Usotoki Rhetoric

Malevolent lies or...?

Usotoki Rhetoric. This drama has a lot of things to offer. Perhaps the absolute best drama I've watched this year. 10/10.
I don't have to love EVERYTHING about it to know that I've loved this drama deeply from my heart. One thing I would like to mention before the review is that this drama takes place in the early Showa era (presumably 1930s-1950s). The city is called Tsukumoya. I looked up the time and place while writing the review, but I ignored it in the drama. So, the details about the settings of the drama might be wrong. I'm sorry about that. And minor SPOILER ALERT.

Story and setting: 9.5/10
The story was amazing. As the synopsis says, it's about the duo- Souma sensei and Kanoko. They solve different mysteries and learn about life and people. One thing I love about Jdramas is that they tell stories from the heart, about people, about the small but important things in life. This drama is a great example of that. I cried during the last few episodes, thinking I wouldn't be able to see this fantastic drama again. Here Kanoko and Souma learn and teach things about people and life that will make people wonder about some rather important things that we might not have thought before. All of this while giving you things to laugh at and smile about. Might even make you cry. At first, the setting scared me, thinking that the language might be hard for me to understand (watched it while relying only on JP captions). But it turned out to be 95-99% similar to the Japanese language they use now. Either way, the setting is very pleasant, combining Western and traditional Japanese styles of clothing, culture, etc. 

Cast and characters: 10/10
Kanoko and Souma might go down in the history of Jdrama for being one of most entertaining comedy/mystery duo while maintaining the right amount of subtlety. The most significant thing that made me stick around is their relationship. The perfectly platonic superior/subordinate relationship is just so precious. Why perfectly platonic? Before watching this drama, I thought these 2 might get involved at some point, but that never happened, nobody even possibly had feelings for the other one (un)till the very end. Nonetheless, delightful performances by the cast. I've seen Suzuka Ouji before in dramas, but this is the first time I loved one of his characters this much. This is the first time I've seen Matsumoto Honoka in a main role of a drama and she did a great job. Katayama Yuki is made for comedy; hoping she gets more of them in the future. Another amazing thing about the drama was the pleasantly surprising guest stars, notably Kitano Kie (so much that I wish she was a regular cast member) and Hamao Noritaka, the most mysterious character who I thought was gonna have a bigger role before the finale.

Music: 10/10
The BGM goes perfectly with the drama's setting. I really am curious to know what that English-sounding song they play during the happy scenes, cuz I didn't see them name that song in the credits. The ending theme was also great, after the first few episodes, I got emotional every time the song played near the end of the episodes. And I think this drama gave this song a new meaning overall. 

Rewatch value: 8/10
I don't rewatch dramas a lot. But this is pretty high up. I'd definitely be willing to rewatch this one. Why not? It's a mystery drama after all.
Overall: 10/10Mathematically, the overall score isn't accurate considering that I didn't give all the different aspects 10/10. But that doesn't stop me from saying that I 100% recommend this drama. As a side note: Fuji TV has given me not 1, but 2 memorable Jdramas this year. And both leave me craving many more episodes and another season. Because Usotoki Rhetoric also has some loose ends, 1. Kanoko and Souma's relationship and 2. Hamao Noritaka's oh-so-mysterious character (you CAN NOT drop a bomb like that without further explanations!!!) And while they're major cliffhangers, I think my level of disappointment for this drama not getting a season 2 will be nearly as high compared to the disappointment I will feel if Geeks doesn't get a season 2.
Bottom line, who doesn't love a little bit of comedic mystery in their lives? Go ahead, give it a watch. I believe that you won't regret it.

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A light and heartwarming detective series

I just need a season 2 asap!

This is one of the best Japanese dramas I’ve ever watched. Souma and Kanoko are beautiful souls and they are just so sweet and adorable together! 🥹

This series reminds me of a Korean series named “My lovely liar”. Both female leads have the supernatural ability to hear lies. I think that Korean series gets the idea from the manga of this series. However, while that show is a mess, “Usotoki Rhetoric” is gold.

I love everything in this series, the heartwarming plot, the setting, the characters, the acting, the music, the cinematography. It’s such a beautiful series. Everything is just perfect for me. I enjoy every minute of it, and love every character.

It’s a light detective set in a historical period of time. The cases are not very complicated and often solved within an episode. And each is a heartwarming story. It has warmed up my heart in this cold winter.

