Kamisama ga Uso wo Tsuku. (The Gods Lie.)

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Alternative Titles

Synonyms: Kami-sama ga Uso wo Tsuku., Gods Tell Lies, Our Summer Holiday

Japanese: 神様がうそをつく。

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Information

Type: Manga

Volumes: 1

Chapters: 5

Status: Finished

Published: Mar 25, 2013 to Jul 25, 2013

Genres: Drama, Romance

Theme: School

Demographic: Seinen

Serialization: Afternoon

Authors: Ozaki, Kaori (Story & Art)

Statistics

Score: 7.86¹ (scored by 32,674 users)

¹ indicates a weighted score.

Ranked: #1137²

² based on the top manga page. Please note that 'R18+' titles are excluded.

Popularity: #282

Members: 60,877

Favorites: 1,318

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Kodansha USA

Official Site

7.86

Ranked #1137Popularity #282Members 60,877

MangaAfternoonOzaki, Kaori (Story & Art)

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Volumes: /1

Chapters: /5

The Gods Lie

$7.99

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Synopsis

Eleven-year-old Natsuru Nanao is the ace of the soccer team yet has trouble speaking to girls because of a certain event following his transfer to his current school. Due to his father dying long ago, he lives only with his mother but does not let this distract him from his passion for soccer, as he hopes to become a professional player. One day, a female classmate named Rio Suzumura approaches Natsuru, a meeting that signals a huge turning point in his life.

Upon talking with Rio, Natsuru immediately becomes interested in her. After he saves an abandoned cat, he runs into the girl and her younger brother, Yuuta, on their way to the supermarket and asks if they can take care of it, to which they agree. However, when Natsuru arrives at their home, he is shocked to discover that the siblings have been living alone in a dirty house, a secret that Rio absolutely wants to keep. As Natsuru spends more time with them, their circumstances and reasons for secrecy are slowly brought to light.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

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Background

Kamisama ga Uso wo Tsuku. was published in English as The Gods Lie. by Vertical Inc. under the Vertical Comics imprint on April 19, 2016. The series was also published in Spanish by Milky Way Ediciones on November 25, 2014; in Brazilian Portuguese by Panini Comics on December 17, 2016; and in Polish by Waneko on April 26, 2018.

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Characters

Suzumura, Rio

Main

Nanao, Natsuru

Main

Suzumura, Yuuta

Supporting

Nanao, Ritsuko

Supporting

Okada

Supporting

Suzumura, Grandfather

Supporting

Suzumura, Father

Supporting

Sakai, Maruo

Supporting

Himekawa

Supporting

Reviews

Feb 28, 2025

Mik0_o

Recommended

The Gods Lie is a beautiful story for a single-volume manga. I won’t go into too much detail—after all, why read a long review for such a short manga?

This story touches on themes of lies, understanding, and love. It has a wonderfully immersive atmosphere that makes you feel warm inside while reading. The characters are likable, the artwork is great, and it flows effortlessly.

The only downside is that it’s too short. I would have gladly read a few more vols with these characters. But perhaps its brevity is what makes it so special. (oh and boobie roobing panel like WTF was that)

My final rating: a ...

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Dec 3, 2024

EUGOMA

Recommended

Review of The Gods Lie by Kaori Ozaki
Kaori Ozaki’s The Gods Lie (Kamisama ga Uso wo Tsuku) is a brief yet profound coming-of-age story that masterfully intertwines themes of love, independence, fear, guilt, courage, and resilience. At its core, it is a poignant exploration of childhood innocence clashing with the harsh realities of life, presented with a delicate balance of melancholy and hope.

The Strengths
1. Complex Characters and Emotional Depth
The heart of The Gods Lie lies in its characters. Natsuru Nanao, an 11-year-old boy, and Rio Suzumura, his reserved yet strong-willed classmate, are not merely children—they are multidimensional individuals navigating a world that has thrust adult ... responsibilities upon them far too early. Their burgeoning friendship and budding feelings of love are portrayed with a natural sincerity that feels authentic. The story’s emotional depth stems from how it juxtaposes their youthful naivety against the grim realities of neglect, poverty, and societal indifference.

