publisher=Artimage | language=Japanese | accessdate=July 15, 2018}}</ref><ref name="OriconPositions"/> After this album, Lisa's contract with her management Artimage expired.<ref name="LisaNews"/>
In 2012, Lisa released her studio album ''Family'', which featured collaborations with Jamosa and [[Kotaro Oshio]], however the release did not chart in the top 300 albums.<ref name="LisaNews">{{cite web | url=http://www.artimage.co.jp/artists/lisa/news.html | title=LISAサイト終了のお知らせ |publisher=Artimage | language=Japanese | access-date=15 July 2018}}</ref><ref name="OriconPositions"/> After this album, Lisa's contract with her management Artimage expired.<ref name="LisaNews"/>


===M-Flo revival===
===M-Flo revival===


In 2016, Lisa returned to music, collaborating with Taku Takahashi on several projects: ''Avex Nico presents Kid's Songs Vol. 1'', a Takahashi-produced album of children's songs sung in English, two songs co-written songs for the boyband [[NEWS (band)|NEWS]], and an appearance on the drama ''Hito wa Mitame ga 100 Percent'' original soundtrack. In 2016 and 2017, Lisa started performed concerts alongside Takahashi and Verbal. As they all enjoyed the experience, they decided to reunite as a three member band, and in March 2018 released "The Tripod EP 2".<ref name="AvexPortal">{{cite web | url=http://avexnet.jp/column/detail.php?id=1000213 | title=祝20周年 & LISA復帰! 新章を迎えた“m-flo”にインタビュー |publisher=Avex |author=Masaki Uchida | language=Japanese |date=February 28, 2018 | accessdate=July 23, 2018}}</ref>
In 2016, Lisa returned to music, collaborating with Taku Takahashi on several projects: ''Avex Nico presents Kid's Songs Vol. 1'', a Takahashi-produced album of children's songs sung in English, two songs co-written songs for the boyband [[NEWS (band)|NEWS]], and an appearance on the drama ''Hito wa Mitame ga 100 Percent'' original soundtrack. In 2016 and 2017, Lisa started performing concerts alongside Takahashi and Verbal. As they all enjoyed the experience, they decided to reunite as a three-member band, and in March 2018 released "The Tripod EP 2".<ref name="AvexPortal">{{cite web | url=http://avexnet.jp/column/detail.php?id=1000213 | title=祝20周年 & LISA復帰! 新章を迎えた"m-flo"にインタビュー |publisher=Avex |author=Masaki Uchida | language=Japanese |date=28 February 2018 | access-date=23 July 2018}}</ref>


==Artistry==
==Artistry==
Line 59: Line 64:


== Discography ==
== Discography ==
{{Main article|Lisa (Japanese musician, born 1974) discography}}{{see also|M-Flo discography|List of songs written by Lisa (Japanese musician, born 1974)}}
{{Main|Lisa (Japanese musician, born 1974) discography}}{{see also|M-Flo discography|List of songs written by Lisa (Japanese musician, born 1974)}}


*''[[Juicy Music]]'' (2003)
*''[[Juicy Music]]'' (2003)
Line 66: Line 71:
*''[[God Sista]]'' (2006)
*''[[God Sista]]'' (2006)
*''[[Elizabeth (Lisa album)|Elizabeth]]'' (2006)
*''[[Elizabeth (Lisa album)|Elizabeth]]'' (2006)
*''Disco Volante'' (2009)
*''[[Disco Volante (Lisa album)|Disco Volante]]'' (2009)
*''Family'' (2012)
*''Family'' (2012)


== References==
== References==
{{reflist}}
<references/>


== External links ==
== External links ==
Line 81: Line 86:
[[Category:1974 births]]
[[Category:1974 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Japanese female pop singers]]
[[Category:Japanese women pop singers]]
[[Category:Japanese people of Colombian descent]]
[[Category:Japanese people of Colombian descent]]
[[Category:Avex Group artists]]
[[Category:Avex Group artists]]
[[Category:M-Flo members]]
[[Category:M-Flo members]]
[[Category:Colombian people of Japanese descent]]
[[Category:Musicians from Setagaya]]
[[Category:Musicians from Setagaya]]
[[Category:American School in Japan alumni]]