Btw, it’s very funny to see Suzuka Ouji play a penniless chill guy in this series. I first saw him in a series about curry. In that series, he keeps following around a penniless chill guy and buying curry for him, while in this series, he’s the one who keeps eating free food from others. Isn’t it so funny? 😅

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Lies everywhere, Lies anytime

Subjective Gut Rating: 8.25

“Usotoki Rhetoric” is an easy-to-watch drama following the detective and his assistant’s adventures in solving mysteries. Most of the cases are episodic and are pretty simple. These cases are varied and offer a good balance of everyday simple mysteries to murder mysteries. However, sometimes I wish the drama had spent a little more time on each case because they are solved quite quickly without high stakes.

The dynamic duo of Soma (ML) and Kanako (FL) is fun to watch. The acting of the leads is really good too, especially for Suzuka Ouji, who still has such a baby face. They have good chemistry and I really enjoy how they care for each other. But if you are looking for romance, you might need to look elsewhere. The rest of the supporting cast and neighbors are lovely and super friendly. They create a great support system for the leads, especially when Kanoko has experienced some harsh challenges growing up in the village. I’m glad she’s able to meet Soma, who understands her and appreciates her talents, and accepts her for who she is.

Lies is a central theme in this drama. Through Kanoko’s journey and growth, each situation /case becomes a life lesson for her in learning the types of lies and reasons behind them.

If you are looking for a lighthearted and heartwarming detective series, this is a good one and I’d recommend "Usotoki Rhetoric".


Completed: 5/13/2025 - Review #576

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A pleasant journey into 1926 Japan, but I won't be visiting again.

An investigative FL/ML duo in 1926 Japan

PLOT: The FL, born with a lie detector ability , leaves for the city to escape discrimination (against her "monster" side). She is taken in by the ML, a detective, and becomes his assistant.

++ Very good actors, warm and endearing characters.
++ Well-suited OSTs
++ Good recreation of the period (sets, costumes, cars, etc.). The clothes and accessories are really well-done and nice.

### Low-budget series (sets that feel a bit like a sitcom)
### Drama not addictive, even if it is enjoyable.
### What "ideal" image of women do Japanese scriptwriters want to convey? Here we again find the "shy little thing" stereotype, lacking in self-confidence, hardworking, good housekeeper, submissive, ... even though she has a superpower :). She's willing to assist the ML for the rest of her life, expecting nothing in return, not even a little romance :( :(

=> A pleasant journey into 1926 Japan, but I won't be visiting again.
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Duo FL / ML d'enquête dans le Japon de 1926

PLOT: La FL, ayant un détecteur de mensonge, part en ville pr échapper à la discriminat°. Elle est accueillie par le ML, détective, dont elle devient l'assistante.

+++ Très bons acteurs, personnages chaleureux et attachants.
+++ OSTs bien adaptés
+++ Bonne reconstitut° de l'époque (décors, costumes, voitures, etc.). Les costumes et accessoires sont très beaux.

### Série low-budget (décors qui font un peu sit-com)
### Drama pas addictif, même s'il est agréable.
### Quelle image "idéale" de la femme les scénaristes japonais veulent-ils transmettre ? On retrouve encore ici la "petite souris", timide, qui manque de confiance en elle, travailleuse, bonne ménagère, soumise, ... bien qu'elle ait un super pouvoir :). Elle est prête à assister le ML toute sa vie, sans rien attendre en retour, même pas une petite romance :( :(

=> Agréable plongée dans le Japon de 1926, mais je ne re-visiterai pas pour autant.

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Kanoko reads lies. The audience reads meaning. The romance reads invisible.

If you are expecting romance in this drama, don’t count on it. A few hints toward the end mean nothing. Although the premise of the show is of an investigative nature, its primary goal is to provide different perspectives on why people lie, and Iwai Soma, as a character, provides this insight in each episode.

Though destitute, Soma does not lack empathy. His astuteness and broad-minded view allow him to understand people’s motivations for lying. He comforts Kanoko, welcoming her abilities instead of shunning them. As each story progress, Kanoko becomes more self-reliant, and realizes that her ability to detect lies only tells one side of the truth (which is what she sees at face-value). Her powers do not guarantee as a deterrent to be duped. The drama tells us that when someone lies, we need context; and lying may not always be self-serving, but as a protection of a loved one.

