Lisa Ono: Bossa Nova's Influence in Asia

Lisa Ono, a 63-year-old Japanese jazz singer, is recognized as a leading figure in promoting bossa nova music across Asia. Her 1999 album, Dream, sold over 200,000 copies in a region where bossa nova was relatively unknown. The term bossa nova, meaning 'new wave' in Portuguese, originated in Brazil and is rooted in samba rhythms. In Korea, her music is often associated with café ambiance, while in Japan, it is favored for its luxurious feel, often featured in commercials for port wine and automobiles. Her soft, airy voice perfectly complements the sweet atmosphere of her songs.

Ono describes her impression of Korea as a "passionate country." During a recent meeting in Yongsan, Seoul, she recalled her first performance in Korea, where she sang the bossa nova classic "The Girl from Ipanema." As soon as she mentioned the title, an audience member jumped up and shouted, "Yay!" She smiled widely at the memory. Ono is set to perform solo in Seoul for the first time in 13 years at the Mapo Art Center on April 30 and May 1, followed by her first concert in Daegu at the Ayang Art Center on June 1. She shared that she arrived a month early for a family trip to fully enjoy Korea.

For Ono, bossa nova feels like a "hometown song." Born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil, she moved to Japan at the age of 10. She was exposed to samba rhythms, which helped shape bossa nova, from a young age. Her father ran a Brazilian music club in Japan, where she first picked up a guitar at 15 and often performed. The club, named Sasi-Perele, is now run by her sister in Tokyo. Living in Brazil, a melting pot of immigrant cultures, sparked her interest in various languages and music. In 2010, she released an album titled Asia, which reinterpreted folk songs from around the world, including Korea's "Arirang," in a bossa nova style.

One of her most acclaimed works is the album Esperança (Hope), released in June 1994 in collaboration with bossa nova legend Antônio Carlos Jobim. Ono described the album's creation as a unique experience, working together in Jobim's home in Rio de Janeiro, where they collaborated with the sounds of a rattling air conditioner. Tragically, Jobim passed away in December of that year, making this album his last. Ono recalled that one of the original lyrics included the line, "I will soon die," which Jobim insisted on changing, saying he didn't want to sing that. At the time, she had no idea he would leave so soon.

Ono identifies the primary charm of bossa nova as its "watercolor-like comfort." She explains, "Bossa nova serves as a soothing balm during tough times, acting like a lullaby. It is the perfect medium for expressing one's feelings."