Koi to Uso

In a futuristic society, Japan has implemented a complex system referred to as "The Red Threads of Science" to encourage successful marriages and combat increasingly low birthrates. Based on a compatibility calculation, young people at the age of 16 are assigned marriage partners by the government, with severe repercussions awaiting those who disobey the arrangement. For Yukari Nejima, a teen that considers himself average in every way, this system might be his best shot at living a fulfilling life.

However, spurred by his infatuation for his classmate and long-time crush, Misaki Takasaki, Yukari defies the system and confesses his love. After some initial reluctance, Misaki reciprocates his feelings in a moment of passion. Unfortunately, before the two can further their relationship, Yukari receives his marriage notice. He is then thrown into a confusing web of love and lies when his less-than-thrilled assigned partner, Ririna Sanada, becomes fascinated with his illicit romance.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

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Adaptation:	Koi to Uso
Other:	Koi to Uso OVA

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Characters & Voice Actors

Takasaki, Misaki

Main

Hanazawa, Kana
Japanese

Sanada, Ririna

Main

Makino, Yui
Japanese

Nisaka, Yuusuke

Main

Tachibana, Shinnosuke
Japanese

Nejima, Yukari

Main

Osaka, Ryota
Japanese

Igarashi, Shuu

Supporting

Kitamura, Eri
Japanese

Yajima, Motoi

Supporting

Taniyama, Kishou
Japanese

Ichijou, Kagetsu

Supporting

Kurosawa, Tomoyo
Japanese

Nisaka, Kidou

Supporting

Ishida, Akira
Japanese

Takeda, Daiki

Supporting

Adachi, Yuuto
Japanese

Mimasaki, Arisa

Supporting

Shimamura, Yuu
Japanese

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Takuno, Seiki

Director

Tsuruoka, Youta

Sound Director

Takahashi, Natsuko

Script, Series Composition

Ayana, Yuniko

Script

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"Kanashii Ureshii (かなしいうれしい)" by Frederic (フレデリック)

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"Can't you say" by Roys

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Sep 18, 2017

12 of 12 episodes seen

Overall Rating: 5

TuyNOM (All reviews)

184 people found this review helpful

Love relationships are inherent in our daily lives. Most of us have experienced and we know how difficult it can be to maintain this relationship for various reasons. Discord, differences of opinion, lack of confidence etc. Sometimes we question ourselves and we try to understand why the couple did not last. But in Koi to Uso couples are created from a database measuring the compatibility between two individuals. The logical question is: can we trust these statistics? Does not reality go beyond theories?
But... Koi to Uso doesn't seem to waste its time. And I find a melodramatic and insane triangle love (rectangle?) again.

(Light spoilers from there because there is almost impossible to talk about that show without mentioning some scenes - the big spoilers will be specified: *big spoiler*)

For synopsis, read MAL summary.
Koi to Uso is one of those drama series where I felt uncomfortable when I watched the characters talking, interacting, because the writing was bad. At times I persuaded myself that they would act differently, more maturely and that the characters would evolve in a logical way, at least. But, they didn't. I had fun with this series, I admit. I wanted to slap Yukari many times when I saw him blushing stupidly when a girl told him she loved him. It was a little insane since I found that this character had no really significant quality. Nice? Meh, a classic character as you could see with MCs in many harems and others.

For the other characters, I don't really want to participate in the fighting between #teamRirina and #teamMisaki because I don't see the interest. If I have to judge their beauty, they are quite equal. As for their personality, they are nice, yeah. One is a rather "tolerable" tsundere and the other a gentle mysterious girl who loves Yukari since childhood. (two clichés yeah !) There is no real rivalry between the two girls. Surprisingly none seems embarrassed to see Yukari flirting freely and indifferently. Each has accepted her position, one as a future bride (because the government says it) and the other as an "impossible" love. I find this aspect absolutely senseless and unrealistic. As if someone logical could accept that his boyfriend spends his time with another girl, as if nothing had happened.

I could possibly think that Misaki is a Samaritan and is so altruistic that she is willing to sacrifice her happiness for others. But... it seems so wrong. Since later she will cry again almost regretting having let Yukari go out with Ririna. And then I just wanted to shake up and tell her: "But why did you do this at first?" And we have no explanation, so I'm forced to tell myself that she's a masochist: she likes to suffer unnecessarily. Concerning Ririna, she is a tsundere. She wants comprehensive although it is always a little ridiculous. For example, when she suggests to Misaki and Yukari to kiss in her room to show her. Because this idiot has never seen two people kissing apparently, but in Koi to Uso world, this type of personality exists. After all, she agrees to go out with Yukari when she knows that Yukari loves Misaki. In a way, she is as masochistic as Misaki.

