Biography

Formation and Early Activities (2009–2010)

ClariS’s story begins on October 10, 2009, when Clara and Alice, two middle school students from Hokkaido, started uploading videos as the amateur music unit “Alice☆Clara” on Nico Nico Douga. The duo met at the same music school, where Clara had enrolled first, followed by Alice. Bonding over their shared route home, they grew close, and at Clara’s suggestion, they began posting “Utaite” (singing) covers of Vocaloid songs and anime tracks. Their youthful voices and pure singing style quickly gained attention. Their first upload, “Step to You,” marked their unofficial debut.

In April 2010, their original song “Drop,” composed by kz (livetune), was featured on the bonus CD of the anime music magazine *LisAni! Vol.1*. This caught the eye of industry insiders. In July, they released “Kimi no Yume wo Miyou” in *LisAni! Vol.2*, and in August, a limited single featuring both tracks was sold at Comiket 78. Around this time, Atsuhiro Iwagami, producer of *My Teen Romantic Comedy Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru*, noticed their talent. Recognizing that their age matched the middle school heroine Kirino, he chose them for the anime’s theme song. On October 20, 2010, ClariS made their major debut under SME Records with the single “irony,” which peaked at #7 on the Oricon Weekly Chart—a remarkable achievement for newcomers.

The name “ClariS” combines Clara and Alice, drawing from the Latin word *clarus* (meaning “bright, clear, brilliant”) and also inspired by Clarisse, the heroine of the anime film *Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro*. Prioritizing their studies, they kept their faces hidden, using illustrations (by artists like redjuice and Ume Aoki) to represent them, establishing their mysterious persona.

Growth and Transition (2011–2014)  

After their debut, ClariS focused on anime tie-ins. On February 2, 2011, they released their second single, “Connect” (*Puella Magi Madoka Magica* OP), which hit #5 on Oricon and became one of their signature songs, cementing its place in anime music history. Their first album, *BIRTHDAY*, dropped on April 11, 2012, themed around graduating middle school, and earned a Gold Disc certification. That year, they also released “Naisho no Hanashi” (*Nisemonogatari* ED) and “Luminous” (*Puella Magi Madoka Magica* film theme), solidifying their reputation.

However, a major shift came on June 4, 2014, with their third album, *PARTY TIME*. Alice announced her departure to focus on her studies, shocking fans. On November 8, 2014, *LisAni! Vol.19* introduced Karen as the new member alongside Clara, debuting with “Clear Sky.” Karen, a childhood friend of Clara’s from the same music school, had once formed a band with her. Seeing Clara practicing alone, Clara asked Karen, “Why don’t we do ClariS together?” She invited her to join the group. Karen decided to join, ushering in a new era for ClariS.

New ClariS and Unveiling (2015–2024)  

With Karen, ClariS released “border” (*Tsukimonogatari* ED) on January 7, 2015, featuring their first live-action music video. In 2017, they moved to SACRA MUSIC and took a bold step forward. On September 16, 2017, during “ClariS 2nd HALL CONCERT” at Pacifico Yokohama, they revealed their faces for the first time, dramatically removing their masks—an iconic moment symbolizing a new chapter.

On October 20, 2020, they celebrated their 10th anniversary with the online concert “ClariS 10th Anniversary Precious LIVE ~Gift~,” again showing their faces. The limited edition of their best-of album, *ClariS 10th Anniversary BEST*, featured a jacket design where their masks “fell off,” earning widespread acclaim. Hits like “ALIVE” (*Lycoris Recoil* OP) emerged during this period, and their *THE FIRST TAKE* performance trended online, boosting their popularity further.

In 2024, Karen announced her departure after the “ClariS Autumn Tour 2024 ~Via Fortuna~” (ending November 10) to focus on marriage and family. Clara vowed to continue, denying disbandment rumors with, “I’ll keep going and support her new dreams.”

Chapter Three Begins (2025–)  

On January 25, 2025, at “LisAni! LIVE 2025,” new members Elly and Anna joined Clara, forming a trio and launching “ClariS Chapter Three.” This marked a fresh start for the unit.

Characteristics and Impact  

Debuting as “active middle schoolers,” ClariS has thrived for over 15 years, a longevity some fans compare to Perfume (noted on X). Their deep ties to anime, transition from illustrations to face reveals, and resilience through lineup changes define them. Songs like “Connect,” “Luminous,” and “ALIVE” have left a lasting mark on anime culture.

As of March 5, 2025, ClariS consists of Clara, Elly, and Anna, with fans eagerly awaiting their next moves. Their journey—a tale of growth and evolution—continues to captivate.