2. Themes of Independence and Courage
Rio’s struggle to maintain her and her younger brother Yuuta’s independence while concealing their dire living conditions is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Her resilience in the face of unimaginable circumstances is a testament to human strength and the courage to endure. Similarly, Natsuru’s journey from a carefree boy focused on soccer to someone who learns to stand by those he cares about showcases a nuanced portrayal of growing up and taking responsibility.

3. A Story of Love and Moving Forward
The title itself—The Gods Lie—hints at the disillusionment that comes with growing up. The narrative suggests that life’s supposed certainties (represented by "gods") often betray us, yet it is precisely in these moments of betrayal and pain that we find purpose and the courage to move forward. Natsuru and Rio’s bond, tender and understated, is a quiet celebration of love as a source of hope amidst despair.

4. Beautiful Artwork
Ozaki’s art complements the story impeccably. The soft, clean lines and expressive character designs convey both the innocence of childhood and the weight of the emotions the characters carry. The use of visual storytelling—such as the stark contrasts between the warmth of the children’s friendship and the desolation of Rio’s home—enhances the narrative’s impact.

The Weaknesses
1. Limited Length
At just a single volume, The Gods Lie is almost too brief for its own good. While its brevity adds to its emotional punch, some elements—particularly the backstory of Rio’s absent parents or Natsuru’s internal transformation—could have benefited from further development. The rushed pacing in the latter half may leave readers yearning for a deeper exploration of the narrative’s darker themes.

2. Lack of Peripheral Development
While the focus on Natsuru and Rio is commendable, secondary characters are largely underdeveloped. For instance, Yuuta, Rio’s younger brother, has potential to be a more compelling character, yet his role feels more symbolic than substantive.

Conclusion
Despite its brevity, The Gods Lie is an exquisite work of storytelling that lingers in the reader’s mind long after the final page. It captures the fragility and strength of the human spirit, offering a nuanced perspective on how love and resilience can emerge even in the face of life’s cruelties. The manga’s ability to evoke deep empathy and contemplation is a testament to Ozaki’s storytelling prowess.

This is not merely a story about children but a meditation on the human condition. It is about learning to face life’s uncertainties, finding courage in vulnerability, and discovering purpose even when the "gods" betray us. It’s a tale that resonates universally, proving that even the shortest narratives can leave the most profound impact.

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Nov 3, 2024

Mara2463

Mixed Feelings

The Gods Lie – Spoiler Free – Mixed Feelings

TLDR
Story – 5/10 – 5 x 0.275 = 1,375
Art – 5/10 – 5 x 0.2 = 1
Characters – 4/10 – 4 x 0.225 = 0,9
Enjoyment – 4/10 – 4 x 0.3 = 1,2
Total: 4,475 -> 4

Story – 5/10
The Gods Lie is a mediocre story about how cancer ruins lives. While empathy is a big part of this story, there is none towards the characters whatsoever. The story is just too short for it to have any effect on the reader. It is, in fact, sad – none of it is happy – but that’s it. There ...

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Poll: Kamisama ga Uso wo Tsuku. Chapter 5 Discussion ( 1 2 ) live2win - Aug 16, 2013	75 replies	by lumi-nescent »» Dec 3, 2024 11:15 AM
Poll: Kamisama ga Uso wo Tsuku. Chapter 4 Discussion Stark700 - Jul 23, 2013	21 replies	by FarCritical »» Jul 10, 2024 10:45 PM
Poll: Kamisama ga Uso wo Tsuku. Chapter 3 Discussion Stark700 - Jun 2, 2013	22 replies	by FarCritical »» Jul 10, 2024 10:30 PM
Poll: Kamisama ga Uso wo Tsuku. Chapter 2 Discussion Stark700 - Apr 28, 2013	15 replies	by FarCritical »» Jul 10, 2024 9:55 PM
Poll: Kamisama ga Uso o Tsuku. Chapter 1 Discussion a1oner - Apr 9, 2013	20 replies	by FarCritical »» Jul 10, 2024 9:39 PM

Kamisama ga Uso wo Tsuku.
The Gods Lie.
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Kamisama ga Uso wo Tsuku.
The Gods Lie.
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