This show is more than the supernatural, as it also teaches about the trust and faith we put in people, despite not knowing their reasons for lying. It also paints a contrast on how some become a pariah just because they are different, while others welcome strangers with open arms, expecting nothing in return. This drama provides life lessons in 11 episodes that are easy to watch and not over-preachy. A tad slow in some parts, but nevertheless decent.

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Life and Lies, a light hearted drama with some intriguing cases!

Chanced upon this drama recently on Irozuku Subs and decided to watch it. It has an interesting premise on having a FL who can hear lies, assisting a detective. Its lighthearted, quirky with good dialogue, and encourages the viewer to reflect upon themselves as well ! :")

If you're into hardcore mystery with difficult to solve tricks or twists, this drama is not for you. Rather, the drama showcases the human and life aspects, told through FL, Kanoko, and her struggles to navigate between the types of lies told by people. Like other japanese dramas, some dialogue makes you ponder about life, on the "whys" and what ifs" and the importance of seemingly small things in life. If you like this, you'll be sure to enjoy the drama like I did

Kanoko journeys along with Souma, and together, solve mysteries. They learn how to handle human relations, understand the complexities behind the telling of a lie, and balance whether it is truly good or bad to tell a lie.

Set in the Showa Era, the drama set is big budget, and certainly displays the allure of the architecture then.

I especially loved episodes 4 and 5, the dollhouse case was both intriguing, devastating and gave the creeps. Overall, the show features great acting, sentimental dialogue of their struggles and has a good OST which helps viewers to ping out when Kanoko hears a lie

Watch if you'll enjoy a different sort of light hearted, slice of life mystery drama!

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Cozy Mystery in 1920's Japan featuring two Cutie Patooties.

This is a lovely, earnest and thoughtful show with a heart of gold. You could double feature any of these episodes with one of BBC's Poirot with David Suchet and they would vibe perfectly together. The criminal subject matter is handled lightly, with a lot of slice-of-life around it. There are some instances of blood onscreen, but no gore or excessive 'thriller' elements. The emphasis is on the humans involved, their emotions, their actions and, importantly, their lies.

Urabe Kanoko is a young woman who can hear when a person lies. This ability has made her an outcast in her rural home, so she leaves for the city where she crosses paths with Iwai Soma, a financially strapped, but highly observant Private Detective. The two partner up to solve cases, often in and around their little neighborhood populated by an ensemble cast of characters. The cases are interspersed with Soma helping Kanoko explore her ability; her feelings about it and herself, how it affects her relationships with other people, and the very nature and purpose of lies.

Unlike Poirot, Usotoki Rhetoric is more character driven. Both Kanoko and Soma are a joy to watch, with their perky chemistry underscored with a pensive melancholy that prevents the show from becoming saccharine. The ONLY reason I popped the writing score down to a 8 is that while the show explores Kanoko's issues in some depth, the series doesn't give us a lot of concrete on Soma. While I'm assuming that happens later in the manga, and is probably planned for a future season of the show, I wish we'd gotten at least one episode with something really substantive about him. It doesn't detract from the series in a major way, but it is worth noting. Also incumbent is a romantic relationship between the two, but there really is only the faintest inklings of partiality beginning. Mostly, you're watching these two get to know each other, and that's very pleasant indeed.

Matsumoto Honoka is absolutely adorable, and really grounds the show, while Suzuka Ouji keeps things airy and moving. They are charming together, with a comfortable, warm chemistry. It's been a long time since I liked two characters and their interactions quite so much, even though they are both far from being perfect. The ensemble cast are all quite fun as well, which include the family that owns the eatery next to the Detective Agency, a police man and his reporter sister, an elderly couple who run a food cart, and an exuberant wealthy young lady and her chauffeur. Shenanigans are minimum, and this is one of the few shows I've watched where people are actually generally pretty nice to each other.

The 1920's setting is wonderfully represented in costume and set dressing- and it is 1920's, and not just the vague understanding that it's 'Gatsby'. Special attention has been paid to the make-up which is actual 1920's make up, and not just modern smokey-eye glamor. There's a great interplay between the 'modern' and traditional represented visually in clothing and possessions while being echoed thematically in attitudes and superstitions.

