Here’s the synopsis for LIAR GAME.
A Mysterious Invitation.
One Hundred Million Yen.
The Game Begins.
A Mysterious Invitation. One Hundred Million Yen.The Game Begins.
College student Nao Kanzaki suddenly receives a strange letter and a suitcase containing 100 million yen.
She's been chosen to participate in the LIAR GAME — a high-stakes psychological battle where lies, deception, and betrayal reign supreme.
Naïve and painfully honest, Nao quickly finds herself cornered.
To survive, she turns to Shinichi Akiyama, a brilliant former con artist with unmatched intellect.
As they dive deeper into the twisted game, the two must outwit opponents in a world where trusting others could be fatal.
In a game built on lies, can honesty prevail?
Shinobu Kaitani’s masterful suspense manga "LIAR GAME," serialized in Weekly Young Jump from 2005 to 2015, is finally getting its first-ever TV anime adaptation! In the 20 years since Chapter 1 was first released, this ruthless story of lies and strategy exposing the light and dark sides of the human psyche has enthralled readers around the world, cementing itself as landmark work in the genres of psychological suspense and high-stakes mind games. LIAR GAME has continued to generate hype across various forms of media over the years, including a live-action drama in 2007, a live-action film in 2010, and a stage play in 2023. Now, its long-awaited anime adaptation will be helmed by Madhouse Inc., the animation studio behind international hits such as Frieren: Beyond Journey's End and Chi: On the Movements of the Earth. With a skillfully crafted mystery as the story's core, the ultimate psychological battleground as its backdrop, and an unforgettable duo of our painfully honest protagonist and former genius swindler who dare to face this dangerous lie-filled world, every beloved element will be brought to life in this brand-new anime adaptation of LIAR GAME!
Here’s the staff cast introduction
for LIAR GAME.
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Original Work
Shinobu Kaitani
COMMENT
(Shueisha Young Jump Comics Digital Edition)
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Chief Director
Yuzo Sato
COMMENT
Director
Asami Kawano
COMMENT
Series Composition & Screenwriter
Tatsuhiko Urahata
COMMENT
Character Design
Kei Tsuchiya
COMMENT
Sub Character Design
Ai Yokoyama
Color Setting
Terumi Nakauchi
Art Board
Hideyuki Ueno
Art Setting
Shinji Sugiyama
Director of Photography
Hironobu Hatanaka
VFX Supervisor
Michiya Kato
Editing
Mariko Tsukatsune
Music
Yugo Kanno
COMMENT
Sound Director
Kisuke Koizumi
COMMENT
Sound Effects
Naoto Yamaya
Sound Production
Bit grooove
promotionAnimation Production
Madhouse
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Nao Kanzaki
Saya Hitomi
COMMENT
Shinichi Akiyama
Takeo Otsuka
COMMENT
Leronira
Kazuhiro Nakaya
COMMENT
Kazuo Fujisawa
Nobuo Tobita
COMMENT
Mitsuo Tanimura
Yoji Ueda
COMMENT
Teruyuki Eda
Yasutaka Tomioka
COMMENT
Takahiro Kikuzawa
Shoya Ishige
COMMENT
Hiroto Kitamura
Ryosuke Asano
COMMENT
Tetsuzo Sato
Taro Kiuchi
COMMENT
Makiko Tamura
Riko Akechi
COMMENT
Daisuke Danno
Toshinari Fukamachi
COMMENT
Kosuke Tsunoda
Naoya Miyase
COMMENT
Reina Nishihara
Misuzu Yamada
COMMENT
Shingo Fujita
Taihi Kimura
COMMENT
Jun Hosoe
Misano Sakai
COMMENT
Yuki Makihara
Aya Gomazuru
COMMENT
Fumio Matsubara
Ryo Nishizawa
COMMENT
Takayoshi Miura
Taku Yashiro
COMMENT
Hitomi Miyahara
You Taichi
COMMENT
Original Creator
Shinobu Kaitani
This year marks the 20 years since the first appearance of LIAR GAME in Young Jump, and this anniversary serves as the announcement of the anime adaptation of the series. At the time, it began serialization with the theme of "The importance of trust" but in the 20 years since its release we have gone through the COVID-19 Pandemic, the explosive rise of social media, and an increasingly distrustful world...I feel that now, the theme of my series is more relevant than ever.
