Li-sa-X & Hazuki (KOIAI)

Virtuosic Modern Shred Interplay, Technical Fusion & Progressive Pop-Metal

Biographies & Musical Backgrounds

Li-sa-X (born February 8, 2005) is a world-renowned Japanese guitar prodigy who gained global recognition as a child through viral instrumental performances of Racer X, Polyphia, and Dream Theater. Mentored by guitar icons including Paul Gilbert and signed to Sony Music Japan while still in middle school, she developed an uncanny technical mastery characterized by blistering alternate picking, fluid cross-string articulation, and emotive melodic phrasing.

Hazuki (葉月, born August 16) is a celebrated Japanese rock and metal guitarist. Originally trained on classical piano from age four before picking up electric guitar in high school, Hazuki rose to international prominence as a founding guitarist of heavy metal outfit NEMOPHILA. An official Ibanez signature artist (wielding the HZK1 and custom 7-string RG models), Hazuki is renowned for her crushing rhythm chops, high-speed lead runs, and aggressive low-tuned metal riffing.

Joining forces initially in the Li-sa-X Band in 2020, the duo formally co-founded KOIAI in December 2022. The band merges technical guitar shredding with bright, infectious J-rock and progressive pop-rock sensibilities.

Instrument Skills & Technical Interplay

Li-sa-X – Lead Guitar, Composition & Alternate Picking: Specializes in laser-accurate alternate picking, string-skipping arpeggios, wide-stretch legato lines, and polyphonic fusion chord work. Known for playing Ibanez J.Custom and AZ series guitars powered by modern digital modeling rigs.
Hazuki – Lead/Rhythm Guitar, 7-String Precision & Heavy Riffing: Brings heavy power-metal crunch, tight palm-muted polyrhythms, and high-velocity sweep picking. As an Ibanez artist, her playing bridges low-tuned drop-riff aggression with singing, expressive melodic solos.
Twin-Guitar Synergy: In KOIAI, Li-sa-X and Hazuki craft intricate dual-lead counterpoint, synchronized harmony shred passages, and dynamic call-and-response solos that blend neoclassical technicality with danceable progressive pop-rock tempos.

Band Context: KOIAI Lineup & Evolution

Formed in late 2022, KOIAI was conceived around the twin guitar core of Li-sa-X and Hazuki alongside founding vocalist Kotono (ex-IRONBUNNY). After completing sold-out domestic showcases and international tours across India and Europe, Kotono stepped down in 2025 due to health reasons. The group reconstituted as a five-piece powerhouse:

Mirei Sakurada (桜田ミレイ) – Lead Vocals (2025–present): Joined in late 2025 as the band's new frontwoman, delivering powerful modern pop/rock vocal range and dynamic stage energy.
Li-sa-X – Guitar
Hazuki – Guitar
Yunika Impact – Bass (2026–present): Joined the lineup in March 2026, delivering slap, tap, and heavy low-end grooves.
Kanade Sato (佐藤奏) – Drums: Roland V-Drums world champion and technical jazz/rock drum prodigy who became a full member in late 2023.

Selected Discography & Key Releases

Li-sa-X Solo Releases

Serendipity (EP) (2017): Her major-label debut mini-album on Sony Music Japan, featuring Racer X covers and guest contributions from Polyphia.
Will (Full-Length Album) (2018): Her premier full-length solo instrumental outing on Sony Records, highlighting original compositions like "Little Wings" and complex progressive fusion arrangements.

Li-sa-X Band

"One More Chance Is Enough" / "Just Be My Treasure" (Single) (2020): The first collaborative outing uniting Li-sa-X and Hazuki in a vocal rock band format with vocalist Rina.
"Looking Up To You" / "Cola Battle Again" (Single) (2022): The final dual single release under the Li-sa-X Band banner prior to reforming as KOIAI.

KOIAI EPs & Key Works

Deep Indigo (1st EP) (2023): The self-produced debut EP establishing KOIAI's "progressive pop" signature, featuring danceable rock grooves and virtuosic fretboard interplay.
Deep Love (2nd EP) (2023): A companion extended play showcasing expanded vocal harmonies, complex odd-time rhythmic accents, and soaring melodic guitar solos.
Come see me (3rd EP) (2024): A refined studio release demonstrating advanced songwriting maturity, tight arrangements, and high-velocity twin-guitar trading.
Starting Over (4th EP) (2026): The landmark relaunch EP marking the debut of vocalist Mirei Sakurada and bassist Yunika Impact, anchored by standout technical tracks like "Starting Over," "Reboot the Abyss," and "Hoax".

Li-sa-X & HAZUKI perform "Highly Strung" – a must-watch from the Ibanez showcase at the Shanghai Music Expo!