And Yukari?
Oh God, this character is absolutely horrible. But really! I don't know what I can say. He is nice but terribly silly, stupid, awkward and is only a mass of cliches. He has a mentality of a child and doesn't understand his responsibilities. He doesn't understand that he must choose (since his two lovers are masochists, let us not forget) but at no time does he take his courage with both hands. It is only a spectator who leaves (and kisses) one of the two girls. He is undecided and seems to have an emotional intelligence worthy of a four-year-old child. In addition, with the other two girls, there is another character named Nisaka, the other male protagonist. (I almost forgot it so transparent he's, excuse me)

Nisaka is a Yukari's classmate. He also seems to know Misaki. Hmm... he doesn't seem really interested in women and he is... hung-up? Yeah, surely and we also see that he seems to love Yukari. (But why is Yukari so beloved? It will remain a mystery.) Unfortunately or not, we don't have much information about this character. We don't know its true intentions and the anime doesn't try to make it more important. He made an impressive performance in the play, apparently, according to the audience, but that's all. It would have been interesting to know whether M-M relations were accepted in this society which married only men and women together. I'm not interested in yaoi or anything like that but mentioning homosexual relationships could have been relevant.

*Big spoiler*
Probably the worst scene I've seen in this series: the one where Yukari and Ririna are on the bed so they "train" to kiss each other. Before that, many couples (including them) had lessons about using condoms and different ways to have sex. They also watched a porn video. And so... the couples were able to be excited enough to engage in similar acts. But... but... Yukari and Ririna don't seem to have acquired the maturity necessary to understand the notion of marriage, couple or sexual relations. They are 16 but are still ignorant. And so Yukari seems to have great difficulty in having sex. It was so ridiculous when I saw him blushing and shaking. Ririna did not want either. And guess? Because they didn't want to betray Misaki. Yeah, the same girl who told them earlier to go out together anyway. Aaaah so cringe !
*End big spoiler*

Regarding the general context with these laws about the birthrate, we don't have much more information except: "Japan was a country known for low birthrates but thanks to the new directives, everything is arranged, meh. We know the people who are responsible for the changes in society but not more. Besides, when I watch Koi to Uso, I don't even feel that their society really differs from the current Japanese society. People don't really complain, everyone seems happy (eg Yukari's parents, Rrina's parents). Apparently a law (worthy of a dictatorship) doesn't seem to bother anyone (except our love triangle). And what a coincidence because there were no rebel groups or whatever.

On the technical aspects, the opening theme is quite refreshing and melancholic ending as well. I appreciate both of them. Regarding the OST, nothing memorable but I would gladly check if some can satisfy me. Animation is enough for a school-life/romance series. I didn't like the chara design with their huge eyes but after two episodes, I was no more disturbed. I even think that Misaki and Ririna are sublime. (I have weird tastes, don't be shocked). Some scenes were relatively mesmerizing, especially when our 4 protagonists look at the fireflies while thinking about their future prospects. (in their romantic relationships)

I'm really pleased to see this series come to an end. I don't plan to read the manga. Koi to Uso seemed to start with a more original plot with atypical arranged marriages... but nothing is explored. And add unbearable characters and you can't decently enjoy the series. Personally, their reactions were so stupid and inconsistent that I still found the show to be fun. Fun because stupid. I didn't get bored but it certainly wasn't for incredible romance or stereotyped characters.

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Sep 18, 2017

12 of 12 episodes seen

Overall Rating: 3

Captain220 (All reviews)

143 people found this review helpful

Love and Lies is a 12 episode anime where love takes the form of lies and each of the characters are like walking chalkboards, constantly scratching upon each other. Japan for some reason deemed it fit to pass on the torch of its current social crisis to the biggest intellectual heavyweight of a medium out there. By presenting a theoretical scenario in which society as a whole is shaped a certain way in order to entertain the idea of Japan's birth rates not being in the gutter, we are hence introduced to another run-of-the-mill-overdramatized-romance-love-triangle-rectangle-harem-cocktease. And impressively enough, its' atrocious and unexplained setup remarkably gives something read more

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Sep 18, 2017

12 of 12 episodes seen

Overall Rating: 4

Pipe (All reviews)

112 people found this review helpful

"This show was like a bad roller coaster. You love the first turn, the second turn isn't that amazing, and after more turns, you just want to get down and forget the experience."