Latest revision as of 19:23, 10 October 2024

Not to be confused with Lisa (Japanese musician, born 1987) or Lisa Komine.
Lisa
成田・エリザベス・サクラ
Born
Elizabeth Sakura Narita[1]

(1974-10-26) 26 October 1974 (age 50)
Tokyo, Japan
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • producer
Musical career
Genres
Years active1993–present
LabelsRhythm Zone
Websiteavex.jp/lisa

Elizabeth Sakura Narita (成田・エリザベス・サクラ, Narita Erizabesu Sakura, born 26 October 1974),[2] better known by her stage name Lisa (stylized as LISA), is a Japanese singer, songwriter and producer. In 1998, she debuted as a member of the Japanese urban contemporary group M-Flo with Verbal and Taku Takahashi. In 2002, she left the band in order to pursue a solo project and released seven albums as a soloist. In December 2017, she rejoined as a member of M-Flo.

Biography

[edit]

Early life, M-Flo

[edit]
Lisa was inspired to sing in the choir of Seisen International School (pictured).

Lisa was born in Tokyo on October 26, 1974,[2] to a Colombian mother and Japanese father.[3] As a child, Lisa was often bullied due to her mixed race heritage, as mixed race children were still uncommon in the 1970s and 80s in Japan.[1] She attended two international schools in Tokyo: the Seisen International School and the American School in Japan.[3] Lisa found solace in music in her school choir, which grew her interest in music and was often the only reason she would come to school.[4][5]

At the age of 18, Lisa debuted as a singer,[4] with the single "Out of Cry" (1993) released through Tokuma Japan Communications.[6] In 1994, Lisa collaborated with former Mute Beat keyboardist and producer Hiroyuki Asamoto's project Ram Jam World under the moniker Chica Colombiana, releasing an album of Latin and reggae inspired music in English, Spanish and Japanese.[7][8] Later in 1994, Lisa changed labels for her solo career to Kitty Enterprises and released the single "Sea of the Stars", which was used as the third opening theme song for the anime Legend of the Galactic Heroes.[9] Lisa continued to work with Ram Jam World,[4] including on their album Rough and Ready (1997)[10] and extended play Sekai (1998).[11] Between 1993 and 1998, Lisa changed management companies and music labels 10 times, and found that the companies were more interested in providing her songs written by veteran songwriters than showing any interest in the music she wrote, which Lisa found disheartening.[5]

In 1998, Lisa began collaborating with Taku Takahashi and Verbal, two former classmates of hers from high school. Takahashi and Verbal held dance parties, which Lisa used to attend and improvise vocals during Takahashi and Verbal's performances.[12] In 1998, Takahashi began professionally working as a producer and a remixer, after being pushed towards making music by entering a TV music competition.[12] Takahashi's first project was to release a cover of Barbra Streisand's "The Way We Were", featuring vocals by Ceybil Jeffries and Verbal.[13] One of the group's early songs was "Been So Long", which included Lisa as a featured vocalist, was highly praised by Masaji Asakawa from the DJ group GTS, which lead to the formation of M-Flo as a three-person group.[14] "The Way We Were" was released as an independent single and sold out almost immediately.[12] Because of the strong response to the single, they asked Lisa if she wanted to join their project as a full-time member,[12] "Been So Long" was released as an independent single in December 1998. After promotion though radio stations such as J-Wave, the single was even more successful,[14] which lead to the band signing a contract with Avex Trax, and in 1999 the group released their major label debut single The Tripod E.P. (featuring "Been So Long" as one of the single's A-sides). The single was a success, reaching number nine on the Oricon singles chart.[13]

Between 1999 and 2001, the band saw great success with their albums Planet Shining (2000) and Expo Expo (2001) and singles such as "LOT (Love or Truth)" (1999) (the theme song of the Ai Kato-starring drama Best Friend), "How You Like Me Now?" (2000) and "Come Again" (2001).[15][16] Songs from the sessions of these albums featured vocals by Lisa on most songs, including three songs featuring Lisa alone without rap from Verbal ("Come Back to Me" (1999), "One Sugar Dream" (2000) and "Yours Only," (2001)).