And so I feel it is fitting that in this era we get the LIAR GAME anime.
Whether you’re someone who feels nostalgic for this series or someone discovering it for the first time, I believe this story will resonate with you in some way.
I hope you look forward to it.
Chief Director
Yuzo Sato
I remember that LIAR GAME was a big deal back when I first watched the live-action TV drama adaptation. Then before I knew it, 18 years had passed, and I'm still shocked by that. I guess I've gotten older too.
I had worked previously on the anime adaptation of Mr. Kaitani's other work titled One Outs, so I am happy that we have another chance to connect like this, working on the adaptation of his most representative work LIAR GAME. I had a fantastic time working on One Outs, and I hope we can have as much fun working on this series. I'll do my best! This is the first anime adaptation of one of Mr. Kaitani's original works in a long time, and we hope you will all be looking forward to it!
Director
Asami Kawano
I thought the core of this work would be in all these strategic mind games and deception, but I found the real appeal in the drama, characters, and the relationships they have with each other. With the solid support of my amazing senior colleagues, I’ll give it my all to make sure that appeal shines through.I promise to always give 100%!
But I’m already overwhelmed by the numbers, more numbers, and and even more dialogue. Help me, Akiyama-san! You love making these characters talk, huh!! Just because you’re smart doesn't mean we have to suffer!
Series Composition & Screenwriter
Tatsuhiko Urahata
I’ve been a huge fan of LIAR GAME since its original serialization, so it’s an honor to be involved in this anime adaptation.
In this work, I hope viewers will enjoy the many games the characters get trapped in, the clever strategies they create to overcome them, and the growth of our protagonist, Nao. Please look forward to it!
Character Design
Kei Tsuchiya
It's such an honor to get to participate in the anime adaptation of LIAR GAME. Whenever I start design work on a new series, I'm brimming with excitement. I swear to do everything in my power to respect Mr. Kaitani’s artistic vision and help bring these characters to life without compromising the original work. I hope everybody looks forward to the anime adaptation of LIAR GAME!
Music
Yuugo Kannno
The live-action adaptation of LIAR GAME has become a legendary work, and I can still vividly recall the music composed by Yasutaka Nakata.
For this anime adaptation, I began by re-reading the original manga and set out to create a new world of LIAR GAME through music—one that would stand apart from the live-action version.
Deception and truth. Light and shadow. The duality of human nature.
I’ve poured those emotional conflicts that sway between extremes into the melodies and rhythms of this score.
Sound Director
Kisuke Koizumi
LIAR GAME's intricately calculated strategies and schemes...the fast-paced battles crafted with deceiving words...it really is such an exciting series.
I hope everyone not only enjoys watching the series' characters rack their brains and sometimes join forces with their opponents to survive, but also enjoy being deceived right along with them.
I’ll be devoting myself into making the sound of the anime build the tension and thrills in these mind games, creating a perfect atmosphere for these deceive-or-be-deceived face-offs between characters. I will do my best to ensure our audience truly feels the experience.
Nao Kanzaki
Saya Hitomi
When I heard that I had passed the audition, my mind went completely blank from the shock and joy, and the moment I said, “I’ll do my best,” tears started to pour out.
Once recording began, I found myself desperately trying to keep up, and I strongly felt that I wanted to grow just like Nao does. Now, I’m wholeheartedly facing the work with that same “foolishly honest” spirit.
Even as she’s tossed around by countless lies, Nao lives with all her heart in her own way—and I’ll give it my all to bring out her charm.
Thank you so much for your support!
