Liar Game is a psychological thriller about a naive college student pulled into a deadly game of deception. Madhouse’s anime adaptation of Shinobu Kaitani’s manga aired in 2026. Here is the story, characters and release information.
What Is the Story About?
College student Nao Kanzaki suddenly receives a strange letter and a suitcase holding 100 million yen. She has been chosen to take part in the Liar Game Tournament, a battle of lies, deception and betrayal. To keep the money, players must hold on to it for 30 days, but if an opponent takes it, the loser inherits a crushing debt. Naive and painfully honest, Nao turns for help to Shinichi Akiyama, a brilliant former con artist.
Main Characters and Cast
- Nao Kanzaki, a trusting freshman nicknamed “Naive Nao,” voiced by Saya Hitomi.
- Shinichi Akiyama, a former genius con artist who served time for fraud, voiced by Takeo Ōtsuka.
- Mitsuo Tanimura, a lawyer who leads Nao to Akiyama, voiced by Yōji Ueda.
- Leronira, a dealer who hosts the games, voiced by Kazuhiro Nakaya.
Release Date and Where to Watch
The anime premiered on TV Tokyo on April 6, 2026 and began streaming worldwide on April 7. Crunchyroll carries it everywhere except Japan and China. It ran for two consecutive cours, and the 26th and final episode of the first season aired on September 28, 2026.
Who Made It?
Madhouse produced the series, with Yuzo Sato as chief director and Asami Kawano as director. Tatsuhiko Urahata wrote the scripts, Kei Tsuchiya designed the characters and Kisuke Koizumi was sound director. Yugo Kanno, who also scored Pluto, composed the music. Read our guide on why Pluto is one of the best dark mystery anime for another thriller.
The Manga and Season 2
Kaitani’s manga ran in Weekly Young Jump from 2005 to 2015 and has been adapted into live-action dramas, films and a stage play. A second anime season was announced right after the finale. The coverage reviewed gives no release date, so check official channels for news.
Sources: Anime News Network, AniTrendz, Essential Japan, Anime Corner.