Solo debut

[edit]
Lisa collaborated with Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra for her single "Babylon no Kiseki" (2003).

In January 2002, Lisa released her solo debut single "Move On", which reached number seven on Oricon's single charts,[4] and is currently Lisa's most sold single.[17] In April of the same year she announced that she was leaving M-Flo to focus on herself as an artist and as a singer-songwriter,[4] deciding to do this at the peak of M-Flo's popularity.[18] In late May, Lisa released her first single away from M-Flo, "Babylon no Kiseki", a rock collaboration with Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra.[3] In April 2003, Lisa released her debut album Juicy Music, which reached number five on Oricon's albums chart.[4] Between 2003 and 2004, Lisa wrote three songs for R&B singer Koda Kumi's albums Grow into One (2003) and Feel My Mind (2004).[19] Koda, alongside pop/rap group Heartsdales, was also featured on Lisa's single "Switch", which was the leading single from Lisa's second album Gratitude (2004).

M-Flo's albums subsequent to Lisa's departure were inspired by American hip-hop group The Neptunes' method of collaborating with vocalists, while continuing to release music under their own name.[18] Even after Lisa left the group, the trio remained friends, and in 2005 for the group's album Beat Space Nine, Lisa returned to work with M-Flo on the song "Tripod Baby".[20] Lisa agreed to sing on the album due to a gap in her schedule, and recorded the song together with Takahashi and Verbal in June 2005, two months before the album's release. For the song, Verbal stated that they had wanted to recapture the "groove" of working together as a three-person band.[21]

In 2006, Lisa released an R&B concept album God Sista (2006), as well as her third original album Elizabeth (2006). Neither release charted in the top 40 in Japan.[22] In 2007, Lisa's first greatest hits album Lisabest: Mission on Earth 9307 reached number 28 - her first top 40 release since 2004.[23]

Between 2008 and 2009, Lisa released the luxury disco series: two extended plays and one studio album of primarily dance music, culminating in her fourth original album Disco Volante.[24] During this period, Lisa collaborated with the members of M-Flo often: "Bad Men!" (2008) and "Falling for You..." (2009) from the luxury disco series was co-written with M-Flo member, and Lisa featured on M-Flo's songs "Love Comes and Goes" from Award Supernova: Loves Best (2008) and "Sound Boy Thriller" from MF10: 10th Anniversary Best (2009). Lisa was a featured vocalist for a song the Ravex project (a dance music project collaboration between Shinichi Osawa, Tomoyuki Tanaka and Takahashi), and Lisa and Takahashi worked together co-writing music: "Sweet Rishi Boy" (2009) for rock musician Anna Tsuchiya, and two songs from the 2010 anime Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt's soundtrack.

In 2012, Lisa released her studio album Family, which featured collaborations with Jamosa and Kotaro Oshio, however the release did not chart in the top 300 albums.[25][22] After this album, Lisa's contract with her management Artimage expired.[25]

M-Flo revival

[edit]

In 2016, Lisa returned to music, collaborating with Taku Takahashi on several projects: Avex Nico presents Kid's Songs Vol. 1, a Takahashi-produced album of children's songs sung in English, two songs co-written songs for the boyband NEWS, and an appearance on the drama Hito wa Mitame ga 100 Percent original soundtrack. In 2016 and 2017, Lisa started performing concerts alongside Takahashi and Verbal. As they all enjoyed the experience, they decided to reunite as a three-member band, and in March 2018 released "The Tripod EP 2".[26]

Artistry

[edit]

Lisa considers Cyndi Lauper, Madonna and Whitney Houston her musical influences.[4] For her solo debut, Lisa was inspired by Madonna's focus on overseeing all aspects of music production.[3]