Shinichi Akiyama
Takeo Otsuka
I was completely filled with surprise and joy when I learned I’d been invited to join this adaptation of LIAR GAME, a series I’ve long been familiar with and fond of.
As a member of the LIAR GAME anime team, I will give my all in voicing Akiyama to ensure that the charm of this series is fully conveyed through animation.
Thank you very much for your support!
(Also... I didn’t manage to see through a single lie on the official anime website!)
Leronira
Kazuhiro Nakaya
It is a great honour to take part in this work—a series I once devoured with such fervour!
To all those who will be watching:We shall offer you the finest hospitality...
But this is a world where lies run rampant—
This is the Liar Game.
And when one speaks of hospitality...
Could there be a hidden agenda behind it...?
May each of you, through the game, uncover the truth for yourselves.
I eagerly look forward to the moment we meet.
Kazuo Fujisawa
Nobuo Tobita
This time, I’ll be playing the role of a former teacher.
When money gets involved, it has a way of stirring up emotions you never even knew you had—
and that can be quite a troublesome thing.
We’ve all heard stories—
of people whose lives went downhill after winning the lottery,
or of personalities completely transformed by sudden wealth...
Of course, this story is fiction.
But whether you enjoy it as someone else’s tale—or see yourself in it—is entirely up to you.
Will you still be the same “you” after watching this,
as you were before?
Welcome to the world of the LIAR GAME.
Mitsuo Tanimura
Yoji Ueda
It’s a true honour to take part in a series that has been loved for over 20 years.
Among the many characters, each with their own quirks and schemes, Tanimura gives off an unmistakable air of suspicion and sleaze the moment he appears.
As an actor, he’s a role full of flavour—challenging, yet immensely rewarding to play.
In the midst of all the nail-biting twists and turns,
I’d be delighted if you find yourself grinning mischievously along with Tanimura. (laughs)
Teruyuki Eda
Yasutaka Tomioka
I can hardly believe I get to be part of LIAR GAME.
If I told my past self about it, they’d probably think it was a lie.
The contestants who take part in this high-stakes game of money and mind—where losing means the end—are all formidable players with the resolve to match.
In such an extreme situation, you have to stay sharp, outmaneuver your opponent, and win.
Honestly, Tomioka probably wouldn’t be able to keep up at all!!
But Eda is different.
He came here prepared.
Everyone, please send Eda your enthusiastic support!
Takahiro Kikuzawa
Shoya Ishige
I’ve been a huge fan of LIAR GAME for a long time, so when I heard it was getting an anime adaptation—what?!—and that I’d actually get to be part of the Liar Game as a voice actor, I was shaking with surprise and excitement.
Alongside Nao and Akiyama, many unique and colorful characters appear in the story. I hope you’ll look forward to seeing how these characters interact and take on the game in the anime.
I’ll give it my all bringing Kikuzawa to life!
Hiroto Kitamura
Ryosuke Asano
I’m truly honored to be part of LIAR GAME.
If I were ever placed in this game myself, I think I’d probably end up just like Kitamura.
Watching Kitamura sometimes feels like looking at a reflection of myself, which gives me a very strange feeling.
There are so many different kinds of characters in this story, so I hope you’ll find someone you can relate to and enjoy the series through them!
Tetsuzo Sato
Taro Kiuchi
As I read through the script, there were many moments when the complex rules and clever traps left me completely stunned.
In this game where lies and truth are constantly intertwined, I found myself relating to the characters as they struggle desperately while being thrown off balance by the game. I poured everything into portraying that intensity.
I hope you’ll experience the thrill of this extreme situation—where no one knows what the right answer is.
Makiko Tamura
Riko Akechi
I’ve imagined many times what it would be like if I were a participant in the Liar Game—but I’ve never once been able to picture myself winning. I have nothing but admiration for Nao and Akiyama.
During recording, I tried to keep in mind both the anxiety of being caught up in the game and the sense of excitement that’s impossible to resist.
It’s a true honor to be involved in such a beloved and enduring classic. Thank you for your support!