This world feels cozy, but not limited; there are locations, even if most of the action takes place in Soma's cramped little office, or the labyrinthine streets of the town and temple. A constant flow of extras, and participation from random characters which don't broadly impact the plot also make the world feel larger than it is on film. This isn't like a lot of drama where no matter how many extras you see, only the same five characters speak and impact things.

Overall I am excited to see more of this, but even if we never do, this is a lovely show that I recommend if you want something gently atmospheric and sweet-spirited.

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Appearing cliche but comes with nuance, complex characters, and a great main couple

This is genuinely one of the most high quality jdramas I've seen. It has great pacing, talented actors, clever sound design, beautiful/detailed shooting locations and sets, an emotionally intimate couple, and nuanced characters interacting with the concept of why lies are told.

The casting choices for the leads were perfect. Both are very talented with their eye acting, showing warmth, surprise, sadness, and lingering eyes to show attachment. The ML is great with physical comedy as well. Typically when jdramas try the same physical comedy that works in anime, it doesn't mesh well and comes across off and cringey. Yet the ML had extremely exaggerated body language and expressions at times, but somehow he makes it feel loveable and true to his character. I like that the story took the typically shy and kind FL and gave her personality reasoning and nuance. Her shyness and quietness comes from trauma and isolation as a child. Yet she remained strong enough to continue caring for others. But her shyness doesn't equate to weakness, she uses her courage to speak up, fight when needed, quick in moments of emergencies, and is no damsel in distress.

I love the the mutual respect and admiration the couple have for each other. It's a slow burn romance, but not a slow burn relationship. Their friendship is beautiful and warm filled with encouragement, honesty, attentiveness, and lots of the ML's lingering warm eyes as he looks at the FL with adoration and respect. One of my favorite quotes from the show is when the ML says to the FL "having someone like you around is truly a blessing."

I can't wait for a second season!

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A gentle, meaningful drama and that's no lie

I really enjoyed this drama. Its gentle storytelling resonates with me. This is particularly poignant during the current turbulent times. Life is simpler in Small Town Japan, circa 1926. Of course, I can't help but think the 1930’s is just around the corner . . but I digress.

What is not simple is the FL's life. She has the cliche ability to detect lies. We get the whole audio and visual effects. It came as no surprised that she was driven out of her village with extreme prejudice when she was still a teenager.

Nevertheless, she is lucky to run into the ML at her lowest point. The ML is a gentle soul and wise beyond his age. He etches out a simple existence as a private detective in a small provincial town. He does not judge the FL even after being made aware of her special ability. Instead of rejecting her, he decides to take the FL under his wings and they slide easily into cohabitation.

Now, you would think the ML being a keen observer of people plus the lie detection skills of the FL, they would make a successful crime detecting duo. However, they still struggle to stay afloat. It certainly adds spice to their lives.

Not that there is no work for them, but it is rare and a rather eclectic mix. More importantly, the ML uses these jobs as opportunities to educate the FL about truths and lies. The world is too harsh if we see everything as black or white.

Acting is decent from the ensemble cast. The young cast did their best and the easy-going script kept them largely in their comfort zone. You can feel they had fun making the drama.

I really enjoyed this show because it has such a genteel setting and promote positive messages. It is so easy to be invested in the characters and their lives. The OTP has a n easy going chemistry which is just starting to get more complicated. Their friends and associates are interesting. There are no extremely angsty situations. Yet, the plots are reasonably intricate and reflects the time and societal norms. Their world is a nice place to lose oneself for a few hours.

During my research for this review, I discovered that this series is based on a 10-volume manga of the same name (it is available in English). With so much material from the manga and a well charted plot, you'd think that more seasons would be a given. However, decision regarding live action adaptation doesn’t always play by the same rules. I can only hope. Please give us at least a second season. Pretty please?

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Soooo Lovely and Full of Charm - Season 2 please ?

Ahh I'm so glad I stumbled upon this drama. It's soo unique, cute and full of charm. At first, the studio like setting was obvious due to the era it's set in which isn't my favourite because it feels constricted. However, later on this became one of its strength. The characters are so lovely and it made it feel like a small community of warm hearted people.

The main leads complement each other perfectly too. Kanoko is so soft spoken and I love how gentle and how well Soma pays attention to her and accepts her for who she is.

Plus the cases are never too deep or too light. I can just watch this endlessly, I really hope they make a 2nd season. This was so calming and relaxing to watch!

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