Lisa, Proving the Power of Positivity & Rock'n Roll - Fame, Followers

Hi, my name is Lisa13.

I’m a guitarist with a prosthetic hand.
I also write lyrics and songs for my band.

I performed at the closing ceremony of
the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

Thanks for having me!

Check out these 5 frames of love for me and you.

I’d say, “Prosthetic hand” and “Guitarist.” I played at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games
closing ceremony.

I have a “congenital limb deficiency.” It’s a birth defect where my right hand
didn’t form completely.

I’m a fan of HIDE from the band X JAPAN.
My pink hair is inspired by him.

And there’s my band, which is called
“BAD BABY BOMB.” Today, I’m going to have practice with my band.

My personal style is a fusion of 70s & 60s fashion.

This one is from a discount store.

"Let’s eat pancakes together!"

"Yeah yeah!"

I’ll introduce my band. There’s Nicky on vocals,
she’s part Pakistani.

And me, the guitarist with her prosthetic hand.

Nalucharos is on bass and is the band leader.
Then, Kuro is on drums.

We appreciate our diversity and help each
other out. We all have a role to play.

Lisa writes amazing songs which
have their own unique sound.

Only she can compose those melodies
and lyrics. She’s really one of a kind.

She’s got real skill and she can do
everything on her own.

Sometimes I totally forget about her hand.

Actually, we all forget about her disability often.

It’s been a while since we practiced together...
how fun!

Before the guitar, I played the piano
because my mom played it.

But I later found my passion in rock music.

When I was young, I saw performances by
Hotei Tomoyasu and HIDE from X Japan.

I was floored.

I was like, “Wow! These guitarists aren’t just skilled
but they’re also super stars!” I wanted to be like that.
I decided I want to be famous.

"Lisa13 started playing electric guitar in early junior high school."

When I bought my first guitar,
I opened the case, ready to play it.

Then it occurred to me, “How the heck do I do this?” I wasn’t sad. I was more like,
“Alright, let’s figure this out.”

You know how medicines
come in a little carton box?

I put my hand in a carton and used
a corner to strum the guitar.

And it worked!

But of course, the box fell apart quickly.

So, when I had to find a solution,
my dad offered to whip something up.

I was so happy.

Tada!

This is my prosthetic guitar pick.

This part is made from a clothing belt
we cut up and sewed back together.

This is for decoration, using eyelets and
chains from home improvement stores.

We shave the aluminum plate down to size.

And the black part with the pick is
made from a document clip.

My mom oversees the sewing, and it’s
all by hand. So, there you have it!

It’s full of love from my family.

And it’s a part of my body.

I’m getting ready to shoot a web show.

I do everything myself, from makeup to styling.

I like to use contour and highlights
to create more depth on my nose.

People ask me, “Isn’t it hard to do make up?”
Or, “May I help you?” because of my handicap.

But honestly, my disability
doesn’t hinder me.

OK, I’ve finished my smokey eye look!

Welcome to our web show “Imairo.” - Today I wanna try something different.
- Alright, what is it?

I want to show you guys how I do something.

Oh, you’ll show us something about nails?

I get a lot of questions from girls with handicaps
asking how I manage to paint my nails.

So, I thought it would be a good
chance to show it to everyone.

You use your knee, I see.

Yes. I prop it up here and get
the right amount on the brush...

- Like this! Let’s start with the thumb.
- Wow!

That’s how I paint my nails.

I see, you hold the polish still while you “brush”
with your other hand! It looks hard.

It’s not easy. But it comes out pretty good!

Great job. And quick, too!

Thanks for watching!

I’ve always been into fashion and music.

I was always begging my parents to buy me
this or that since I was young.

In junior high, I started to decorate
my school uniform with studs and safety pins.

Then I shortened my skirt and dyed my hair.

One day I got called to the school office
and a teacher sprayed my hair black.

I was shocked.

In Japanese junior high, we are taught to be “cooperative” so that’s why
uniforms and dress codes are so strict.

I get it.

But then I went to a high school which didn’t have
uniforms and we were free to wear makeup.

I could be myself!

I felt junior high to be so restrictive.

But when I got out of there, I noticed people were
saying how they liked my clothes or my makeup.

I realized that I could make a name for myself
in music and fashion.

Being able to publicly share what I love is
a part of self-acceptance.

Love it! Super unique! Pretty cool sound. Would be
interested in hearing live!

Lisa, you are an amazing
person... Love this song your group made.

"It doesn't matter whether you have a disability or not.
I'm happy to have discovered such a great musician like you."

Before, I just wanted to be known for my music.

But now, my supporters have shown me that
I’m worth following for so much more.

But there are people out there who insist
I only get attention because of my disability.

I just ignore them. Instead, everything
I do is for those who believe in me.

That gratefulness keeps me going.

To be famous is to have hope.

I want to be famous, and when I do, I can be
an inspiration for others to see what is possible.

Today, I’ve come all the way
to Kagawa to meet a fan.

I haven’t seen her in 10 years.

- When was the last time we met?
- I think 10 years ago?

- This is Ruka.
- Hi, I’m Ruka.

She’s been a true fan of mine
for more than 10 years.

- She runs a bar.
- Yes.

Let’s go check out your bar.

This is it.

Wow, the décor is so cool!

- It’s been so long.
- Yes, too long.

You had discovered my blog back then.

It really encouraged me.

"Lisa13 has been blogging about her music and fashion since 2012."

I grew up in the countryside.

So, when I started junior high, I couldn’t
handle being around so many people.

And our interests didn’t match at all.

I was mentally exhausted.
But then I discovered Lisa.

We were of similar age, and you were so open
to talk about your likes and opinions.

You weren’t afraid to be yourself.

Seeing that, I realized that I’m OK
just as I am. You saved me.

I hope that other people can be inspired
by your story, and feel free to be themselves, too.

As that happens, your happiness
will be my happiness.

I’m having the time of my life now.

People often see my hand and then ask,
“Why play an instrument? Just be the vocalist!” But I love playing the guitar.
I love to dress up, and to follow my hobbies.

Ruka is the one who taught me
the importance of that.

My followers are...

My mirror.

I want them to get to know me,
then shine bright with positivity.

Whenever I’m down, I think about my fans,
and it inspires me to go on.

Let’s shine bright together!

What was your reaction when I was born?

I was afraid of whether we could raise you or not.

But this was our destiny.
Because you were "our" daughter.