Daisuke Danno
Toshinari Fukamachi
I’m excited to be playing Danno, the mysterious Man No. 15.
I never imagined I’d have the chance to appear in LIAR GAME, so I’m incredibly thrilled to be part of it.
With its intense battle of wits and psychological mind games, the question remains—who is really lying?
I hope you’ll enjoy the suspense as the story unfolds.
Kosuke Tsunoda
Naoya Miyase
I’m honored to be voicing Kosuke Tsunoda.
In this ruthless game of deception, the players engage in incredibly high-level strategies. During recording, I found myself constantly pushing my brain to keep up and fully grasp what was happening.
I hope you’ll look forward to the thrilling developments of LIAR GAME as brought to life in the anime.
Thank you for your support!
Reina Nishihara
Misuzu Yamada
I’m Misuzu Yamada, the voice of Reina Nishihara.
I’m truly happy to be involved with LIAR GAME, a series I watched as a child through the live-action films and the manga.
At first glance, Reina Nishihara may seem a bit straightforward, and you might even wonder whether she can make it through the Liar Game. I hope you’ll keep an eye on her as the story unfolds.
Even though I already knew how the story develops, recording the scenes was still incredibly suspenseful. With the addition of animation, music, and sound, I believe the series has become even more gripping—so I hope you’ll enjoy it!
Shingo Fujita
Taihi Kimura
Fujita seems like an ordinary guy at first glance…
But how will he make his moves in the Liar Game starting from the second round?
With many new characters joining the story in Round 2, I hope you’ll enjoy watching while forming your own theories along the way.
I’m truly honored to be part of the long-loved series LIAR GAME.
Thank you for your support!
Jun Hosoe
Misano Sakai
I first encountered LIAR GAME when I had just started elementary school.
I remember reading the manga from my cousin’s bookshelf and feeling this thrilling sense of excitement—like I was experiencing something meant for grown-ups. The story was so suspenseful that I couldn’t stop turning the pages.
Being able to work on a series that holds such special memories for me truly means a lot.
I hope you’ll enjoy the intense game of deception brought to life in the TV anime—let’s experience it together!
Yuki Makihara
Aya Gomazuru
I’m truly honored to be part of LIAR GAME, a series that sparked a cultural phenomenon during its original run and continues to be loved by so many people today.
The episode I appeared in was full of edge-of-your-seat moments, and even while recording I couldn’t help thinking, “What’s going to happen next?!” The excitement and suspense never stopped.
I hope you’ll enjoy the intense psychological battle of deception and counter-deception
Fumio Matsubara
Ryo Nishizawa
The character I play, Fumio Matsubara, is the owner of a small business. Burdened with heavy debts during an economic downturn, he enters the insane world of the Liar Game in order to repay them—and to protect his family.
At first glance, he seems sincere and gentle, but as the situation grows more extreme, he is pushed to transform into a “liar.” I approached this role with the intention of carefully portraying his desperation, his sense of urgency, and the inner conflict he feels as he wavers on the boundary between right and wrong.
I hope you’ll enjoy the intense psychological battles Matsubara faces against the other players.
Takayoshi Miura
Taku Yashiro
I’m truly excited to see LIAR GAME finally being adapted into an anime.
One of the biggest highlights of this series is the fascinating human psychology that unfolds within its unimaginable high-stakes money game.
Whether you’re already familiar with LIAR GAME or discovering it for the first time, I hope you’ll take this opportunity to immerse yourself in its world.
Hitomi Miyahara
You Taichi
During breaks, many of the cast members are chatting and laughing together—but the moment recording begins, the atmosphere changes completely. It becomes a suffocating world where people at their limits deceive one another, doubt one another, and struggle to survive.
From calm analysis and sharp rebuttals, to true personalities gradually being revealed, and even the occasional shout of frustration—every moment of it is incredibly exciting.
…That probably makes me sound like someone on the game organizers’ side! (laughs)
But the character I play, Hitomi, is actually one of the participants. Please look forward to her appearance!