The story was interesting at the beginning but then transformed into a mess to the point that it was unexplained and inconceivable possible that happens. The partners and couples are selected by "Japan's officials" at the age of 16, so you will need to marry with them because the law demands it.

The writers created a weird love square and combined with a failed character progression titled it "Koi to Uso." I can't lie that the story is average from the perspective of the characters. The main character Yuraki Nejima failed to express his feelings. He loved Misaki Takasaki since the middle school. When the government selected his partner, he couldn't fight for his hidden love even when she said to him that she loved him. Also, it is incomprehensible why Ririna tried several times to be the backer of Nejima and Takasaki's relationship under the wrong argument that she doesn't know the meaning of LOVE. Ironically, she ended loving Nejima. Well, that was expected so I am not spoiling anything. The other character Yuusuke Nisaka is Nejima's best friend and loves him in silence (love square design). In other words, you can see this as a harem where all the main characters love Nejima, and this one is just so silly that doesn't decide about his life and his feelings. One day he loves Takasaki and after some hours is worried why the other girl didn't send him a message. Maybe he just loves all them.

About the characters, they lack a creative background. The love started with an eraser, literally. A failed progression and a failed character background in progress. Characters that are a pool of mixed feelings and don't take any coherent decision. For example, I love you but will love another person in 3, 2, 1. You will say that these actions are because are young but not. It is because the script created shallow characters and not insecure ones so we could mistake insecurity sometimes with silliness.

The art. it is weird. From some angles it is good, but then you look another angle, and that big puppies eyes aren't that cute as we believed.

The sound was normal, but it didn't help. Both the OP and ED weren't that bad.

The ending was average, and it didn't conclude the story. The lace of the destiny is hooked to ... ALL them. We didn't get an appropriate conclusion to this story. We got an ending that will add a message like "for more information, please buy the manga."

Finally, the story isn't great and needs lots of work to keep us entertained. It is unconcluded and is the reflection that this show was very average.

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Sep 18, 2017

12 of 12 episodes seen

Overall Rating: 6

Stark700 (All reviews)

59 people found this review helpful

Drama series with love as a central theme tends to draw a variety of audiences. When I seek one of these shows, relationship dynamics is something I trust for the series to capitalize. Koi to Uso (Love and Lies) is one of those series that define love more than just holding hands, dating, or kissing. It’s an anime that dances around the idea of love and drawing the audience into a world of drama.

Getting into this show was actually quite easy. The premise is simple to understand and as a manga reader, I went into this show with tolerable expectations. The first few episodes easily establishes the principle character cast – Nejima, Nisaka, Ririna, and Misaki. These four characters have distinctive personalities that makes them different from one and other. The story interconnects their lives as the setting takes place in the future. Government created the Yukari Law in which young people after 16-years old would be assigned marriage partners. So you’re probably asking thinking “hmm, a show that builds relationship through a system. Where’s the love in that?” On the surface, that logic would makes sense but it’s obvious that certain characters have real feelings for each other. For instance, Nejima has a strong attraction towards Misaki. However, his actual marriage partner is a girl named Ririna who is also interested in the idea of love. The three art part of love triangle that explores human emotions, growth, and emotional relationships.

Honestly, I can’t really say this show does an adequate job at developing its story. At its core, it puts emphasis on the theme of love. The show invites questions that makes us wonder what love actually is. What is romance? How do couples build on a love relationship? Why do we feel attracted to certain people and vice versa? For starters, the first few episodes makes it clear that romantic feelings is based on attraction. However, it does get into the emotional elements soon as we learn more about the characters. Human emotions are exposed such as happiness, jealousy, fear, hate, sadness, anger, pain, and pleasure. Yet at the same time, it often feels like this series tries to do too many things at once. Every episode dedicates a variety of human emotions at once that sometimes feel too much to take in. For instance, the first two episodes explores emotions of happiness, pleasure, but also fear. Koi to Uso translates to Love and Lies and that by itself draws the attention of romance. It’s a very complex subject that even to today, there’s no right answer.

