Teaser Visual
(C) Kaitani Shinobu Products/Shueisha, LIAR GAME Production Committee
It has been announced that Shinobu Kaitani’s popular manga “LIAR GAME” will be adapted into a TV anime series in 2026. A teaser trailer, staff, and teaser visuals have also been released.
(C) Kaitani Shinobu Products / Shueisha / LIAR GAME Production Committee
Overview
The original LIAR GAME is a suspense manga by Shinobu Kaitani, serialized in Weekly Young Jump (Shueisha) from 2005 to 2015. The story follows Nao Kanzaki, a naive and honest college student who becomes trapped in the mysterious “Liar Game,” a psychological battle of deception with huge sums of money at stake. With the help of the genius swindler Shinichi Akiyama, she attempts to overcome each stage of the deadly game.
The manga inspired a popular TV drama (2007) starring Erika Toda and Shota Matsuda, live-action films in 2010 and 2012, and a stage play in 2013.
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the series, Shueisha’s online bookstore Zebrack is offering all 19 manga volumes plus LIAR GAME Roots of A: Shinobu Kaitani Short Story Collection for only 22 yen each (tax included) until August 25, 2025.
Anime Staff & Production
The TV anime adaptation is set for release in 2026, produced by Madhouse, the renowned studio behind Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End.
- General Director: Yuzo Sato (Trillion Game, One Outs)
- Director: Asami Kawano (The Vampire Dies in No Time 2, assistant director)
- Series Composition & Script: Tatsuhiko Urahata (Muv-Luv Alternative)
- Character Design: Kei Tsuchiya (Police in a Pod)
- Sound Director: Kisuke Koizumi (Chi: On the Movements of the Earth)
The teaser visual depicts the iconic dealer’s mask with the tagline: “Welcome to the liars’ orgy.”
A trailer has also been released, styled as an invitation to join the Liar Game, where players must use deception to steal 100 million yen.
Special Campaigns
- Official Website: Now live, featuring a promotional event, SPOT THE LIE – Lie Search Game –, where fans can win prizes by uncovering hidden lies on the site.
- Official X (Twitter): Running a commemorative campaign celebrating the 20th anniversary and anime announcement, with chances to win exclusive LIAR GAME QUO cards.
Comments from Staff & Author
Shinobu Kaitani (Original Author)
“This year marks the 20th anniversary since LIAR GAME began serialization. At the time, I wanted to explore the theme of ‘the importance of believing,’ but 20 years later—with the pandemic and the rise of social media—trust has become more fragile in our world. I believe the Liar Game anime resonates strongly today, whether you’re a nostalgic fan or discovering it for the first time.”
Yuzo Sato (General Director)
“I worked with Kaitani-sensei on One Outs years ago, and it’s an honor to return for Liar Game. It’s been 18 years since the drama caused a sensation, and I want to capture that same excitement again.”
Asami Kawano (Director)
“The heart of this work lies not only in the games but also in the characters and their relationships. With support from my seniors, I aim to deliver that depth—though the sheer amount of dialogue and numbers is overwhelming! Akiyama, help me!”
Tatsuhiko Urahata (Series Composition / Script)
“As a long-time fan, I’m thrilled to be involved. The anime highlights both the strategies of the games and Nao’s growth. Please look forward to it.”
Kei Tsuchiya (Character Designer)
“It’s an honor to work on Liar Game. I will give my all to preserve the image of Kaitani-sensei’s world.”
Kisuke Koizumi (Sound Director)
“I’m excited to bring out the tension of schemes, strategies, and verbal deception. I want viewers to experience both the thrill of deceiving and being deceived.”
Conclusion
With its star-studded staff lineup, Madhouse’s production quality, and the series’ enduring legacy, LIAR GAME is set to make a spectacular return in 2026 as a TV anime. Fans old and new alike will be drawn once more into its battle of trust, lies, and strategy.
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