It was revealed on December 5th that the new drama "A Lie is a Lie, a Lie is a Lie" (4 episodes), by screenwriter Miku Ubukata, who has worked on Fuji TV's serial dramas "Silent" (2022), "My First Favorite Flower" (2023), and "The Beginning of the Sea" (2024), will be released in advance on FOD on December 24th, and will then be broadcast on Fuji TV from January 11th, 2026, at 11:15 pm on Sundays. Actor Rinko Kikuchi will star in the drama, and other cast members include Ryo Nishikido, Pistol Takehara, and Akihisa Shiono.
Set on Christmas night, the story explores why people lie and the human relationships surrounding various lies. This is Ubukata's fifth work for the network and his first mystery drama.
Kikuchi plays the main character, Omori Mitsuko, a woman who has been living a life of misfortune ever since her divorce. Nishikido plays Mitsuko's ex-husband, Kobayashi Kosuke, who continues to live in Niigata after the divorce, Takehara plays Namiki Masayoshi, a self-proclaimed detective with a strong sense of justice but poor communication skills, and Shiono plays Nakamura Makoto, a self-proclaimed marriage scammer who targets women who are alone on Christmas Eve. The theme song is "yosuga" by FUJIBASE, a solo project launched in 2024.
The protagonist, Mitsuko, has been constantly manipulated by lies, and liars gather around her. Or rather, Mitsuko has a tendency to not believe what the people around her say and to label them as liars. On Christmas Eve, as the snow falls, a group of strange customers gather at a small izakaya that is doing business on Christmas night, making you wonder why they are there... and so the story unfolds.
Comments from the cast and staff (original text) are as follows.
◇Comment from Rinko Kikuchi(role of Mitsuko Omori)
Each character is very charming, and I found the structure of the story, which tells the story of one night over four episodes, very interesting. There are hints scattered throughout each line, and I acted with the intention of making sure to cherish every word and deliver every word properly. I think it's a work that will make you want to watch it again after you've finished watching it. I hope you enjoy finding out who is telling the truth and who is lying.
◇Comment from Ryo Nishikido(role of Kobayashi Kosuke)
When I read the script, there were many scenes that made me laugh out loud, and I really felt like I wanted to be a part of this production, whether it was true or not.
I think the charm of this story lies in the dialogue that shifts between suspense and comedy within a single situation.
Amidst a web of truths that sound like lies and lies that seem like the truth, it's up to you to decide what to believe.
A lively conversation at a Christmas izakaya is sure to lead to a happy ending.
Please think it's a lie."
◇Comment from Takehara Pistol (role of Namiki Masayoshi)
There are parts that make you chuckle. Oh, I see... Now that you mention it... Parts that make sense only now. Parts that make you go, "Huh?! What?!" and many other charms and highlights are all mixed together in this wonderful work. What is truth? What is a lie? The fragility of truth. The strength of lies. And vice versa. Dazzling truth. Lies...
I thought it would be best to enjoy it for yourself, so I've given a very rough explanation, but I hope you all enjoy watching it! Have a Merry Christmas!
P.S.
I had so much fun during the filming days! Thank you for the opportunity! Thank you for everything!
◇Comment from Akihisa Shiono(role of Nakamura Makoto)
I was happy to be able to dive into the world of the script written by Ibukata, who I wanted to work with. I've always wanted to try my hand at a one-situation type of production. I also love watching those kinds of productions. To be able to make this happen surrounded by such wonderful staff, cast, and other creators is an unbelievable event. I thought tomatoes would come out of my nose. I'm kidding. But if you don't mind, please have some tomatoes ready when you watch this film.
◇ Comment from Miku Ubukata (scriptwriter)
It's a human love suspense psychological horror situation comedy. It's true. We live in a world full of fake truths and solid lies, but the drama is 100% a lie, so please watch it with peace of mind. It was a really fun production period! It's true! I think it's interesting! I'm sorry if it's a lie!
◇ Comment from Ayaka Kaneshiro (Producer)
I got excited talking to Ikukata about liars, and I told him, "I want you to write a drama about liars," which is how this work came about. He gets angry when someone lies to him, but has no qualms about telling lies himself. This work is one in which you are repeatedly stabbed, reminding you that you have those same flaws. I hope you enjoy the lethal power of Ikukata's words as a comedy, while also being chilled! I also hope you pay attention to the acting of the four wonderful actors, who carefully performed those words. Please also look forward to the subtleties of the acting of Kikuchi, Nishikido, Takehara, and Shiono, which can only be achieved in a single, unchanging setting. The fresh talent of FUJIBASE, who wrote the theme song, was also an important actor in this work. I hope you will also pay attention to the song, which fits the worldview of the work.