Discography

[edit]
Main article: Lisa (Japanese musician, born 1974) discography
See also: M-Flo discography and List of songs written by Lisa (Japanese musician, born 1974)

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Kota Mukohara (27 February 2018). "m-flo LISA、不遇の時代を振り返る 「上手くいかなかった理由はきっと彼らに会うためだった」" (in Japanese). realsound.jp. Retrieved 23 July 2018.
  2. ^ a b "LISA（ex-m-flo） - CDJournal" (in Japanese). CDJournal. Retrieved 15 July 2018.
  3. ^ a b c d "Message in a pop song". The Japan Times. 12 June 2002. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g "Biography" (in Japanese). Artimage. Retrieved 15 July 2018.
  5. ^ a b Kota Mukohara (27 February 2018). "m-flo LISA、不遇の時代を振り返る 「上手くいかなかった理由はきっと彼らに会うためだった」" (in Japanese). realsound.jp. Retrieved 23 July 2018.
  6. ^ "OUT OF CRY" (in Japanese). Seven Net Shopping. Retrieved 21 July 2018.
  7. ^ "R.J.W meets CHICA COLOMBIANA / R.J.W meets CHICA COLOMBIANA" (in Japanese). Nippon Columbia. Retrieved 21 July 2018.
  8. ^ "R.J.W meets CHICA COLOMBIANA" (in Japanese). Yodobashi Camera. Retrieved 21 July 2018.
  9. ^ "LISA / SEA OF THE STARS OVA「銀河英雄伝説」第三期OP" (in Japanese). Suruga-ya. Retrieved 21 July 2018.
  10. ^ "ram jam world/rough and ready" (in Japanese). Kinokuniya. Retrieved 21 July 2018.
  11. ^ "ram jam world / 世界" (in Japanese). Suruga-ya. Retrieved 21 July 2018.
  12. ^ a b c d "Play that funky music". Metropolis Magazine. 2001. Archived from the original on 15 May 2011. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
  13. ^ a b "Biography" (in Japanese). Artimage. Archived from the original on 16 September 2008. Retrieved 17 July 2018.
  14. ^ a b Musicman-NET. "m-floとの出会い～been so longの奇跡". Archived from the original on 7 May 2009. Retrieved 22 April 2009.
  15. ^ "m-flo profile". Oricon. Archived from the original on 31 October 2009. Retrieved 21 July 2018.
  16. ^ "m-floのランキング シングル売上ランキング". Oricon. Retrieved 21 July 2018.
  17. ^ "LISAのランキング シングル売上ランキング". Oricon. Retrieved 21 July 2018.
  18. ^ a b Poole, Robert Michael (30 October 2009). "m-flo's Verbal spreads the love". The Japan Times. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
  19. ^ "Works" (in Japanese). Artimage. Archived from the original on 20 November 2007. Retrieved 15 July 2018.
  20. ^ buzzmusic (7 December 2005). "m-floインタビュー". Kansai.com.Inc. Archived from the original on 23 May 2006. Retrieved 23 July 2018.
  21. ^ Koichi Kamiya (2005). "Interview with M-Flo". Retrieved 21 July 2018.
  22. ^ a b "LISAの作品" [LISA Products]. Oricon. Retrieved 7 July 2018.
  23. ^ "オリコンランキング情報サービス「you大樹」" [Oricon Ranking Information Service 'You Big Tree']. Oricon. LISA. Retrieved 15 January 2018.
  24. ^ Mikiko Ohashi (24 November 2009). "LISA、ラグジュアリー・ディスコ・シリーズ完結編『Disco Volante』リリース大特集". Retrieved 23 July 2018.
  25. ^ a b "LISAサイト終了のお知らせ" (in Japanese). Artimage. Retrieved 15 July 2018.
  26. ^ Masaki Uchida (28 February 2018). "祝20周年 & LISA復帰! 新章を迎えた"m-flo"にインタビュー" (in Japanese). Avex. Retrieved 23 July 2018.
[edit]
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