By no shadow of a doubt, relationships is a very important focus in the show. The central focus is the love triangle between Nejima, Misaki, and Ririna. If we look at these characters individually, they are rather different. Nejima is the nice guy that tries this best to appeal others but sometimes makes himself look like a fool. He is what I’d label as the “Average Joe”. On the other hand, Misaki is portrayed as the ‘next door girl’ type that many guys dreams to date. However, she also has her own insecurities and often shows emotional moments when she is with Nejima. Finally, Ririna has the personality of an ice queen. She rarely opens herself to others but at the same time is fascinated by the idea of love. As Nejima’s marriage partner, it’s obvious that she also feels an attraction towards him. Yet, Ririna seems to support Nejima and Misaki’s relationship. However, I think the main problem falls onto the shoulder of main male protagonist Nejima. I’ll be honest here…he is a very uninteresting character. He’s not just average but also lacks any dominate traits as a male. He is like a beta male that always struggles to keep up with the alpha pack. Although some people may argue that he carries a lot of responsibilities (as a guy that chosen by the Yukari system), Nejima still stands out as a weak character. The guy spends way too much thinking rather than acting on his instincts. Although he takes a more initiative in later episodes, it doesn’t change the fact that his character as a whole makes him underwhelming. Misaki and Ririna stands out better as characters on their own although the lack of characterization on them holds them back. Honestly, I wish the show capitalize more on their characters individually. Surprisingly, Ririna stands out as the most interesting character in the show for me. She may be a tsundere but it’s entertaining to see how she reacts to certain situations. Remember, this show explores the theme of love and Ririna is fascinated by it. That fascination leads her to get involved in many situations in this story.

Outside these three characters, we also have Nisaka, the mysterious bishounen that other girls seems to adore. His relationship with Misaki is a big question mark and it even provokes feelings of jealousy from Nejima. While I can’t really say this show has mystery, it does invite theories and questions about who he really is. Beyond that, it doesn’t seem like the show capitalizes on his character much and feels like he’s just there. That’s actually a big problem I have with the show. Every episode seems to build a bit more and more to connect the characters together but in reality, nothing really happens. It feels like a loop and nothing really is achieved in the end. We don’t really get a clear answer on who Nisaka really wants to marry in the end and to that, I can’t help but hit my head on a desk.

Despite Koi to Uso being a drama heavy show, it still finds room to add comedy. Unfortunately, I can’t really praise it as it’s pretty dry and feels the same almost every episode. Misunderstandings, sexual fantasies, lewd jokes, and awkward character interactions are what’ll often see. To be honest, I think this show can be enjoyable if you feel attached to certain characters. Luckily for me, I occasionally find Yukari and Ririna’s relationship to be memorable because of their conflicting personalities and the fact that they can connect more on a personal level. Beyond that, this show feels like reading some romance novel where the author isn’t even sure on who root for.

I have to admit, this show’s animation style is strange. It’s neither good nor bad but peculiar in the sense that it doesn’t look very realistic. Character eyes look abnormally big, fan service seems to happen randomly at times, and expressions seems forced. The character designs are acceptable enough with Misaki and Ririna standing out as the pretty girls at school. Nisaka also has the pretty boy look that makes him look irresistible to the ladies. Unfortunately, Nejima’s character design makes him feel out of place compared to these three. As a show with drama and romance, you can also expect kissing. Tons of it actually. By the time I finished this anime, I lost the count of times Nejima has kissed the main girls. Oh and of course, the show adds saliva and fan service during make out scenes to make them more “realistic”.

Soundtrack makes me wonder if the show knows what it’s doing. It’s pretty light-toned and make scenes more melancholic than they should be. The OP and ED theme songs has some noticeable lyrics and symbolism, in particular the red strings of fate. However, what does really stand out is the character voice acting. From all the characters, Misaki probably stands out the most as her character displays the most emotions in her voice. At times, Ririna also stands out especially during tense moments between her and Nejima. Still, the other character voice mannerisms aren’t anything to write home about. Shu sounds like an emotionless doll while Nejima’s voice is just as average as his character.

Koi to Uso is a watchable drama show at best and an trashy romance at worst. The show tries to get the audience invested into the characters but it doesn’t succeed with all its goals. It exposes the weakness of the story when it puts way too much emphasis into the love triangle of the main characters. Hardly anything actually happens! Not to mention, the main male protagonist doesn’t step it up to deliver a strong performance. Nejima holds the show back and is really feels disappointing after watching his role throughout every episode. Up to a certain point, I think this series’ drama is really aimed at specific audience. It's still a fine anime in general but far from perfection. By the time I finished the anime, it feels like a show that couldn’t connect its dots.

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'Koi to Uso' Manga Bundles OVA [Update 4/10]

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